COVER STORY
Shanae Buffington & Fredericka McGee
ment affairs and operations for the American Beverage Association (ABA). While McGee’s unexpected departure from state government may have come as a surprise to many, her reason for leaving, as she explains, is surprisingly simple: “It was time.” “I have had an amazing opportunity in state government to create what I call legacy public policy that will positively impact the lives of many people for years to come. That’s important to me. But I’m also excited about the possibilities and challenges that exist in my new position with the American Beverage Association.” Pursuing great challenges in life has always been a motivating factor in McGee’s personal and professional decision-making. It’s also part of her DNA.
A Passion for Service
Sabrina Thomas, Andi Liebenbaum, Susan Hill, Alana Mathews, & Fredericka McGee
deep sense of purpose to help create positive political and social change in her community. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism & Marketing from California State University, Long Beach, McGee served as Sr. District Assistant for the late Congressman Glenn M. Anderson of Long Beach. She later attended the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law where she received her Juris Doctorate degree and was voted the Faculty’s Most Outstanding Student.
Fredericka McGee (third from the left) with her
mother and siblings at the Grand Canyon, 1968 A Kansas City, Missouri, native and the youngest of five siblings, McGee’s strong work ethic and values are deeply rooted in McGee was soon hired as a deher midwest family background. Her fense litigation attorney for the law early interest in law and public seroffice of Murtaugh, Miller, Meyer & Nelvice was inspired by her grandfather, son, where she handled personal injuHouse Representative Leo McKamey, ry, bankruptcy, and employment cases. a civil rights champion who served But the thought of a high profile career five terms in the Missouri Legislature as a civil litigator fighting courtroom in the 1970s. Like her grandfather, battles over endless lawsuits did not McGee is passionately driven by a appeal to her sense of purpose or her
calling for public service. “You have to know what motivates you if you’re going to be effective,” says McGee. “I’m not motivated by money. Helping to improve people’s lives, that’s what motivates me.” Convinced that her purpose would be better served in the public arena, McGee chose to shift her focus to governmental law and public policy, where her knowledge might have a greater positive social impact. “I’m a fighter,” she says proudly. “Being the youngest of five children, I
Fredericka McGee with her daughter, Taylor, at the Grand Canyon, 2015
have always thought in terms of being part of a team. When I push for something, I push so that we all can move forward. It’s never just about me.” Indeed, McGee’s efforts over the years have succeeded in moving political mountains in state government and resulted in the enactment of landmark legislation that has positively
www.sacbar.org | November/December 2016 | SACRAMENTO LAWYER
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