BLANNING AND BAKER ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
April Beale serves as the bookkeeper for Blanning & Baker clients. She is responsible for tracking accounts payable and receivable for all clients and ensuring that the financial records are balanced each month.
Beale also helps organize the annual Sacramento Regional Science & Engineering Fair
Job Titles:
- Relations Consultant for the California Association of Professional Scientists
- Staff Consultant in Blanning & Baker 's Sacramento Office
- Staff Director
Gutierrez Petzold serves as the staff director and a labor relations consultant for the California Association of Professional Scientists (CAPS), where she works closely with client leadership to assist in preparing appropriate strategy and tactics to accomplish its goals.
She works with clients' members, to remedy workplace issues and produce favorable outcomes, handle disciplinary matters, issues with state department managers and supervisors, and provide individual representation.
Gutierrez Petzold also provides strategic and organizational services to the Sacramento Regional Science & Engineering Fair Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission to encourage students to find their passion for STEM and spark their interest in scientific, technological, engineering or mathematical degrees and careers.
Prior to joining Blanning & Baker, Gutierrez Petzold worked as a fulfillment coordinator at a private corporation in Orange County, where she provided counsel on implementation programs.
Gutierrez Petzold holds a bachelor's degree in political science and Spanish, a certificate in labor relations from the University of California, Davis, and has been formally trained in multiple bargaining styles.
Bianca Gutierrez Petzold is a staff consultant in Blanning & Baker's Sacramento Office. Gutierrez Petzold serves as the staff director and a labor relations consultant for the…
Job Titles:
- Labor Relations Consultant & Event Coordinator
Bianca Gutierrez Petzold is a staff consultant in Blanning & Baker's Sacramento Office. Gutierrez Petzold serves as the staff director and a labor relations consultant for the…
Job Titles:
- Membership Coordinator
- Membership Coordinator at Blanning
Blake Towle is a Membership Coordinator at Blanning and Baker. His responsibilities include membership recruitment, retention and development. His duties also include working with clients to educate and train leaders on effective methods of member recruitment and education.
Prior to joining Blanning & Baker, Towle was an Organizer for SEIU UHW, representing Kaiser workers in the Roseville and Sacramento area where he developed and executed campaigns for members to be active in their union and build worker power throughout his facilities. Towle also brings experience with California state worker unions through his work at SEIU Local 1000 as an Organizer where he led campaigns to recruit members and develop worksite leaders.
Towle holds a B.A. in Political Science from University of California, Berkeley.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Bookkeeper
Breanna Cabrera serves as an administrative assistant in Blanning & Baker's Sacramento office.
Cabrera assists Blanning & Baker staff and client leadership with financial reports, lobby days, communications, meeting planning, and travel arrangements.
Prior to joining Blanning & Baker, Cabrera worked as a tax auditor and property manager.
Cabrera holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Phoenix.
Job Titles:
- Insurance Administrator for Client Life Insurance
Cherry Desuasido is the Blanning & Baker Insurance Administrator for client life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and long-term care programs. She works with client members to ensure claims are appropriately filed and benefits are received.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Shareholder
- Chief Executive Officer for the Sacramento Regional Science & Engineering Fair Foundation
Christopher J. Voight is a shareholder with Blanning & Baker Associates.
For over 30 years, Voight has represented California state employees including highway patrolmen, state scientists, state engineers, state trades and maintenance workers and state attorneys. Prior to joining Blanning & Baker, Voight was the Assistant General Manager for the California Association of Highway Patrolmen.
Voight has negotiated many labor agreements at the state and local level. He has a successful track record in organizing, reaching favorable labor agreements, legislative advocacy, hearing representation and all phases of the representation process.
Voight is the Chief Executive Officer for the Sacramento Regional Science & Engineering Fair Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission to encourage and reward scientific, engineering and technological excellence in 6th through 12th grade students from the Sacramento region.
Voight holds a bachelor's degree in political science and collective bargaining from California State University, Chico, as well as a Master of Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento and a certificate in labor relations from the University of California, Davis.
Christopher J. Voight is a shareholder with Blanning & Baker Associates.
For over 30 years, Voight has represented California state employees includings…
Christiana Dominguez has been with Blanning & Baker since 2011, save for a brief tour of duty at the California Department of Justice where she served as a legislative advocate for the Attorney General. She has worked in labor law and policy representing state employees since graduating from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco in 2005.
Dominguez develops winning strategies for her clients - organizational or individual - on matters ranging from contract negotiations to administrative hearings.
Dominguez has an extensive background in politics and policy, having served as a Fellow in the Office of then-Assembly Speaker Herb J. Wesson, Jr, and working on political campaigns from local to presidential. She graduated cum laude from Claremont McKenna College with a degree in Government with a focus on Leadership Studies, writing her thesis on judicial elections in Los Angeles County.
In her free time, she serves on several Boards, including the YMCA of Superior California, where she also volunteers with the YMCA's Model Legislature & Court program to ensure that the next generation is civically engaged, values democratic institutions, and possesses the advocacy skills necessary to build stronger communities.
