California Forever is proud to announce that Jim Wunderman will join the company as Head of Public Affairs, bringing decades of leadership and a deep understanding of California’s economic, political, transportation, and civic landscapes to the role.
For the past 21 years, Jim has led the Bay Area Council, where his steadfast advocacy has helped shape Northern California—expanding job and economic opportunities, promoting sustainable growth and innovation, and advocating for attainable housing. Under his leadership, the Council championed the principle that a “megaregion” has formed and must be nurtured, and that the Bay Area, Sacramento, and the Central Valley must work together as one cohesive “Northern California Megaregion” to remain globally competitive.
The Northern California Megaregion is home to over 12 million people and a $1.5 trillion economy. It stands as one of the most dynamic and influential places in the world. At the heart of this unique area is Solano County. Historically, Solano County has been left out of the growth and opportunity that has allowed both the Bay Area and Sacramento to thrive. It’s time to change that, and for Solano County to assume its role as a leader, and a unique bridge, between these two regions, and between California’s past and its future.
“Jim has spent his career bringing people together to move California forward,” said Jan Sramek, Founder & CEO of California Forever. “He’s been a tireless advocate for expanding opportunity, revitalizing manufacturing, and ensuring that Northern California continues to lead the world in innovation. It’s been a privilege to get to know him over the past two years, and we could not be more thrilled to have him on our leadership team as we work to build the next great American city.”
“Solano County is a tremendous example of the world of the possible. It’s poised to become the center of many great things to come, but every transformation needs a spark, and I believe California Forever is that spark,” said Jim Wunderman. “California Forever embodies the spirit that has defined California since the Gold Rush: a bold vision to build something extraordinary, with enduring benefits that will lift up generations to come. Opportunities like this are rare, and when the conditions align as they do now, we must seize them.”
Jim resides in neighboring Pleasant Hill, and has long-standing ties to Solano County. He has long championed investments in the I-80/I-680/Hwy-12 interchange and in the Capitol Corridor. As the Chairman of the San Francisco Bay Ferry System, Jim oversaw the system’s busiest service between Vallejo and San Francisco. In his role as founder and chairman of the New California Coalition, he leads a non-partisan movement that unites millions of Californians to push for practical solutions that grow the economy, protect the environment, and advance social equity. He also shares his expertise as an annual visiting professor at UC Davis Graduate School of Management.
Before leading the Bay Area Council, Jim built an accomplished career spanning both the public and private sectors. He served as Senior Vice President of External Affairs at Providian Financial Corporation, where he managed government relations, corporate communications, community engagement, and philanthropic programs for the Fortune 500 financial institution. In public service, he was Chief of Staff to San Francisco Mayor Frank M. Jordan, and prior to that he served as a Senior Assistant to Mayor Dianne Feinstein, helping guide city policy and operations during pivotal years for San Francisco. Jim also held an executive leadership role in the private sector as Vice President and General Manager at Norcal Waste Systems (now Recology), overseeing major Bay Area recycling and waste management operations. In addition, he has served as chairman of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, a member of the Board of Directors of the California Pacific Medical Center, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Oakland Zoo.
Jim joins California Forever at an inflection point: the company has recently introduced detailed plans for the three main pillars of the development: the Solano Foundry, the largest advanced manufacturing park in America, the Solano Shipyard, the largest proposed shipbuilding complex in America, and a new downtown with walkable neighborhoods for 400,000 Californians. Together, these projects have the potential to make major contributions to Solano County, California, and America.
California Forever has deep respect for the role that the Bay Area Council plays in the region, and will support Jim’s ongoing involvement in the Bay Area Council during both the transition period as well any long-term support the organization needs.