Matthew Newman

Matthew Newman specializes in analysis of state and local fiscal and public policy issues. He has extensive expertise in developing simulation and forecasting models, and analyzing large datasets.

Mr. Newman previously served as the founding Executive Director of the California Institute for County Government (CICG), a nonpartisan public policy research organization supported by the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), the California State University system. Prior to working at CICG, Mr. Newman was a Senior Consultant for LECG, an international economics and public policy consulting firm. Mr. Newman also served as a Policy Analyst for California's Legislative Analyst's Office.

Mr. Newman is a Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude graduate of the College Honors program at the University of California at Los Angeles and holds a Master of Public Policy degree from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.

Tim Gage

Tim Gage is a highly-regarded public servant, having spent over 24 years as a fiscal advisor with both houses of the California Legislature and as the Director of the California Department of Finance.

Mr. Gage was appointed Director of Finance in 1999 after over 20 years of legislative budget experience. In this capacity, he directed a staff of 350 in the development of the state's $100 billion budget, and oversaw its progress through the legislative process. He also directed representation of the Administration on 70 state boards and commissions and negotiated several major legal settlements.

In the Legislature, Mr. Gage served for four years as the chief fiscal advisor to two Presidents pro Tempore of the California State Senate and for seven years as the chief consultant to the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, where he oversaw preparation of the state budget for the Assembly and the analysis of all financial legislation heard by the committee.

In March 2003, Mr. Gage was appointed by Governor Davis to a three-year term as a member of the Board of Governors of the California Independent System Operator, the state's public benefit corporation responsible for managing the flow of electricity on California's high-voltage electric power grid. Mr. Gage currently serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee of the board.

Mr. Gage received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy with honors from Harvard College and a Master of Public Policy degree from the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California at Berkeley.

Aaron Leventhal

Aaron Leventhal is a highly accomplished consultant, analyst, and business manager. Aaron focuses on maximizing investments in sustainability by identifying and executing business, policy, and market strategies that are both practical and profitable. In addition to his work for Carbon Label California, Aaron is a Senior Consultant for the Blue Sky Consulting Group, and leads the firm’s environmental policy initiatives. In addition, Aaron is the President of Open Hand Manufacturing and the CEO of Hero Arts, a 100-employee design company in the craft industry.

Previously, Aaron worked in the area of brand management, strategic planning and financial analysis as a Senior Consultant at LECG, an international economics, finance, and public policy consulting firm. He also worked at the Department of Commerce’s MEP program, in cooperation with the SBA, helping small businesses and states work together through grants, loans, technical transfer and other services. Aaron holds a BA in Economics from UC Santa Cruz, and a MA in Science, Technology and Public Policy from the George Washington University.