Chief Administrative Officer, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation

Adam Day is a veteran public administration executive with extensive experience managing the efficient delivery of municipal services. His background also includes deep expertise in government relations, community outreach, coalition development, and managing multi-million dollar charitable, political and media campaigns.

In his current role as chief administrative officer for the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Day helps oversee the efficient management and operation of more than twelve tribal government departments including police, fire, medical/dental/pharmacy, education, IT and community

development. Combined annual budgets exceed $78 million with more than 230 employees. He reports to the elected tribal council and works closely with other senior executives in providing day- to-day business and policy guidance and long-term strategic counsel.

Day also directs government, public and community relations efforts on behalf of the Sycuan tribe and their affiliated business entities including annual multi-million-dollar charitable giving, media outreach, and political contributions programs. He maintains positive and productive relationships with federal, state and local elected officials as well as corporate community partners and conducts all media interviews on behalf of the tribal council. His work has been recognized with the prestigious Emmy, Telly and Bernays awards.

Prior to joining Sycuan, Day served as vice president and general manager for NCG Porter Novelli, San Diego’s largest public affairs firm. In that capacity, he managed a number of successful campaigns for leading local companies.

Prior to joining NCG PN, Day served as senior public affairs counsel to industry leaders in the fields of high technology, Indian gaming and land development. A highlight of his work was on behalf of SAIC in its successful bid for the County of San Diego’s landmark information technology outsourcing project. The contract, valued at more than $640 million over seven years, was considered the largest municipal privatization in the history of the U.S. at the time.

Adam brings nearly twelve years of experience at the County of San Diego as chief of staff and deputy chief of staff to various members of the Board of Supervisors. He played a significant role in shaping public policy at the local, state and federal level on matters such as welfare reform, criminal justice, regional transportation planning and land use. Major accomplishments included adopting the County’s managed competition program, resulting in millions of dollars of savings to taxpayers. Day also secured funds to construct a new jail and courthouse; and helped establish the country’s largest open space preservation program, which received the support of both the Sierra Club and the Building Industry Association.

Throughout his career, Day has made volunteer community service a priority. He most recently concluded nine years of service on the California State University Board of Trustees, having gained two unanimous Senate confirmation votes after gubernatorial appointments. He was immediately elected by his peers to leadership roles, including chair of the finance, audit and collective bargaining committees, then vice chair and chair of the board.

He has served on dozens of local boards and commissions, including Chair of the Del Mar Fair Board, Chair of the San Diego County Planning Commission, Downtown San Diego Partnership, Century Club of San Diego, East County Boys and Girls Club, San Diego County Taxpayers Association, Indian Gaming Local Benefit Committee, and the San Diego County Fire Mitigation Committee. Adam is a graduate of San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He resides in South Park with his wife Suzi and is the proud father of five adult children.