Christina Gordon
650 Via Firenze
Cathedral City, CA 92234
December 26, 2025
Mayor Raymond Gregory
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez
Councilmember Rita Lamb
Councilmember Nancy Ross
c/o Cathedral City Clerk’s Office
68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Dear Mayor Gregory and Councilmembers:
I’m writing to express my sincere interest in filling the vacant District 3 seat on the Cathedral City Council. I am a proud Cathedral City resident, and I believe I have the necessary capabilities and experience to serve the city as the representative for District 3, carrying forward the legacy built by Mark Carnevale. While Mark and I are different people, and I did not know him personally, I believe I share his commitment to public service.
Serving City Priorities
Cathedral City is at an exciting crossroads as it seeks its next city manager, who will in turn hire the next police chief. Finding the right person to fill this essential role is of paramount importance. Building on the effective management of the past city manager-Council collaboration, it is critical to identify a new leader who can serve as a strong liaison between the Council and city staff. This leader will be responsible for ensuring that the city’s strategic plan, the budget, and the priorities outlined by the Council are brought to fruition, that the Council has the appropriate information to effectively govern, and for ensuring that issues and concerns from our residents and businesses are responded to in an appropriate and timely manner.
What’s more, I am excited about the new community center and the world of possibilities it presents for the residents of our city. However, I understand that providing services to our residents requires that the Council be responsible stewards of the tax dollars we are entrusted with managing. I have watched the smart growth and economic development that the city has undertaken over the past eight years, and I am eager to be part of what comes next for our city. In order to maintain the momentum and fiscal responsibility that the Council is known for, the person to fill this critical role must honor the work that has already been accomplished, while bringing a vision for the future of Cathedral City that serves all of its residents prudently and with efficiency. I am that person.
My Qualifications
For more than 20 years, I have served as a nonprofit executive – particularly in organizations focused on education, legal advocacy, workforce development, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills – working closely with boards of directors, funders, state and local government leaders, and the public. I have served on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City for the past two years, and as a volunteer for several years before that. These experiences have helped me to develop strong leadership skills as a consensus builder and eager collaborator. For me, there is significant value in leaders working together to resolve disagreements to move a mission forward. I pride myself in being able to focus on the desired outcome and work with my colleagues to achieve those results while maintaining collegiality, even when there are differing viewpoints. I will bring this collaborative spirit if I am appointed to serve on the City Council.
Additionally, I have a passion for public policy, including strategic planning and effective governance, which I have used throughout my career in nonprofit leadership. I am in my final year of law school, where I have learned the intricacies of analysis, governance, and effective dispute resolution. I am uniquely positioned for this opportunity, leveraging my collective experiences understanding and employing fiscal responsibility; developing and adhering to process; building and managing budgets; oversight and management of executives and staff; executive search and hiring processes; and accountability for results.
Representing Our Residents
As the representative for District 3, I will represent the needs and concerns of the constituents in my district, while working alongside my colleagues on the Council to serve all of the residents of Cathedral City. When my husband and I moved to the valley almost nine years ago, we quickly found community with the people we met in Cathedral City. After living in other desert cities, we chose to make our home in Cathedral City because the people we met here had become family.
There is a particular sense of community in our city that is unlike anywhere else, and that is due to the people who live here.
One of the things that makes Cathedral City special is the diverse population who live here, and their wide variety of needs. Understanding that diversity is essential to being able to serve our people – whether they be the seniors who avail themselves of the activities at the Senior Center; the young people who participate in youth development at the Boys and Girls Club; the families who attend and use schools, our library, and public parks; those in need who benefit from the food bank; small business owners who choose our city for their livelihood; or the collective from in and out-of-town who come to enjoy our special events like the Balloon Festival, Taste of Jalisco, and Cathedral City LGBT Days. While I would represent District 3, I will be a servant for the whole city and all its people, working alongside my fellow councilmembers and with the city staff, available to answer questions and get results in the best interests of our residents.
Beyond that, I understand the Council’s role in the valley, in Riverside County, and statewide.
Our jobs don’t end at the borders of Cathedral City – rather, it’s essential to work closely with other desert cities, the Agua Caliente tribe, Palm Springs Unified School District, the county, our region, and our state. Looking beyond our city, I understand the necessity of working closely with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, Southern California Association of Governments, Riverside County Transportation Commission, and others to represent Cathedral City regionally and statewide.
It is my intention to not only seek this appointment, but to run for the seat when it is up for election in November. Seeking a Council seat is the natural progression of my professional aspirations, and this opportunity – though the circumstances for its vacancy are tragic – is one that I am eager to fill. My experiences in nonprofit leadership, working with and on boards of directors, managing budgets and people, as well as my commitment to public policy and good governance, position me strongly to fill this vacancy. I love this city and am proud to call it home. If appointed, I will work tirelessly, together with you, for the residents in District 3 and all the people of Cathedral City.
