Capitol Spotlight: Katie Talbot, CA Department of Fish and Wildlife

What state government staff want and what reporters want is often not the same. But communications strategist Katie Talbot has found a way to work with both effectively.

What it comes down to is taking the time to get to know people. “It’s so cliche but the key to success in the Capitol is relationships,” she said.

Talbot was recently appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to serve as deputy director of public affairs at the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. Previously, she worked for State Assembly Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon from 2019 to 2023, serving in various roles including communications director, deputy director of communications, press secretary and communications specialist.

“There can be a lot of fear,” she said. “There’s a little bit of distrust between staffers and the press. Staff is not sure what will be done with the information. The press wants to know if its accurate. You have to get people to talk to each other and build relationships.”

In a recent Capitol Weekly article, journalists named Talbot as one of their favorite press representatives to work with. “I was very flattered that people thought I was trustworthy,” she said.

John Casey, Rendon’s former communications director, said Talbot was a standout at the Capitol. “I worked in that place 30 years and she was one of the best hires I ever made,” he said.

Talbot’s fun personality made her a hit with those she worked with, Casey said, adding that she often played the good to his bad cop. “She was responsive to folks, got back to them in a timely manner and was always respectful.”

Her positive attitude and strong work ethic were much appreciated.  “I would recommend her for any job – communications or not,” he said. “She’s got that can-do attitude that employers like and co-workers as well.”

Talbot grew up in Sacramento with the Capitol as the backdrop of her childhood. She attended McClatchy High School, got involved with theater and volunteered at Mustard Seed School, a free private school for homeless children.

“I felt like what I was doing was pointing out problems,” she said. “That is the key function of journalism. But I wanted to be on the other side and try to fix them.”

Communications wasn’t on her mind as a possible career when she entered University of California at Santa Cruz. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in American studies and history with the idea of becoming a museum curator.

But when the recession hit in 2008, she began rethinking her plans. She didn’t want to pursue a career that depended on tourism, so she thought about working in a profession that could use her writing skills.

“I fell into journalism accidentally,” she said, adding that it started when she heard Capitol Television News Service was looking for freelance writers. That job led to her eventually becoming a special projects producer for Fox 40 News, where she stayed until 2019. She worked on stories that took months or weeks of preparation, using the research skills she learned in her history studies.

But though she enjoyed the work, something was missing. “I felt like what I was doing was pointing out problems,” she said. “That is the key function of journalism. But I wanted to be on the other side and try to fix them.”

Gaining a job with Rendon was a great step forward. “He’s an outstanding boss,” she said. “He’s a great member to work for, he’s a fantastic listener and he’s decisive without being pushy. I would do it all again.”

Kevin Liao, a communications consultant who formerly worked for Rendon as communications director and press secretary, said he was impressed with Talbot’s skills. “Whenever there is a transition from journalism to the political space, there’s a learning curve,” he said. “I was impressed at how quickly Katie got up to speed. She has great personal skills and very quickly became comfortable with the speaker and other legislators. She made her boss accessible to the press but also protected her boss.”

When she’s not working, Talbot likes spending time with her family- husband Doug Johnson, a public information officer at California State Parks and their 1-and-a-half year-old son Calvin. When they can, they travel around the state- visiting the beach and spending time outdoors.

Being a working mom comes with challenges, but Talbot said she has a great role model- her own mother, a family law attorney. Still, she would love to have more time with her son. “There’s never enough hours in the day,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the time I have with him.”

She is glad to start this new chapter at the state Department Fish and Wildlife where she can help protect animals.

Talbot thinks her diverse experiences prove that having a winding career path can be a good thing. She encourages people to try different experiences. “Your career is what you make it,” she said. “Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do what you want to do.”