Hal’s public service includes service as a council member and mayor in the City of Santa Barbara. 

As a local official, Hal was active in state and national affairs, serving on the boards of the League of California Cities (where he served as President), the National League of Cities (First Vice President) and a Founding Director for the Local Government Commission. He also was a member of the US Conference of Mayors.

Hal’s policy interests include youth and families, the arts, historic preservation, energy conservation and solar energy development.

Hal’s business experience includes working with local officials as public affairs Executive Director for Southern California Edison. In this connection, Hal and his staff maintained working connections to local officials in 200 cities and counties and the issues local officials face.

A key contribution Hal has made to the effectiveness of the Institute board has been the priority he places on people connecting on a personal level. This can be a challenge for a board comprised from individuals from diverse backgrounds from across the state. 

As a former President of the Institute for Local Government, Hal has been a consistent advocate of building time into board meetings for learning, strategic planning, reflection and connection. This has materially strengthened the board as a body, which has deepened the group’s ability to think together and constructively about the needs of California’s local officials and how the Institute can meet those needs.