About

Brian’s career in government and politics spans 18 years and two coasts. He has held roles in the New York State Senate, the California State Assembly, and oversaw the Southern California office for a national public affairs firm.

Brian cut his teeth in New York politics, managing three shocking victories for State Senate candidates. Those campaigns flipped the New York State Senate to Democratic control for the first time in over 40 years. As Deputy Communications Director for the New York State Senate Majority, Brian crafted communications campaigns to reform New York State’s draconian Rockefeller Drug Laws, pass the MTA Rescue and Reform package, and balance the budget after the crippling 2008 Mortgage Recession.

In the California State Assembly, Brian served as Communications and District Director for Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, where he led communications and public outreach to support lifesaving earthquake retrofit legislation for seismically vulnerable apartment buildings, the creation of California’s State Child Savings Account, and $15 million for park and open space expansion throughout the City of Los Angeles.

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon appointed Brian to serve on the Upper Los Angeles River and Tributaries Working Group, where he developed a revitalization plan that identified over 300 recreation and conservation projects to bring open- space amenities to more than 625,000 residents. Brian serves as Commissioner on the City of Santa Monica Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission and was the former Vice Chair of the City of Santa Monica Social Services Commission. He has advocated for increased renters’ assistance, a Universal Basic Income Program, and social services-focused Development Agreements to protect the city’s most vulnerable.

Brian currently works with Fortune 500 companies, governments, and advocacy organizations to solve complex policy and political issues to improve the quality of life for working families.

After working at the highest levels of L.A. City Hall for nearly two decades, in addition to leading a national public affairs company, Areen founded Chief Strategies, a boutique public affairs and advocacy firm with deep roots in the LA metro area. Areen pairs his extensive experience in L.A. government and politics with top-tier communications and political strategy to help lead projects to success.

Prior to founding Chief Strategies, Areen served as Chief of Staff to Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian. Here, he oversaw all aspects of the office’s policy portfolio, with a focus on local job creation and the city’s multi-billion-dollar budget. In this capacity, Areen was integral to creating the city’s newly created Job and Economic Development Incentive (JEDI) Zones to spur business development across Los Angeles. He also served as campaign manager for Councilmember Krekorian’s successful City Council bids in 2009, 2011, and 2015.

Areen’s experience in LA City Hall extends back to 2003 when he worked for then-LA City Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa. He went on to serve in Villaraigosa’s mayoral administration as special assistant to the mayor, as well as a senior budget director in the mayor’s budget and finance shop where he focused on energy and environmental issues. Areen also has a long list of victories on the political side, having worked on numerous races at the local and national levels, including President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, in addition to campaigns for Congressmember Adam Schiff, Mayor Villaraigosa, and many others. Chief Strategies current client list includes numerous Fortune 500 companies such as CVS Health, Tesla, Verizon, Sunrun, and other confidential clients who are at the top of their respective industries.

Ilana Parach is a driven professional with a passion for social justice. She is a Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Hoops for Justice, a non-profit organization that aims to empower incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and underserved youth of color to achieve positive and productive futures. Ilana is responsible for managing the organization's operational functions and leading internal and external communications efforts.

Additionally, Ilana is a Project Manager at Chief Strategies, a public affairs and advocacy firm based in Los Angeles, where she coordinates and operates webinar series, produces social media content and manages social media calendars.

Previously, Ilana served as a Campaign Coordinator for the Rick Caruso Mayoral Campaign, where she was responsible for communicating with constituents, organizing volunteers, conducting research, and tracking administrative tasks and projects.

Ilana is a member of California Alliance Youth & Community Justice and has been a part of the Youth Justice Reimagine Work Groups. She studied Political Science at Glendale Community College.

Ilana's experience and passion for social justice make her a valuable asset in any organization working towards empowering marginalized communities.

Mr. Ali Sajjad Taj has served on the Artesia City Council since December 2013 and served as Mayor twice.

He was re- elected for the third time in November 2023.

He has focused his energy and time on improving day-to-day quality of life issues for all Artesia residents.

His priorities include Public Safety, infrastructure, financial stability and economic development.

He possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science and a postgraduate degree of Master in Public Administration.

He serves as President of the League of California Cities (Representing all 482 California Cities/ towns of California)

He serves as Chair for Eco-Rapid Transit Orange Line Development Authority of Los Angeles County

He is the Vice President for the California Contract Cities Association (Representing 88 cities/ towns )