March 3, 2022

CSAC’s newest Legislative Representative of Administration of Justice, Ryan Morimune, started with CSAC on November 18 and has already made an impact on behalf of members, engaging on legislation and budget priorities.

Ryan has an impressive skillset and comes to CSAC with a plethora of experience, including a past appointment as chief of legislative affairs for administration at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Ryan also served as chief of staff and legislative director for State Senator Steven Bradford.

CSAC recently had the pleasure of learning more about Ryan’s background, goals and motivations. Below are his responses. 

Q: Please share a little bit about yourself.

I am originally from the bay area (Concord), but moved to Sacramento in 2005 to attend CSU Sacramento for my undergraduate and graduate studies, where I received a Master’s Degree in Sociology with an emphasis on Race and Ethnic Relations and Social Inequality. Nothing is more important to me than family. While the pandemic has been devastating on so many levels, my wife (Lupe) and I welcomed our first child (Saniyah), who is now 17 months old and our biggest blessing. l love being outdoors and enjoying time with friends and family.  Lastly, I’m a huge fan of the San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and boxing.  

Q: What do you do for CSAC? What is your position title?

I’m a Legislative Representative, overseeing the Administration of Justice (AOJ) policy area. I advocate on behalf of counties, engaging on legislation and budget priorities for the association, working with the Legislature, Administration, state and local departments, and other entities.   

Q: What are you looking forward to while working at CSAC?

I look forward to learning from my colleagues, county supervisors and various stakeholders to help ensure counties are in the best position to serve their constituencies. I also anticipate the opportunity to travel and experience their diverse beauty while gaining firsthand knowledge of their unique challenges, services, and implementations of state mandates.

Q: Do you have any work goals for the year?

Given that most of our AOJ policy priorities are new issues to me and are longstanding issues for counties and the Association, I hope to have a clearer understanding of how each county is impacted by state work.  I also hope to identify and build relationships with subject matter experts and key decision makers at the local and state level. By the end of the legislative session, it is my goal to be able to look back and measure success and failure, building upon the successes and learning from the failures for the upcoming year. 

Q: What are you currently reading or watching?

Outside of work, I’m not able to read much beyond children’s books (my daughter’s current favorites are “Baby Feminists,” “There’s a Bird on Your Head!,” and “Olivia”), nor am I able to watch much TV beyond sports and children’s shows/movies.  My favorite network series of all-time is HBO’s “The Wire,” and anything with Anthony Bourdain, such as “Parts Unknown” and “No Reservations.”

Q: What is a hobby you like to do?

I enjoy playing soccer, visiting craft breweries, going on walks or hikes, taking trips to the river or lakes, and just hanging out with my daughter.     

Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?

Becoming a parent and finding a life-long partner in my wife. 

Q: What motivates you to work hard?

My parents, brother, daughter, wife, and other public servants motivate me to work hard. Especially fighting for those that have little to no voice.  Recognizing our privileges in life inspires me to work harder for those that don’t.