Very few, if any, CPTA members start their careers in campaign finance fresh out of school. Most members’ paths are circuitous and this brings unique talents and perspectives to our profession. Transplanted Philadelphian, now long time Long Beacher, Christopher Thomas is a case in point.
With eight years as an airman in the United States Air Force, 4 years active-duty and 4 years in the reserves, Chris served in missile defense and intelligence operations - key experience for keeping one’s cool in the harried campaign finance world. While in the Air Force Chris developed his love of travel and pursued his love of airplanes. Although mostly stationed in Southern California, Chris had tours of duty in Germany, Korea, Japan and Kuwait. While serving in the reserves Chris not only worked for the City of Long Beach he worked part time with Jet Blue Airways as an Operation Crewmember. In addition, Chris is an Administrator of the Facebook group – Los Angeles Aviation Spotters. There he connects with representatives of several fields in the airline industry including pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, and airline managers. Chris is fortunate to have a friend who works in the airline industry who may soon provide Chris the opportunity to fly wherever, whenever. Australia is beckoning
But in 2008 after the death of his grandmother which left him heartbroken, Chris resigned from the City of Long Beach, relocated back to Los Angeles, and entered the campaign finance profession working with Steve Mele at ML Associates during the No on 8 Campaign. Mele’s exit from Southern California led Chris to Betty Anne Downing at California Political Law which he greatly enjoyed for several years. “Betty Anne taught me so very much and I am grateful for her wisdom and knowledge and to have been a part of her team,” said Chris. Upon Betty Anne’s firm’s merger with another firm, Chris transitioned to Gould and Orrellana during their move to Long Beach. Both David and Ingrid have taught him so much about our industry and he is pleased that they believed in him to be a part of their team. In addition, says Chris, “I would say the best part about my current position is it’s closer to home. I live three blocks away from the office. And I also have the ability to broaden my horizon. I have a lot more responsibility and now feel a lot more confident in my knowledge of campaign finance, thanks to all three of my mentors and their guidance. “
Chris is also involved in the state and local political scene including a Third term as state delegate to the Democratic Party representing the 70
th Assembly District and Assembly member Patrick O’Donnell. Chris is also in his 5
th Term as an Executive Board Member, Vice President of Finance for the Long Beach Democratic Club and a member of Long Beach Democratic Women’s Study Club and Long Beach Lambda Democratic Club.
Chris truly values CPTA membership, and feels that the sharing of ideas and gathering information from fellow treasurers is extremely important. He has also made lifelong friends in CPTA. Since his first CPTA conference in 2012 in Las Vegas Chris feels the support he received from fellow members, especially Laura Stephen, D’Ron Smith and Mia Brumfield, have been integral in his depth of knowledge and have made his transition from a very new member to part of the CPTA family from Day One.
(If you would like to be featured in our next issue, please contact Sheila Scally)
