Leslie I. Pollner

Leslie Pollner is co-leader of Holland & Knight's Local Government Group and a member of the firm's Public Policy & Regulation Group. Ms. Pollner focuses on several key industries, including transportation, economic development and housing. Her extensive experience in government at both the federal and local level allows her to help clients develop innovative solutions and advocacy strategies to achieve results.

Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Pollner was the deputy mayor for federal affairs in Los Angeles under Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. She led the city of Los Angeles' office in Washington, D.C., directed its federal advocacy efforts, and managed lobbying teams at the Los Angeles port, airport and public utilities commissions. Ms. Pollner was also the principal liaison with the U.S. Conference of Mayors while Mayor Villaraigosa was the president of the organization and worked with mayors across the country on key issues, including building a coalition to support the transportation reauthorization bill.

Prior to that, Ms. Pollner was a two-time chief of staff for U.S. Reps. Suzanne Kosmas and Tim Mahoney, both of Florida. She has also worked in public affairs consulting and crisis communications support for Fortune 500 companies and helped develop communications strategies for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, concentrating on the nonprofit's education investments.