Meet Desiree Liberato

Name:  Désirée Liberato 
Title:  Proceeding Support Manager II
Division: Administrative Law Judge Division
CPUC Tenure: 9 years (26 with the state) 
Headquarters: San Francisco

CPUC role: Manager supporting CPUC proceedings in the CPUC’s Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Division including for the STAR and Proceedings Analysts Units, both of which primarily support ALJs. 

What initiatives at the CPUC make you proud to work here?  
Hearing about the CPUC’s efforts to bridge the digital divide through broadband infrastructure grants is especially inspiring. These initiatives bring high-speed, reliable internet access to historically underserved rural, tribal, and urban communities, helping unlock educational, economic, and social opportunities for those who need them most. I am also proud of the CPUC’s commitment to advancing environmental and social justice (ESJ), as communities of color, low-income households, and tribal lands face disproportionate exposure to pollution, environmental hazards, and barriers to clean energy, water, and other utilities. ESJ ensures CPUC’s policies and programs mitigate these inequities and close gaps in access and opportunity.

On a more personal level, I take great pride in the work that happens behind the scenes to support the CPUC’s mission by our Proceeding Support staff. When these important initiatives become Final Decisions, I am proud of the Support to ALJ Division’s (STAR) staff dedication to processing agenda and non-agenda items efficiently, helping proceedings move forward. I am equally proud of the Proceedings Analysts unit for providing the research, analysis, hearing support, statistical reporting, coordination, and logistical support that enable our ALJs and Division staff to effectively carry out their work. Together, these teams play a vital role in ensuring the CPUC’s proceedings and special projects are successful.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?  
People may be surprised that both my parents were police officers. My dad was Chief of Investigation, while my mom was Deputy Chief of Personnel. They were my real-life examples of leading with vision, integrity, empathy, and accountability. I will, evermore, be immensely grateful for all their hard work and reputable legacy.

What’s one project you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of and why? 
I am most proud of the JumpStart Program, a new ALJ training program. It was one of my first assignments for the ALJ Division and involved putting together a training program on a much larger scale than what had previously been done. It took heavy coordination and logistical work to successfully launch, but through ALJ management support, we got it off the ground.  

Fast forward to now, it continues to be one of the most robust and comprehensive training programs in the agency. The goal is to give new ALJs sufficient tools and guidance to get started with their career in the Division and the agency. We have in-house trainers and instructors that include ALJ management, ALJs, support unit managers, as well as supervisors and staff. We also work with external trainers and instructors including industry (energy, water, rail, communication) Division chiefs, deputies, and staff; Legal Division management; and Commissioner staff.  
 
We host a graduation ceremony for each cohort that have become a beloved tradition. Over the years, our team has grown from one Assistant Chief and me to having two amazing Proceedings Analysts for support (shout out to Christina and Melissa!). I am grateful that we have been able to sustain this program, and it continues to serve as a foundation for our new ALJs. The JumpStart Program remains a testament to the ALJ Division’s investment and commitment to training.

What’s one hobby or activity you really enjoy outside of work?  
My husband, son, and I enjoy traveling and exploring the world. We like discovering different cuisines, culture, and grocery stores. I also enjoy taking part in activities that advocate, represent, and introduce our Filipino and Asian culture, such as the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group at the CPUC. 
 
Do you have a favorite book, podcast, or show you recommend? 
For a book, I recommend Let Them by Mel Robbins because it's a profound tool for what seems to be our never-ending quest on emotional freedom and balance. For a podcast, I love listening to Good Hang by Amy Poehler, which makes me laugh out loud.  For shows, I recommend Lioness, Ted Lasso, and Slow Horses (Gary Oldman is the best!).