Brownstein Adds Two Policy Directors, Growing California State Government Relations Team

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck welcomes Theo Ellington and Rashad Johnson to the firm as policy directors in the Sacramento office. Johnson and Ellington will join the firm’s growing State Government Relations team in California, bringing more than 25 years of combined experience and relationships in the San Francisco Bay area. 

“Both Theo and Rashad have built a reputation for collaborating across sectors to develop winning strategies in business, government and the community. Their extensive experience in the Bay Area and ability to find common ground and bridge gaps are unmatched. We look forward to adding depth to our growing State Government Relations team in California, which will further strengthen our 50-state approach for clients,” said Doug Friednash, chair of Brownstein’s State Government Relations team. 

Ellington brings over 15 years of experience in driving social impact, fostering civic innovation and navigating public policy and political landscapes in urban areas. Before joining Brownstein, Ellington managed the San Francisco Bay Area office as senior vice president for Strategies 360. As director of homeless initiatives and community development for The Salvation Army, Ellington led efforts to rapidly scale homeless services, develop a real estate master plan and spearheaded local COVID-19 response efforts. He was the first director of public affairs for the Golden State Warriors and Chase Center mixed-used development, where he led efforts to secure approvals from multiple government agencies and facilitated a community benefits package that invested in local nonprofits, workforce development and small-business programs. Ellington received his bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame de Namur University and a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco.

For nearly a decade, Johnson has worked in local and state politics and government to help level the playing field for Black and brown communities. He blends his expertise in public affairs, government relations, community engagement and communications to build trusting relationships that help move clients’ priorities and projects forward. Prior to joining Brownstein, Johnson served as a senior vice president for Strategies 360’s California practice, where he supported clients as they entered new markets and expanded their impact. Before that, he was the senior director of public policy at Eaze, California’s largest legal cannabis retailer. Johnson received his bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College.