Los Angeles, CA — A native of the San Fernando Valley, Councilwoman Wendy Greuel knows what it means to serve her community. Her leadership experience started when she became student body president at Kennedy High School, along with an internship in the Office of Mayor Tom Bradley. After graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles, Greuel became Mayor Bradley’s liaison to the City Council and community on public policy issues.
Under the administration of President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1997, Greuel served as the field operations officer for Southern California for the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
In 2002 Greuel was elected to complete the remaining term of District 2 Councilman Joel Wachs, who resigned in protest against the City Council. She was re-elected in 2003 and 2007, and currently serves as President Pro Tem of the Council. As Councilwoman, Greuel eliminated business tax for over 60% of L.A.’s small businesses and supported LA’s BEST afterschool programs.
The recently elected City Controller believes that, “One person can make a difference and this is my opportunity to do that.” In her new position she plans to eliminate wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars, expose fraud and abuse in city government, and work toward economic recovery and growth.
Being one of only three women to bear a child in office as a Los Angeles elected official, Greuel says her greatest accomplishment is having her son Thomas at the age of 42. She is honored by the support she receives from other women. “When I was elected, I never thought of myself as a role model,” she reflects, “Sometimes I bring my son with me (to events) and when I hear women say ‘thank you for doing what you are doing. I can now bring my child,’ I know I’m making a difference.”
