Lisa Wittke Schaffner’s interest in public policy can be traced back to her childhood. “My dad and I talked about government a lot,” she says. “I could name the Presidents when I was 8.” She began her political career in the 1990s working in the state capital for then–Gov. Pete Wilson, while earning degrees in government and journalism from Sacramento State.
After serving two terms on the Healdsburg City Council (2004-2012), Wittke Schaffner shifted toward the nonprofit sector where she served the John Jordan Foundation as executive director. Today, she continues her leadership as the first female CEO of Santa Rosa’s North Coast Builders Exchange, a nonprofit contractors association that provides services and representation to construction-related firms. She’s also the proud grandma to 2-year-old Jeffrey Maverick (JJ) and Wyles Maddox (who is arriving this month). She lives in Healdsburg with her Puggle, Atticus, and two cats, Pharaoh and Navi.
What does your morning routine look like?
I start my coffee, do a terrible job at trying to meditate and then either a walk or go right to email, then plan my day. I always take a minute on my back patio—rain or shine—with my coffee and then get ready for work or my day off.
Favorite part of being a grandma?
I love my grandson–he calls me Sassy–and the new little guy being born in April. They live in Florida so that is where I am if not here in the North Bay. I love my daily walks with JJ on his little bike when we are together, he spends a lot of time saying, “Sassy see?” and pointing to all the little things in the neighborhood.
What are the most striking differences between Florida and the North Bay?
I am a Sonoma County girl through and through. Both my hair and I are not huge fans of humidity. I cannot believe how much people use their car horns in Florida and have seen more than a couple of alligators in the canals right behind my kid’s house.
What are you growing in your garden this year?
I have a huge succulent garden and have many new starts growing to share this year.
Do you have any tips for those hoping to increase their own political participation?
Make sure your family is good with the chaos and the outside noise of politics. Then if you believe you have something to offer your community get involved first in a board or commission. It is truly something to enjoy and be proud of, but you will not feel like that every day—especially in this political climate.
As an avowed football fan, what’s your most memorable game?
I was at the Super Bowl when the Niners beat the Chargers in 1995—it was my honeymoon. I have also been blessed to see family [members] coach and play in amazing college, high school and pee-wee games that were all memorable! We are a football family.
What was the highlight of serving on the city council?
There are many things I am proud of from my terms on the Healdsburg Council. We worked hard on the Alliance Medical Center, focused on economic development and rehabilitation and construction of parks. We always put money aside for maintenance of the buildings and streets and other infrastructure repairs.
What’s something that you can’t live without?
Besides my kids, I cannot live without my girlfriends, heels, pajamas, coffee, good wine, a hair band, lipstick, my baseball caps, my hot tub and Atticus.
Do you have a favorite place in the North Bay?
I love the parks in Sonoma County and think everyone should have a Parks Pass. I am a foodie and could not call out a favorite restaurant without getting in trouble— there are so many awesome places. But my go-to comfort food is an El Farolito burrito. I love being on the water at Lake Sonoma and playing Liar’s Dice on my patio.
What does success mean to you?
Success for me is feeling like I am making a difference in the community, being respected by my staff and finding time to enjoy the work—so when there are hard days and challenging situations the team pulls together. Success would be sharing the great story of the industry and educating parents and the public about what a quality life young people can find in the trades as a career path.
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