I respectfully submit this letter for your consideration and am prepared to serve alongside you, if the Council sees fit.
Sincerely,
Christina Gordon
Enclosure
CHRISTINA GORDON
| California and Remote
www.linkedin.com/in/christinagordoninsocal
Strategic Communications Leader, Organizational Strategy, Public Policy
SENIOR EXECUTIVE LEADER
Dynamic and visionary executive with deep expertise in nonprofit leadership, strategic communications, mentoring and team development, and public policy. Proven track record in elevating organizational performance through innovative program communications, media relations, community engagement, and crisis management.
Skilled in guiding mission-driven organizations through team building and strategic planning, while fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. A hands-on leader dedicated to driving the mission and vision forward, while empowering teams to grow and thrive in pursuit of lasting social impact.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
• Strategic Communications
• Team Development, Coaching, and
Mentoring
• Leadership and Organizational Culture
• Crisis Management and Risk Mitigation
• Media Relations and Thought Leadership
• Corporate Governance
• Message Development and Branding
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Project Evident August 2025-Present
Senior Director, Communications
Built and led the development of a communications department and strategy for this national organization which provides services for nonprofits, state and local education agencies, and funders. • Managed all aspects of the communications function, including the communications plan, reporting, and management of staff to advance goals of the organization. • Served as the lead steward and executor of the multi-year Communications strategy, implementing and translating strategic priorities into tactical communications plans and measurable outcomes.
• Served as a member of the Management team, ensuring performance and culture objectives are met across the organization and aligned with organizational culture and philosophy.
Palo Verde Strategies | Cathedral City, CA March 2025-Present Principal
Founded this strategic communications firm to help companies align communications goals with organizational strategy. Served nonprofit and corporate clients with communications strategy build and business development needs to advance organization goals. • Advised organizations on finding their voice, living their brand, and telling compelling stories. • Provided strategic counsel on communications strategy, risk management, and media relations. • Enhanced market presence and brand prominence through innovative strategies. • Executed communications audits, developed tailored recommendations, and created implementation plans for executing on communications priorities • Provided executive counsel to companies and nonprofit organizations in aligning communications to resource development and strategic planning priorities.
ACT | Washington, D.C. & Iowa City, IA (Remote) February 2016-July 2024 Vice President, Communications (August 2022-July 2024)
Senior Director, Strategic Communications (July 2020-August 2022) Served in highly visible leadership role for the nation’s premier assessment and college admissions company dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success. Provided strategic counsel on aligning organizational objectives, communication initiatives, and reputation management across divisions and product lines to drive the promotion and fulfillment of the organization's mission and strategic plan.
• Led communications efforts, acting as a strategic counsel to and partner with the CEO, executives, and subject matter experts, enhancing product awareness, media engagement, and positioning the company as a thought leader to strengthen brand visibility and credibility. • Increased media coverage by 50% from 2020 to 2024, transitioning from simple mentions of ACT to securing significant coverage, where the organization was consistently quoted and featured in major national outlets which elevated visibility and positioned as a key voice in the higher education community.
• Mentored and coached Communications team to achieve high standards and ensure communications effectiveness across the company by developing and implementing processes, standards, editorial guides, and training workshops in service to and collaboration with internal departments.
• Spearheaded staff development, consultant management, and budget for ACT Communications and External Engagement, optimizing operational efficiency and promoting cross-functional collaboration to significantly enhance organizational impact and elevate external engagement efforts.
• Established a proactive crisis communication framework that successfully mitigated reputational risks resulting in swift recoveries and maintaining stakeholder trust, as evidenced by a 25% reduction in negative media coverage.
Highlighted Achievements:
➢ Led the development and execution of a comprehensive strategy and roadmap to launch an integrated enterprise-wide communications, media relations, and external engagement function for ACT, resulting in enhanced brand and product awareness and increased customer adoption.
Built, managed, and coached a team while collaborating with consultants and cross-functional leaders to maximize impact and strengthen the organization's brand and reputation. ➢ Developed and maintained messaging for organization priorities, products, and programs to ensure consistency, setting a high bar for excellence in storytelling and brand fidelity. ➢ Designed the communications strategy for ACT's announcement of its acquisition by Nexus Capital Management, overseeing a cross-functional team of more than 50 stakeholders, including communications, executive leadership, legal, and sales staff. Developed crisis communication and messaging strategies that minimized leaks and achieved a media reach of more than 25 million.
