Chelsea Carbahal is the Founder and Principal of CMC Strategies, a public relations and public affairs consulting firm that helps organizations protect and advance their reputations, navigate government and community landscapes, and communicate clearly when the stakes are high. Chelsea is known for building trusted partnerships that allow for direct, productive conversations with those who shape policy and decisions.

The Raley's Companies

Prior to founding CMC Strategies, Chelsea spent over ten years at The Raley’s Companies, where she most recently served as Vice President of Community Impact and Public Affairs. In that role, she led all external affairs for the organization, including government relations, public relations, community engagement, brand reputation, and enterprise communications. She served as the company’s spokesperson, advised the executive team, and directed communications through periods of growth, transformation, and crisis.

During her tenure, Chelsea built and led a comprehensive public affairs and government relations program from the ground up, engaging with legislators and regulators across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Tribal Nations on issues impacting grocery and retail operations. She also designed and implemented an enterprise-wide communications strategy following a major acquisition, aligning internal and external messaging for an organization that doubled in size overnight. Her work ensured clarity, consistency, and confidence during significant change. She also served as the Chair of the California Retailers Association in 2023.

Executive Director, Raley's Food For Families (nonprofit)

Chelsea also served as Executive Director of Raley’s Food For Families, the company’s nonprofit foundation, where she led an organizational transformation, leading to the organization’s 40th anniversary. She set strategic direction, modernized governance and bylaws, established accountability frameworks with regional food banks, developed grant infrastructure, and strengthened partnerships to maximize community impact.

Throughout her career, Chelsea has been trusted to lead through high-pressure situations, including complex crisis communications involving food safety, workplace claims, political disputes, and reputational threats. She is recognized for her ability to stay calm, strategic, and decisive, serving as a steady voice for organizations when scrutiny is intense and outcomes matter. Chelsea is known for building trust, shaping authentic narratives and delivering results in complex, highly-regulated environments.

Political Career & Education

Chelsea began her career in California politics as a Jesse M. Unruh Capitol Fellow, gaining firsthand experience in the State Capitol before moving into public affairs consulting at KP Public Affairs, where she supported clients with strategic communications and government engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from California State University, Stanislaus, and an Executive MBA from California State University, Sacramento.

Community Leadership

A servant leader and mentor, Chelsea is deeply rooted in the Sacramento region and remains actively engaged in civic and business leadership:

• Board Member, Roseville Chamber of Commerce
• Board Member,  Metro Chamber Political Action Committee (which she previously chaired for four years)
• Public Appointee (alternate), California Cattle Council
• Senior fellow of American Leadership Forum (ALF), Mountain Valley Chapter

Chelsea lives in Sacramento with her husband and  twins. She is motivated by a desire to help build strong businesses and resilient communities where the next generation can thrive.

Community Contributions & Accolades

• Award: Sacramento Business Journal’s | 40 Under 40, 2019
• Award: Comstock’s Magazine Top Ten Emerging leaders “making a difference” during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020
• West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce | Chair, 2020
• Award: West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce | Business Leader of the Year, 2022
• California Retailers Association | Chair, 2023
• Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Political Action Committee | Chair, 2020-2024
• Award: Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce | Volunteer of the Year, 2025
• Award: Crime Victims United Impact Award, 2025