Leah M. Medrano

Deputy Director Tax Credit Program

Leah Medrano was appointed Deputy Director at the California Film Commission by Governor Gavin Newsom. In this role, Leah combines her extensive production office experience with 20+ years of State of California public service. She is responsible for overseeing the State of California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program and Soundstage Filming Tax Credit Program, ensuring these initiatives support the state’s thriving film and television industry. Coming from a family with more than 100 years (collectively) of working for the State of California, Leah is committed to continue the work and serve the people of the Golden State.

Leah started her State service in December 2000; she joined the California Film Commission in 2009 when the Tax Credit Program was first enacted. Since then, she has played a crucial role in shaping the Tax Credit Program and retaining film and television productions in California. Her strategic vision and leadership have significantly contributed to the program’s success.

Before her tenure at the California Film Commission, Leah had a distinguished career in production and media. She worked at the Los Angeles news group for CBS2 and KCAL9, Fox Television Station, SiTV, Fox Sports Net/PrimeTicket, and ABC Network – working at shows like “The Bachelor/The Bachelorette” franchise, “TMZ,” and countless reality television shows for MTV Networks and BET. She also held positions with the California Highway Patrol and the California Department of State Hospitals prior to joining the California Film Commission.

Leah currently serves as a Board Member at FilAm Arts; a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that advocates for Filipino-Americans and Pilipino culture, FilAm Arts organization connects people through facilitating arts and culture programming so that FilAm cultural identity are properly represented, embraced, and preserved for future generations. In addition, Leah is a member of Filipino Young Leaders Program, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, and Women in Film.

Advancing her support for women’s advocacy, Leah is part of the Women in Entertainment mentorship program, in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles. This program pairs female executives in the entertainment industry with high-achieving female high school students from underserved backgrounds. Through this relationship, Leah’s mentorship serves as a crucial guide and source of support for mentees during a pivotal time in their lives, helping them navigate the college application process and exposing them to professional possibilities they may not have contemplated or even been aware of.

Leah is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach; she holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and a master’s degree in Education, Emphasis on the Social and Cultural Analysis in Education. She lives in Los Angeles County and volunteers teaching art and dance classes for the local community.