Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California Announces Update to Government Affairs Staff

January 21, 2025

Shelby McMichael, Communications Manager

SACRAMENTO – Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California announces Angela Pontes is joining the organization as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Symphoni Barbee has been promoted to Legislative Advocate.

“As we continue to navigate challenging and uncertain times for sexual and reproductive health care policy and funding, we are thrilled Angela is joining PPAC as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and to have Symphoni lobbying for PPAC,” said PPAC CEO and President Jodi Hicks. “Angela has been a steadfast ally to reproductive freedom throughout her tenure in the Governor’s Office. Her policy expertise, direct knowledge of the issues that impact Planned Parenthood’s affiliates, and deep commitment to the work will serve our organization well as we continue to fight to protect and expand access to reproductive health care in California.”

Angela most recently served as Chief Deputy Legislative Secretary in Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office, staffing health and human services issues. Prior to working in the Governor’s Office, Angela was Legislative Director for now Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. 

Additionally, Symphoni Barbee has been serving as PPAC’s Legislative Advocate since last summer and will take on PPAC’s legislative advocacy as a registered lobbyist. She joined PPAC in Fall 2021 and has since played a pivotal role in advancing key legislative priorities. Prior to her role at PPAC, Symphoni served as a California Senate Fellow for Senator Nancy Skinner. 

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