Michelle Rivas has built an extensive career in legislative affairs and public policy, with a focus on advocacy, external relations, and strategic leadership across multiple sectors.
Rivas spent 11 years with the California Dental Association (CDA), serving as both Manager of External Affairs and Legislative Advocate. In these roles, she successfully advanced the association’s legislative priorities and helped elect two dentists to the state Legislature.
Subsequently, Rivas held prominent leadership positions, including Executive Director of the California Hospital Association’s Political Action Committee. She also served as the Director of Development and Fundraising for the CDA Foundation, where she led efforts to secure resources and expand the organization’s impact on oral health for the underserved.
Currently, Rivas is the Executive Vice President of Government Relations & Corporate Affairs at the California Pharmacists Association, where she oversees the organization’s legislative strategy, public policy initiatives, and corporate communications.