This week, Richard and Joe welcomed Laurie Black, president and CEO of LJ Black Consulting and president of RS Lawrence Development. She is a past president of the Downtown San Diego Partnership and former San Diego Port Commissioner and is well known as a keen, prolific producer of innovative ideas.

Ms. Black has been a part of the political and business landscape in San Diego for over thirty years. Half of her career has been spent working for local, state and federal candidates for elective office. From 1986 to 1991 she operated her first business, which included political fundraising, issue development, press relations and implementation of campaign strategies.

Ms. Black served as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Lynn Schenk wherein she managed the budget and staff and assisted in developing the Congress member’s legislative and political agenda. She served as a Commissioner of the San Diego Port District from 2007-2009. Laurie was most recently a Board member at Centre City Development Corporation now called Civic San Diego from 2010 to 2012.

Ms. Black is well known for her advocacy on solving mental illness as well as melanoma and has presented her ideas on mitigating homelessness at the International Downtown Association’s Annual Conference and other national and international conferences. She is also recognized nationally for her passion and expertise in patient advocacy, specifically those with Melanoma needing help to determine their healthcare, treatment possibilities and opportunities.

Ms. Black is a graduate of the CORO Summer Program and LEAD San Diego. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Women’s Studies from San Diego State University. Ms. Black was married to the late Robert Lawrence for 31 years, a local real estate developer, whom she assisted on numerous business issues affecting his industry. Laurie has four adult children and presently lives in the Banker’s Hill neighborhood of San Diego.

Ms. Black was married to the late Robert Lawrence for 31 years, a local real estate developer, whom she assisted on numerous business issues affecting his industry. Laurie has four adult children and presently lives in the Banker’s Hill neighborhood of San Diego.

Listen to a podcast of Laurie Black’s interview!