Capitol Weekly’s Top 100: Tia Orr

25. Tia Orr

Tia Orr, a veteran labor activist and government relations expert, is the executive director of the 700,000-member SEIU California, a sprawling workers’ group with a strong presence in the Capitol and each of California’s 58 counties. SEIU’s 17 local unions include university employees, school janitors, social workers, government employees, health care workers and others, a broad reach that assures SEIU a seat at the table in California’s labor issues. Orr, the first African American to serve as SEIU California’s executive director, was confirmed in the position last year following a turbulent period at the union. Her predecessor, Alma Hernandez, stepped down after being accused of tax and embezzlement charges (she later pleaded guilty to two counts and was sentenced to eight hours of community service). Orr had served 16 years as SEIU’s government relations director, a pivotal position that coordinates lobbying, before the governing board named her to the executive director’s position. Before joining SEIU, Orr worked in the Legislature for the late Mervyn M. Dymally, longtime Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus.

Updated Aug. 15, 2023