Claire is the administrative assistant at Blanning & Baker, Associates in the Sacramento office. She provides administrative support for the California Association of Professional Scientists (CAPS). She is also an event coordinator for the Sacramento Regional Science & Engineering Fair Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission to encourage and reward scientific, engineering and technological excellence in 6th through 12th grade students from the Sacramento region. Some of Claire's duties include assisting and directing client calls, helping organize meetings, and creating social media content.
Prior to working for Blanning & Baker, Claire was a supervisor in the service industry. She works well in fast paced environments and provides excellent customer service.
Job Titles:
- Labor Relations Consultant
Dawn Grosodonia joined Blanning & Baker's southern California office in 2003. As a labor relations consultant, she works with client leadership and legal staff to ensure employees are well represented in grievance, contract interpretation and disciplinary matters.
She is also responsible for the organization and staffing of client meetings and the design of collateral materials for special events.
Job Titles:
- Database Administrator
- Membership Coordinator
Eric Khuon is Blanning & Baker's database administrator and membership coordinator.
Job Titles:
- Database Administrator
- Membership Coordinator
Eric Khuon manages client membership databases and websites, as well as provides membership support to clients, and technical and computer support to staff…
Job Titles:
- Chief FInancial Officer
- Director
- Principal
- Associate Member of the State Bar of California Labor & Employment Law
H. Mattson Austin is the Chief Financial Officer and a director for Blanning & Baker. Austin also serves as the principal labor relations consultant for the San Francisco office. He has been an independent labor relations consultant for four decades.
Austin has worked with clients in a range of industries from government, entertainment, manufacturing, construction, the environment, engineering and higher education. He has spent a committed career working with employee groups to further collective bargaining, and enlightened managements to promote equity and participation in collective bargaining to mutual benefit.
Austin is an associate member of the State Bar of California Labor & Employment Law section, a member of the Labor and Employment Relations Association and a member of the Commonwealth Club of California. He has both a Bachelor's and a Master of Labor and Industrial Relations from Michigan State University, and has taken additional coursework from UCLA.
Austin has taught classes on negotiation techniques, labor relations administration and effective advocacy. As a senior leader for the firm's strategic direction, he regularly acts as an advisor to the lead consultants for all our clients.
Jesse Rodriguez is an attorney in Blanning & Baker's Pasadena office.
Rodriguez provides professional representation to state engineers and state scientists in matters ranging from contract enforcement to the interpretation and application of state and federal laws that govern the California workplace, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Rodriguez holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles and a law degree from Penn State University's The Dickinson School of Law.
He is a member of the State Bar of California Labor & Employment Law section.
Jesse Rodriguez provides professional representation to state engineers and state scientists in matters ranging from contract enforcement to the interpretation and application…
Job Titles:
- Director of Media and Research
Jon Ortiz serves as the Director of Media and Research for Blanning & Baker. His responsibilities include data collection and analysis that translates into effective advocacy for our clients.
Ortiz joined the firm after 13 years as an award-winning journalist with the Sacramento Bee. In 2008, he launched the State Worker Blog and column, and was the only journalist devoted full time to covering issues affecting California's state civil servants.
Jon Ortiz joined the firm after 13 years as an award-winning journalist with the Sacramento Bee. In 2008, he launched the State Worker Blog and column, and was the only journalist…
Kandi Sanders has served at Blanning & Bakers since 2011. She heads up the administrative staff critical to the success of Blanning & Baker clients.
Sanders oversees operations and works closely with client leaders, members, and Blanning & Baker staff to ensure seamless communications. She also assists with contract negotiations, departmental relations, and external affairs.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Support
Kayla Lebhart serves as administrative support for the clients in Blanning & Baker's Sacramento office. She assists with clerical duties, special projects, and general operations.
Lebhart holds an associate degree in Sociology from Sacramento City College. Prior to joining Blanning & Baker she worked in the manufacturing industry.
Octabiano provides professional representation to clients in a wide array of legal matters including contract enforcement, disciplinary actions, and legal analysis of state and federal laws that govern the California workplace.
Octabiano holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Davis and a law degree from Santa Clara University, School of Law. During law school, he received the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in the field of Intellectual Property and served as Bar Association President for Santa Clara University, School of Law.
Kris Octabiano provides professional representation to clients in a wide array of legal matters including contract enforcement, disciplinary actions, and legal analysis…
Lauren Kerr serves as the Office Manager for Blanning & Baker. She handles political action committee functions and finances for clients.
Kerr also takes on responsibilities in accounting, human resources and project planning for the company. She collaborates with key staff to develop and implement procedures to keep the company running smoothly while ensuring the efficient use of time and resources.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Employment Lawyer
Matt Hanson is an employment lawyer who works in Blanning & Baker's San Francisco office. He graduated from San Diego State University and the University of Oregon School of Law. He handles a wide range of legal and labor relations duties including contract interpretation, disciplinary and other individual representation, benefits programs and discrimination actions.
