Getting the right message
to the right people.
bios
Jeanne Reinhardt, Principal
A strategist known for her attention to detail and hands-on style, Jeanne approaches every job-large or small-with energy and insight. Her ability to crystallize the key issues of a project, develop reasonable and feasible solutions, and persist until reaching a satisfactory solution, was honed through 26 years of experience in local government and Orange County politics.
Jeanne began as a Field Representative to Assemblyman Bruce Nestande, becoming his Executive Assistant when he became an Orange County Supervisor. As Chief of Staff to Orange County Supervisor Gaddi Vasquez for many years, Jeanne was a key spokesperson and negotiator with county and city officials, as well as business and community leaders. Additional positions with the County of Orange included directing the legislative agenda for the OC Waste and Recycling Department and Chief Deputy for the Orange County Clerk-Recorder. In 1996, Jeanne became a Principal in
Smith Public Affairs where she continues to work closely with the Orange County Board of Supervisors, city councils and business leaders.
Jeanne earned her B.A. at California State University, Fullerton. Co-chair of the Orange County Public Affairs Association.
To contact Jeanne please email to: Jeanne@smithpublicaffairs.com
Craig Reinhardt, Senior Associate
Having worked in corporate sales, public relations, marketing and media, Craig brings extensive private sector experience to Smith Public Affairs. He knows the issues, and brings strategizing talents to the team. In his dual capacity as Senior Consultant and Business Development Manager, Craig’s understanding of business management and marketing is one of the reasons he is so successful assisting our clients with new business leads. Knowing each client’s capabilities and expertise, Craig is continually on the lookout for opportunities to expand their business and create mutually beneficial partnerships for clients with government agencies.
Craig is continually out in the Orange County community, developing and maintaining relationships with local elected officials and agency staff. He pays attention to what is happening in our cities, the County of Orange, and multiple special districts and government agencies. He also attends meetings, and tracks agendas and public notices so that our clients don’t have to. As a result, SPA has ready insight into upcoming major projects, critical contacts at these agencies, and salient topics to be addressed with any proposal.
Craig earned his B.A. in Communications, Public Relations at California State University, Fullerton. He sits on the Board of Directors of the Orange Community Foundation, is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, California Woman’s Leadership Association and Orange County Public Affairs Association.
To contact Craig please email to: Craig@smithpublicaffairs.com
Candice Reinhardt, Associate
Candice is a part of the firm’s front;line–she’s a skilled liaison, whether it’s managing client issues or interacting with elected officials and community leaders. Candice comes from a background of corporate project management, having worked for over eighteen years in a variety of organizational environments where relationships are critical. She also has knowledge of political fundraising, demonstrating she’s got a savvy eye for Orange County politics.
Always on the lookout for the best way to implement a project or streamline a process to take advantage of all resources, Candice ensures that nothing falls through the cracks at SPA. She understands that often how you present something is as important as what you present. As a result, Candice helps us showcase our clients’ capabilities to the greatest extent possible.
Candice holds a Master’s Degree from San Francisco State University. She sits on the Board of Directors for R.U.F.F., a non-profit animal rescue organization based in South County, and is a member of the Orange County Public Affairs Association.
To contact Candice please email to: Candice@smithpublicaffairs.com
Suzanne M. McClanahan, Associate
Smith Public Affairs
Suzanne has over 27 years experience in Orange County and City government starting a career as an administrative analyst in the Planning Department and Assistant to the City Manager of Fountain Valley. She went on to become Chief of Staff to Supervisor Roger R. Stanton, held Senior Management positions in the General Services Agency and Personnel Departments where she developed, implemented and managed various County programs. She also served on the Executive Management team of OC Waste & Recycling, directing department strategic planning, negotiation, and public information.
Suzanne earned her B.A. at the University of Texas, Austin; her teaching credential at University of California, Irvine; and her Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Studies at the University of Southern California.
To contact Suzanne please email to: Suzanne@smithpublicaffairs.com
William G. Steiner, Affiliate
Bill Steiner has a distinguished 40-year career in city and county government in both elected and appointed posts. A former member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Bill has been personally involved in the development and implementation of public policy for a wide range of services including health care, transportation, social services, fire and public safety.
Bill’s public service began as a school board and Orange City Council member. He served as Executive Director of the Orangewood Children’s Foundation raising millions of dollars to benefit child abuse victims through public-private partnerships. Bill has held leadership roles in a variety of public and private sector organizations and is currently Co-Chair of the Leadership Council for the Center for the Study of Democracy at UCI, and Vice Chairman of the Orange County Juvenile Justice Commission.
Bill earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology from UC Berkeley and a Masters Degree in Social Work from USC.
To contact William please email to: Bill@smithpublicaffairs.com
Lynne Fishel, Affiliate
With over 25 years of experience in the disciplines of advocacy, public and media relations, government affairs, land use, and community relations, Lynne Fishel is a proven leader with a track record of "getting the job done." She has the keen ability to understand complex public policy issues and translate technical messages to those that are concise and understandable to the general public.
Lynne’s career began with 15 years of public service with the County of Orange, where she served as a community relations representative for a member of the Board of Supervisors, and in management positions in the Environmental Management Agency and County Administrative Office. After the County of Orange filed bankruptcy in 1994, Lynne served as the county’s spokesperson to local, national and international media sources. Additionally, she has held positions in the private sector with Southern California Edison as a Sr. Public Affairs Manager, Governmental Affairs Director and CEO for the Orange County Building Industry Association, and Development Director for a national charter school company. Most recently, Lynne has relocated to the Coachella Valley where she has started Catalyst Public Affairs, offering Smith Public Affairs’ clients additional business opportunities and expertise in the Inland Empire.
Lynne earned a bachelor’s of Science Degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
To contact Lynne, please e-mail: Lynn@smithpublicaffairs.com