Marcie Frost

CEO,

California Public Employees' Retirement System(CalPERS)

Marcie Frost is the CEO of CalPERS, managing a $464 billion investment portfolio with a focus on asset liability management, climate change integration, and sustainable investments. She advocates for diversity and sustainability through initiatives like Climate Action 100+ and board memberships.

Steven Sterman

Senior Managing Director,

UC Investments

Mr. Sterman is a Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Private Equity at the University of California where he shares responsibility for the University’s $14 billion of venture, growth equity, and buyout funds and co-investments. Steve is responsible for UC Investments’ direct investing in the University of California’s ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Fiona Ma, CPA

California State Treasurer

Fiona Ma is California's 34th State Treasurer, first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022 with a record number of votes. She is the first woman of color and CPA in this role. The Treasurer's Office finances infrastructure projects benefiting residents, manages a $200 billion investment portfolio, and oversees state bonds and debts. Ma plays a key role in California's economy as the state's primary banker.

Malia Cohen

California State Controller

State Controller Malia M. Cohen, elected in 2022, oversees California's finances, audits agencies, and manages payroll. She chairs the Franchise Tax Board, sits on CalPERS and CalSTRS boards, and represents District 2. Cohen works on property tax modernization and affordable housing, previously serving as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Blong Xiong

State Executive Director,
U.S. Department of Agriculture

Blong Xiong, appointed as the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in California by the Biden Administration in 2022, previously led the Asian Business Institute and Resource Center, assisting over 250 small agricultural producers. He was Fresno's first Hmong and Asian Council Member, held roles at The Fresno Center, and contributed to community and economic development initiatives.

Dustin McDonald

Governor’s Office of

Business and Economic Development

Dustin, with 20 years of experience in government and public relations, joined GO-Biz in 2023. He focuses on economic development, cannabis policy, finance, taxation, and land use. Dustin has worked in various roles supporting California's economic future.

Arnab Pal

Senior Consultant,

U.S. Department of Energy

Arnab Pal is the principal advisor to Director Shah at the US Department of Energy's Loan Program Office. He has a background in energy provisions, decarbonization programs in California, and resource planning at San Diego Gas and Electric.

Robert M. Hertzberg

Former Speaker of

the California State Assembly,

Senate Majority Leader

Robert Hertzberg, from Los Angeles, served as Speaker of the California State Assembly and Majority Leader of the California State Senate. Known for his energy, integrity, and legislative skills, he has tackled tough issues and negotiations, contributing significantly to trade and government.

CIF Chairman Daniel Sieu

Former Project Director,

Minority Business Development Agency-U.S. Department of Commerce 

Daniel Sieu, Chairman of the William & Stephanie Foundation and the California Investment Forum, has over 30 years of experience in strategic investments and international business development. He has influenced global market connections, AI, and sustainable energy, drawing $1 billion in investments and establishing California as an innovation center.

Christine Peterson 

Senior Director of International Trade

Christine facilitates sustainable and inclusive international economic opportunities for Los Angeles. She strengthens the City’s relationships with foreign governments and businesses and attracts foreign direct investment to Los Angeles. She equips small businesses with resources to sell their products and services abroad and grow their businesses locally. She leads the Mayor’s support for the Port of LA’s Green Shipping Corridor partnerships and has developed L.A. trade missions to Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, the UK, and Vietnam. 

Colleen Bell

Director of the California Film Commission

Ambassador (Ret.) Colleen Bell was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019 to serve as Director of the California Film Commission, within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. In this role, she oversees California’s film and television portfolio, including administration of the state’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program, permitting on state properties, production and location services, and government affairs.

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Richard M. Swanson, Jr. 

Senior Advisor to the Office of Regional Director

Senior Advisor to the Office of Regional Director, Pacific South Network, U.S. Commercial Service, Global Markets, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. Richard is based out of California in the Irvine U.S. Export Assistance Center, which is colocated with colleagues from Advocacy, Small Business Administration, and Export-Import Bank along with the Western Regional Office of the Bureau of Industry and Security and Export Enforcement.