NEIL CHASE

Topic: Journalism’s Role in Today’s Politics

Neil Chase is the CEO of CalMatters, a nonpartisan and nonprofit news organization. Chase and his team are on a mission to improve California’s democracy by making its government more transparent and accountable and giving Californians the information they need to understand and engage with that government.

ASM. SADE ELHAWARY

Topic: Preparing for the World Cup & Olympics

Asm. Sade Elhawary represents California’s 57th Assembly District, including the communities of Exposition Park, South Los Angeles, and Downtown Los Angeles. She currently serves as a member of both the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee and the Assembly Select Committee on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

CHRIS MARSH

Topic: Taking on Unite Here, and Winning!

Chris Marsh is a Director at Swing Strategies, a consulting firm that specializes in political and public affairs campaigns. Marsh recently partnered with Greater Ontario (GO CAL) to fight back against a local Unite Here initiative that threatened to change minimum wage rules and require voter approval for major projects such as new hotels and convention center expansion—and they won.

CHAD MAYES

Topic: Advocacy Advice from a Public Policy Veteran

Chad Mayes is Principal at Genesi, a consulting firm he founded based on his firsthand experience inside the government. Over nearly a dozen years, first as a member of the California State Assembly and now as an advocate, Mayes has delivered complex and consequential public policy outcomes that have shaped institutions, markets, and communities.

ASM. TINA MCINNOR

Topic: Preparing for the World Cup & Olympics

Asm. Tina McKinnor represents California’s 61st Assembly District, including the communities of Inglewood, Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, Venice, and more. She currently serves as Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and a member of the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee.