Conference Session

Widely viewed among the top education advocates in California, Kevin serves as President of Capitol Advisors Group, LLC and Chief Lobbyist for the California School Nutrition Association. He was also the longtime Executive Director of the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO), Mr. Gordon previously served as the Chief Lobbyist and Assistant Executive Director of the California School Boards Association (CSBA). He has also served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Robert T. Matsui and as a legislative advocate for the California Building Industry Association (CBIA). He holds a master's degree in public administration from the University of San Francisco. Prior to that, while completing his undergraduate degree in communication studies at University of California, Davis, he was recruited by the IBM Corporation and served three years in its national marketing division for large systems.

Former State Superintendent Jack O'Connell brings decades of public service and expertise to the California School Nutrition Association and Capitol Advisors Group. During his two terms as State Superintendent of Public Instruction and twenty years as both a state Senator and Assembly Member, O'Connell focused on the importance of school nutrition on academic performance and student well-being. He also focused on closing the achievement gap and preparing students for a rapidly changing global economy by holding high standards for all students. He remains a strong supporter and facilitator of partnerships between schools, businesses, communities, and philanthropies in order to engage all students with challenging, real-world education experiences. Jack formerly served as the Chief Education Officer at School Innovations & Advocacy. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Fullerton and a secondary teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach. As a former high school teacher and author of the legislation creating the California High School Exit Exam, he led a comprehensive effort to increase rigor and improve student achievement in California high schools.

Lee Angela Reid is the lead advocate for CSNA and Senior Legislative Advocate at Capitol Advisors Group. She joined Capitol Advisors after spending 23 years in the State Capitol working on K-12 education issues. Most recently, Ms. Reid served as a consultant on state and federal education issues in the Senate Office of Research, providing analysis and advice to legislators and legislative staff on K-12 education policy issues and trends. Lee Angela also acted as a key liaison between legislators, the State Board of Education, California Department of Education, universities, and think tanks. In this role, she has developed a renowned reputation as one of the most prominent experts on policy, waivers, and curriculum and instruction issues pending before the State Board of Education. Additionally, in her role at the Senate Office of Research, Ms. Reid provided professional development opportunities to her legislative staff colleagues. Previously, Ms. Reid served as the K-14 education consultant to the Vice-Chair of the Senate Education Committee, Senator Bruce McPherson from 2001 to 2004. She is a graduate of UC Davis with bachelor degrees in International Relations and Spanish.