➢ Transformed research into credible thought leadership on critical national issues such as the digital divide, mental health, and school safety, engaging media, funders, policymakers, and stakeholders. Achieved significant media coverage in outlets like The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and The Washington Post, reaching nearly 500 million, and established ACT research as a key reference in the U.S. Department of Education’s post-COVID return-to-school plan.
Senior Director, Strategy and Programs, ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning (February 2016-June 2020) Led launch of ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning, including development of organizational strategy, goals, metrics, and project plans, as well as research agenda, and outreach and engagement priorities to close opportunity and outcome gaps for underrepresented populations. • Partnered with the Chief Equity Officer to establish ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning from the ground up by developing its mission, vision, and strategic goals. Led the creation of programs and initiatives focused on promoting educational equity. • Secured funding through donor and stakeholder relations, while building partnerships with education institutions, advocacy organizations, community organizations, and policymakers. • Recruited, managed, and mentored a diverse team, overseeing day-to-day operations, budgeting, and program execution. Developed metrics for evaluating impact and continuously improving program effectiveness, while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Highlighted Achievements:
➢ Strengthened relationships with equity stakeholder organizations like UCLA’s Institute for Immigration, Globalization, and Education, Univision, Excelencia in Education, and Better Make Room, resulting in expanded research and event collaborations that positively affected target student populations, furthering the Center's mission of equity and access in education. ➢ Advised on company’s interactions and engagement with D.C. stakeholders and ways to present ideas to members of Congress, policymakers, and other advocacy stakeholders on topics related to assessment, digital divide, and student data privacy. This approach strengthened the organization’s influence in policy discussions, enhancing its reputation and fostering partnerships that advanced its mission and objectives.
CHANGE THE EQUATION | Washington, D.C. August 2012-February 2016 Director of Communications
Established organizational and communications strategy and served as a thought leader to position and advance this start-up nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing business community to improve quality of STEM education in United States.
• Developed, oversaw, and implemented strategic communications plans, program management, research agenda, and external engagement projects.
• Collaborated with the Board of Directors and the CEO to effectively communicate organizational goals and achievements, enhancing stakeholder alignment and driving strategic initiatives that support the organization's overall mission and success.
Highlighted Achievements:
➢ Drove the creation and execution of the Commitment to Excellence in STEM initiative, launched by then-Vice President Biden, garnering support from 110 international CEOs, leading to an increase in resources and opportunities for STEM education, benefiting students and educators worldwide.
➢ Conceptualized and managed digital engagement and growth of online networks that generated 10,000 additional Twitter followers with digital campaigns reaching between 1.5 and 5 million people.
➢ Managed strategic communications around major releases and events, including iON Future and STEM Vital Signs website, a first-of-its-kind database that curated data on state of K-12 STEM education in the U.S. from NCES, Department of Education, ACT, and other data sources.
PRO BONO INSTITUTE | Washington, D.C. December 2009-August 2012 Director, Strategic Communications & Stewardship
Built this established legal nonprofit organization’s first communications and development function/department. Led organizational strategy development, which resulted in the public articulation of the organization’s mission, vision, values, along with a five-year strategic plan. • Subsequently led the creation of strategy and infrastructure to drive fundraising, recruitment, and additional pro bono implementation that increased number of pro bono hours applied to legal efforts in law firms and corporate legal departments. • Built and expanded the fundraising and development strategy, including donor relations, to strengthen stakeholder engagement and support long-term organizational growth.
Highlighted Achievements:
➢ Established and built the Communications department from the ground up, recruiting top talent, developing a sustainable budget, and creating a foundation for strategic messaging that enhanced brand visibility and drove business growth.
➢ Cultivated strong media relationships that led to securing a regular opinion column for the CEO in the National Law Journal, enhancing the organization’s visibility, credibility, and influence within the legal community, ultimately driving brand awareness and stakeholder engagement. ➢ Led website redesign, developed blog, launched social media platforms, growing Twitter followers to 1000+ in less than year; driving 2500+ unique monthly visitors to blog, and 75+ video clips shared to YouTube, reaching 8000+ visitors within a year.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
National School Boards Association: Director of Communications Arlington Transportation Partners: Residential Marketing Manager Montgomery County Public Schools: English Teacher
EDUCATION
COLLEGES OF LAW: Juris Doctor candidate (expected December 2026) | Ventura, CA Dean’s Honor List 2023-2024, 2024-2025
WITTENBERG UNIVERSITY: Bachelor of Arts in English | Springfield, OH
BOARD AFFLIATIONS & LEADERSHIP
• BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CATHEDRAL CITY
Board Member; Resource Development Committee Chair 2024-Present Volunteer 2019-2024
• WOMEN’S CONGRESSIONAL POLICY INSTITUTE
Pro Bono Communications and Strategy Consultant 2012-2020