With more than 12 years of experience in government relations, Patricia Wilmore has been named government affairs coordinator for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.

Wilmore, who was selected after an in-depth search, will represent the alliance and its members as a private contractor, according to the organization, which represents wineries, growers and businesses.

As government affairs coordinator, Wilmore will “monitor issues and potential regulations locally and countywide that will impact Alliance members with a focus on water, land use, economic strategies, community and agriculture,” the organization said. As well, she will represent the group on several local committees, including the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Blue Ribbon Steering Committee and the Uniquely SLOAction Team. Wilmore will also continue partnerships with related organizations, such as the San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau and Central Coast Vineyard Team, and be a partner with the county and the city of Paso Robles.

Wilmore previously worked as the senior government relations consultant at Pacific Gas and Electric Co., serving San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties. Before that she was the vice president and director of government affairs for the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce.

She succeeds Lisa Bodrogi, now the executive director of the Central Coast Wine Growers Association.

Wilmore’s first day was Monday.

“I am very much looking forward to it,” said Wilmore, who has created her own government relations strategies business, Patricia Wilmore Consulting. “Everyone I’ve talked to up here is just really thrilled that we’re able to do this and put this together.”

Although the wine industry is somewhat new territory for Wilmore, she has tackled agriculture-related concerns in the past, including open space issues with the city of San Luis Obispo, water issues related to the Nacimiento Water Project and solar farms on the Carrizo Plain. A Templeton resident, Wilmore has been interested in working more in the North County and building on her relationships there.

Jennifer Porter, executive director of the Wine Country Alliance, said Wilmore brings a diverse government relations background and keen analytical skills and is diplomatic and calm under pressure.

“From her PG&E days, she has the ability to take complicated information and make it digestible for our members,” Porter said. “From her SLO Chamber days, she understands membership organization. She’ll be able to pick up ag pretty quickly.”