ABOUT RACHEL
My family: husband Colm Keenan, son Ethan, daughter Amelia, and dog Trixie
Public service is deeply personal to me. My father worked multiple jobs—including as a San Francisco firefighter, electrician, and NERT instructor—to provide for our family, while my mother dedicated herself to raising us with love, strength, and resilience.
Their example taught me the importance of hard work, service, and putting community first. My grandparents—teachers, a police officer, and a union plumber—further reinforced the value of civic responsibility and good citizenship.
That legacy continues in my family today: my brother is a firefighter, and my mother and sister devote their time to wildlife conservation and animal rescue.
My brother and I dressed up in our dad's firefighter uniform in the 1990s.
I am honored to serve as Mayor and represent District 2 on the Novato City Council, where I have proudly served for the past four years. In this role, I am committed to listening to our community, leading with integrity, and delivering practical results that strengthen Novato today and for generations to come.
Born and raised in Marin County, I moved to Novato in 2007 and quickly found my place here while working with local small businesses and supporting their payroll needs. I fell in love with Novato’s people, its strong sense of community, and its extraordinary natural beauty.
Novato is more than where I live—it is home. I married my husband, Colm, an Irish immigrant, at Stonetree Golf Course, and together we chose to raise our family here. Our children, Ethan and Amelia, are growing up in the same community we deeply care about. Our family also includes our dog, Trixie, and our cats, Rainbow and Heaven.
A RECORD OF SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP
Since joining the City Council, I have worked to bring a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to every decision—balancing community priorities, fiscal responsibility, and long-term planning. As Mayor, I am especially focused on fostering collaboration, transparency, and meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to Novato residents.
Prior to my election to the Council, I served on the Planning Commission for two years, where I asked careful questions, evaluated complex issues, and grounded decisions in both data and community input. I was honored to serve as Chair, strengthening my commitment to responsible planning and environmental stewardship.
I was also appointed to the Marin County Mental Health Board, where I served for over six years—including more than two years as Chair. In that role, I authored a resolution that passed unanimously and advocated for important structural changes to better support individuals with co-occurring disorders and expand access to care. I am proud of my reputation for collaboration, follow-through, and getting things done.
Beyond my formal roles, I remain actively engaged in our community. I am a member of Soroptimist International, supporting scholarships for local students, and I have volunteered with Novato’s 4th of July organizing committee. I also serve on the State Public Affairs Committee for the Junior League of Sonoma, where I work with state legislators, analyze policy, and advocate for meaningful change.
I have also been committed to climate action at every level—from my work in Washington, D.C., to local efforts here in Novato, where I partnered with residents to successfully advocate for the Climate Emergency Resolution.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
My professional background includes construction leadership and public-sector consulting, giving me a unique perspective on both local development and large-scale infrastructure challenges.
I serve as Chief Operating Officer of Marin Ridge Builders, a local construction firm, where I oversee day-to-day operations, supported project execution, and ensure strong coordination across design, budgeting, and delivery. This role strengthens my understanding of construction management, client needs, and the importance of accountability and quality in every project.
I then spent nearly five years with Michael Baker International, working on two FEMA contracts focused on climate resilience, flooding, and disaster recovery.
In my role as a Project Lead and PMO Lead, I helped communities navigate complex challenges related to climate change and natural disasters. I was responsible for project planning, budget oversight, process development, and overall program management—ensuring projects stayed on track, met federal requirements, and delivered meaningful outcomes for communities.
This combination of hands-on construction experience and large-scale government consulting has equipped me with the skills to manage complex projects, build consensus, and deliver results.
.jpg)
educated TO MAKE SOLID DECISIONS FOR NOVATO'S FUTURE
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Chico, where I built a strong foundation in finance, management, and organizational strategy. This education has been instrumental in my work in both the private and public sectors, helping me approach complex challenges with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset.
I also hold a Master’s degree in Public Administration, with a focus on economic development, public sector financing, and local government challenges.
My graduate studies emphasized data-driven decision-making and real-world policy analysis—preparing me to make informed, strategic decisions that serve Novato’s long-term needs.
PUBLIC SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST
I am grateful to the voters of District 2 for the trust you have placed in me. Serving Novato is a responsibility I take seriously every day. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I remain focused on practical solutions, fiscal responsibility, and a future that works for everyone in our community.
If you have questions, ideas, or concerns, I welcome your input. I am here to serve—and committed to continuing the work of building a stronger, more resilient Novato.
