Kit is a nationally recognized expert in public engagement and community relations, with a career spanning the California Legislature, Southern California Edison, and Waste Management, Inc. She specializes in building trust with communities in high emotion, high stakes situations, particularly around water, sanitation, and other heavy infrastructure, and has managed engagement for more than 30 major transmission and distribution projects representing $20 billion in project value. As founder of Kit Cole Consulting, she brings expertise across:

• Community & Government Relations — Hostile and High Emotion Community Engagement
• Water & Sanitation Infrastructure Communications
• Risk Scenario Planning and Community Steering Committees (AB 617)
• Waste & Recycling Development, Environmental Justice

• Board Member, International Association of Public Participation USA (IAP2), 2013–2020
• President, IAP2 USA Greater Los Angeles Chapter
• Instructor, USC Price School of Public Policy and Pepperdine University
• Doctorate, Public Policy and Community Development, USC

Michelle is an enrolled member of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma and a nationally recognized expert in Tribal and governmental affairs, with more than 25 years of experience, including roles at Edison International and Southern California Edison. She has guided energy, mining, and infrastructure projects through complex Tribal consultation processes nationwide and is a subject matter expert in Tribal energy permitting and Section 106 compliance. As founder of Michelle Holiday & Associates, she brings expertise across:

• Tribal Consultation — NEPA Siting, Section 106, CEQA
• Governmental Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement
• Renewable Energy, Mining & Utility Permitting
• Developing Tribal Capacity and Economic Development

• Founder and President, Michelle Holiday & Associates
• Instructor, Seminole Tribe of Florida Native Learning Center
• B.A. Political Science/Public Administration, Cal State Long Beach (Minor, American Indian Studies)