Learning How Government Relations Works with Metrolink's Anna Denecke

On Monday, October 14th, USC ITE hosted Anna Denecke for our October Speaker Series. Anna currently works as the Senior Manager of Government Relations for Metrolink.

After graduation from USC with BAs in History and Political Science, Anna worked in Washington D.C. for the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC), where she says she used creative techniques to gain attention from busy elected officials, including one tactic that involved handing out almond butter packets to lawmakers to demonstrate the importance and functions of supply chains. She also worked for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and played a key role in the 2021 American Infrastructure Report Card. This high-profile publication gave the US an overall grade of C- across all infrastructure, which was an improvement from prior grades in the D range. However, public transit infrastructure was the lowest component rating at a D-, showing the need for significant investment in both renovating aging infrastructure (especially in East Coast cities) and building new transit across the country. Anna then returned to USC during the pandemic for her Master’s in Public Administration.

Throughout her career, Anna has advocated for investment in transit infrastructure, and in her current role, she is proud that Metrolink is undertaking the largest service expansion in its history. She believes that Metrolink can serve as a true regional rail service, instead of solely as commuter rail or a “last resort” for Southern Californians.

In terms of career advice, Anna noted the importance of nimbleness, optimism, and being open to new opportunities over the course of one’s career trajectory, and shared the 5 Career Motivations with us. These are Enjoyment, Wealth, Meaning, Flexibility, and Prestige, and each person prioritizes these categories differently when determining what they want from their career. Anna challenged us to identify what areas are most important to us and to pursue opportunities that align with those areas.

It was a pleasure to welcome Anna to speak to our organization, and we extend our gratitude to her for taking the time to share insights with us and answer our questions.