Eric Zell, Principal

Eric is a specialist in public policy, governmental affairs and political strategy. He has over twenty nine years of experience achieving successful implementation of difficult and high profile state and local public policy issues including the passage of state environmental, education and energy legislation, the establishment of Contra Costa County’s Transportation Sales Tax and Growth Management Program, gaining approvals for state-of-the-art energy facilities, and the passage of Contra Costa County’s landmark Industrial Safety Ordinance. He has implemented public affairs and political campaigns on a variety of issues and for numerous candidates on the state and local levels as well as local ballot measures.

In 1991, Eric formed Zell & Associates, a highly respected government relations and public affairs consulting firm. Prior to forming his own company, Eric held the position of Vice President, Governmental Relations and Public Affairs, for William R. Gray and Company, a transportation consulting firm, for a period of four years. From 1980 through 1987, he served as local Chief-of-Staff to State Assemblyman Bob Campbell.

In addition, Eric is extraordinarily active in the local community, serving as an elected member of the West Contra Costa Healthcare District Board of Directors and on the Board of Directors of the Contra Costa College Foundation and the Richmond Community Foundation. In 2010, he served as Finance Co-chair of the East Bay Regional Park District’s successful Measure WW bond measure campaign.

He received his B.A. degree in political science from UCLA. He and his wife, Wendy, live in Point Richmond with his two children.
     
 

Bonnie Sublett, Executive Assistant - Projects

Bonnie Sublett brings over twelve years of experience working as staff on a number of federal, state, and local issues and campaigns.

Bonnie’s wide range of knowledge, extraordinary people skills and resourcefulness, fortified by common sense and years of concrete experience, is a tremendous asset to our firm. She 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 & 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.
     
 

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 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," has made her an invaluable member of the Zell & Associates staff for over ten years.