Carolyn Coleman

Carolyn Coleman is executive director and CEO of the League of California Cities. To this role, she brings 25 years of experience as a leader and an advocate in the public and private sectors. Under her leadership, Cal Cities advances policies to expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians. She joined Cal Cities in December 2016 after a decade as senior executive and director of federal advocacy with the National League of Cities (NLC) in Washington, D.C. During her tenure at NLC, she oversaw the organization’s advocacy efforts and worked closely with city leaders and the 49 state municipal leagues to advance federal policies in Congress and the White House that expand local control and provide funding for local programs related to housing, public safety, transportation, and infrastructure. Prior to working with NLC, she served as deputy mayor for the City of Indianapolis, where she focused on affordable housing, economic development, infrastructure, and community engagement initiatives. She previously practiced law and held marketing leadership positions in the private sector. In addition to her professional endeavors, she serves on the board of trustees of the University of Indianapolis and on the dean’s cabinet at the McGeorge School of Law, as well as PPIC’s Statewide Leadership Council. She holds a law degree from Indiana University and an undergraduate degree in business from the University of Kansas.