Mike Whiteford has joined Barnett Cox & Associates (BCA) in a consulting role. Whiteford, a fifth-generation San Luis Obispo County resident and longtime leader in Central Coast politics, will provide strategy support for BCA’s energy, natural resource and land use clients.
Whiteford has a deep background in government relations. He served seven years as field representative for Congressman Kevin McCarthy, who recently assumed the position of House Majority Leader. Whiteford also served as field representative for McCarthy’s predecessor, Congressman Bill Thomas, working closely with constituents, local and federally elected officials, government agencies and media.
Most recently, Whiteford oversaw operations of the Home Builders Association of the Central Coast. He represented the local building industry group with staff and elected officials at the city, county and state levels.
Whiteford, a Cal Poly graduate, also has a strong public service background that includes teaching at Cabrillo High School in Lompoc, firefighting and serving in the California Army National Guard. He is the former chair and vice-chair of the Santa Margarita Area Advisory Council and serves numerous community organizations. He lives with his wife Andrea and their three children in rural Santa Margarita.
Barnett Cox & Associates is a San Luis Obispo-based public relations and marketing firm serving clients throughout California and the Western U.S. The company principals are longtime local residents Maggie and Dave Cox.