Eric Zell, Principal
Eric Zell is a specialist in political strategy, governmental affairs, and public policy. He has over twenty years of experience providing skillful leadership and successfully achieving definitive, effective resolutions to difficult and high profile state and local issues. His list of accomplishments includes spearheading the successful passage of state environmental and education legislation, gaining approvals for state-of-the-art energy facilities, and facilitating the passage of Contra Costa County's landmark Industrial Safety Ordinance. His work on local ballot measures resulted in the establishment of Contra Costa County's Transportation Sales Tax and Growth Management Program. Eric has managed the political campaigns of numerous candidates on the state and local levels.

Prior to establishing Zell & Associates, in 1991, Eric held the position of Vice President, Governmental Relations and Public Affairs, for William R. Gray and Company, a transportation consulting firm, for four years. From 1980-87, Eric served as the local Chief-of-Staff to State Assemblyman Bob Campbell. Eric's numerous community involvements include serving as a current or former member of the Board of Directors of the Contra Costa College Foundation, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Opportunity West, and Tehiyah Day School. Eric received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from UCLA.

Through his extensive and varied professional experience, Eric has formed unique, positive working relationships with elected officials, government staff, the business community, the labor and environmental communities, and the public. He is also connected with many highly skilled and reputable professionals in a wide variety of relevant specialties such as public opinion surveys, communications, and project management. Once the needs of a client are firmly established, Eric often organizes and oversees a team whose combined expertise provides a winning formula for success.

Eric Zell offers his clients a unique combination of high ethical and professional standards, acute political acumen, broad public policy and government experience, and long-standing professional relationships. His excellent reputation for achieving desired results is widely respected throughout the Bay Area and California.

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Bonnie Sublett, Executive Assistant - Projects
Bonnie Sublett brings to Zell and Associates and its clients over twelve years of experience working as staff on a number of federal, state, and local issues and campaigns.

Bonnie brings a wide range of knowledge, extraordinary people skills and resourcefulness, fortified by common sense and years of concrete experience to our firm. Bonnie is creative and works very effectively behind the scenes to ensure the smooth implementation of all phases related to client projects.

Bonnie serves a critical role in providing support to Zell and Associates in the following core areas: administration, special projects, campaigns, community outreach and project support.

Prior to joining Zell & Associates, Bonnie spent eight years working in the agriculture and petroleum industries.  She also spent four years on the Contra Costa County Community Block Grant Commission and as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Lovelock in Nevada.

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Cristina Pena-Coley, Executive Administrative Assistant and Office Manager
Cristina Pena-Coley oversees the day-to-day operations of the Zell & Associates business office, managing its administrative and clerical functions. She is often the first person one meets when arriving at the office, and her courteous and friendly manner makes everyone feel welcome.

Cristina is also Eric Zell's administrative assistant and coordinates his daily schedule and calendar. She often handles all of the arrangements for group meetings and coordinates a wide variety of events as well.

Prior to joining Zell & Associates, Cristina worked for nine years in the Clerical/Administrative Department of Norris & Norris, a well-known local law firm. She also has four years' experience as a computer operator for Fair, Isaac and Company of San Rafael.

Cristina's ability to multi-task and problem solve, as well as her excellent organizational and "people skills," make her an invaluable member of the Zell & Associates staff.

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