Matt Hanson is an employment lawyer who works in B&B's San Francisco office. He graduated from San Diego State University and the University of Oregon…
Job Titles:
- Event Coordinator
- Webmaster
Michelle Manawis serves as webmaster in Blanning & Baker's Sacramento office. She is responsible for website development and maintenance for several clients. She also assists client leadership and members with communications, meeting planning, and travel arrangements.
Prior to joining Blanning & Baker, Manawis worked in the hospitality industry managing group sales and catering, and general operations.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- LABOR RELATIONS CONSULTANT & EVENT COORDINATOR
- Relations Consultant
Compton is a graduate of the University of California, Davis, has taken additional coursework through the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and is trained in both "traditional" and "interest-based" bargaining styles.
Nadia Compton is a labor relations consultant and event coordinator in Blanning & Baker's Sacramento Office.
In her capacity as a labor relations consultant, Compton works closely with client's members to advise them of their rights and help them remedy workplace issues at the lowest level possible. She assists members in disciplinary matters, workplace conflict resolution, contract enforcement, and in client contract bargaining and Meet and Confers.
Job Titles:
- Federal & State Policy Advisor
Nadine Westcott has served at Blanning & Baker since 2002. On behalf of clients, she directs federal and state policy programs in the areas of transportation, infrastructure and public contracts.
She served as an associate producer during the production of the Emmy® Award-winning documentary The Next Frontier: Engineering the Golden Age of Green which focused on renewable energy technologies and policies for the future.
Westcott also co-managed the production of three other documentaries highlighting the important work of state engineers on infrastructure projects. Two of those documentaries, The Bridge So Far - A Suspense Story and A Span in Time received Northern California Emmy® Awards.
Westcott also manages grassroots campaign and political action activities for clients.
Westcott graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a bachelor's degree in communications/public relations.
Job Titles:
- Graphic Designer & Web Manager
Oksana is Blanning & Baker's Graphic Designer and Web Manager.
Kambur designs our visual communications for both print and web, and manages and maintains several client websites and print productions.
Her education experience includes earning a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Computer Science from California State University, Sacramento where she was awarded the top portfolio in her graduating class.
In her spare time, she volunteers with Capitol Creative Alliance where she provides tools and resources to Sacramento local designers and assists with the production of annual Design Week Sacramento.
Oksana Kambur designs our visual communications for both print and web, and manages and maintains several client websites and print productions…
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Support
Dennis provides administrative support for Blanning & Baker staff and clients.
Dennis assists Blanning & Baker staff and client leadership with communications, meeting planning and various day-to-day operations.
Job Titles:
- Member Recruitment Coordinator
Sean Fenner is the Member Recruitment Coordinator at Blanning & Baker. His primary responsibilities are directing membership recruitment and maintenance efforts while encouraging state engineers and scientists to be a part of their collective bargaining unit. Sean is also responsible for developing traditional and social media strategies to enhance the public perception of the client leaders and members.
Before joining Blanning & Baker, Sean was a Training and Development Specialist in the non-profit sector for Improve Your Tomorrow. He created and implemented training curricula for local regions within Sacramento, Central Valley, and the Bay area. He developed a roadmap for training and development to support the organization's national expansion. Sean dedicated some years to social work and mental health advocacy, serving Turning Point Community Programs working tirelessly to reduce homelessness and incarceration among clients.
Sean holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from William Jessup University.
Job Titles:
- Membership Consultant
- Membership Specialist
Sebastian de la Rosa is a Membership Specialist at Blanning & Baker. He works with clients to develop member recruitment and engagement strategies aimed at building collective strength.
Before joining Blanning & Baker Sebastian worked for a non-profit organization offering civic engagement programming for youth. His work included program innovation, partnership development, and political advocacy.
Sebastian holds a B.A. in American Studies from Fordham University in New York.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Political & Legislative Consultant
Shayla Silva serves as a Political and Legislative Consultant in Blanning and Baker's Sacramento office. She provides professional support to ensure the success of client legislative advocacy, PAC, and political affairs programs. Silva also monitors CalPERS and other California pension funds to help protect the retirement and health care security of California public employees and retirees.
Silva holds an associate degree in natural sciences from Sierra College. Prior to joining Blanning & Baker, she worked as an event outreach specialist for a non-profit and a manager for a large retail company.
Ted Toppin is the President of Blanning & Baker and serves as the Executive Director of the Professional Engineers in California Government. He is also a registered lobbyist responsible for managing legislative, political action and communication programs for all clients. He has worked in California politics for over 25 years and has experience in all facets of legislative and political advocacy, including direct lobbying, campaign management, political action committees, media relations, coalition building and independent expenditures.
Toppin's expertise lies in crafting persuasive messages and developing strategies that help clients achieve their objectives in the Legislature, administration and media. Over the years he has directed legislative efforts, built productive partnerships and developed grass roots campaigns that have generated millions of dollars and key statutory changes for clients.
Prior to joining Blanning & Baker, Toppin served as chief of staff to legislators in both the California State Senate and the State Assembly, and as a senior consultant to California's Lieutenant Governor. He has also worked as a campaign manager, media consultant and senior advisor on many candidate, independent expenditure and ballot measure campaigns in California and throughout the country.
Toppin is a graduate of the University of California, Davis.