Providing leadership and strategic direction to the Operations and Administration Branch at the California Department of Education supporting California's nearly six million student learners led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond

Using my experience and skills as a policy professional and former elected official to create, vibrant, healthier and equitable communities for California’s future focusing on K-14 public education. Effective & ethical leader in the public affairs arena with over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of delivering results.

The City Council is the governing body of the City of Oakland. Its eight members are elected directly by the citizens of Oakland. The Council is made up of one representative from each of seven districts and one at-large representative.The Council sets goals and priorities for the City. The council approves the City budget, adopts ordinances to help the City serve its citizens, and appoints members to various boards and commissions.

As a public finance professional, I work exclusively with California K-14 public school districts to finance the construction and modernization of schools. Since 2000, I have helped secure over $2.5 billion through bond financing measures to transform classrooms and provide students with the technology and tools they need to succeed in the 21st century. I have assisted over 60 public districts in securing parcel tax and general obligation bond funding as well as other tax exempt (and federally… Show more As a public finance professional, I work exclusively with California K-14 public school districts to finance the construction and modernization of schools. Since 2000, I have helped secure over $2.5 billion through bond financing measures to transform classrooms and provide students with the technology and tools they need to succeed in the 21st century. I have assisted over 60 public districts in securing parcel tax and general obligation bond funding as well as other tax exempt (and federally qualified) subsidies deliver better schools for California kids. Working with school districts that that range from 50 to 30,000 my goal is to provide my clients with excellent service and results. Areas of expertise includes,facilities planning, financial advisory services, state aid and facilities program administration. Show less

As an elected Trustee, I have responsibility for the policy and governance of the Peralta Colleges- Laney College, Merritt College, College of Alameda and Berkeley City College. As a publicly supported and locally oriented community college, our aim is to provide excellent education including associates degrees, transfer education and workforce development opportunities. We are fully accredited through the Association of California Community and Junior Colleges. As a trustee, I have served… Show more As an elected Trustee, I have responsibility for the policy and governance of the Peralta Colleges- Laney College, Merritt College, College of Alameda and Berkeley City College. As a publicly supported and locally oriented community college, our aim is to provide excellent education including associates degrees, transfer education and workforce development opportunities. We are fully accredited through the Association of California Community and Junior Colleges. As a trustee, I have served as President of the Board of Trustees as well as Vice President where I have spearheaded a series of financial reforms and accountability measures that have helped turnaround the 40,000 student district. Show less

In a volunteer capacity, was elected my my peers to lead the first Latino interest fraternity on the west coast. Grew the organization, doubling thr number of chapters and provided policies, procedures and leadership to the Board of Directors focused on graduating out membership.

The Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs is a full-time, nine month, graduate-level experiential leadership training program that prepares diverse, talented and committed individuals for effective and ethical leadership in the public affairs arena. Unconventional by traditional academic standards, the Fellows Program is rigorous and demanding, an unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth. Abel served as a Coro Fellow in New York City 1998-1999.