OUR TEAM
The seasoned experts of CALIFORNIA ALLIANCE GROUP, LLC specialize in education, infrastructure, transportation, energy, land use, water, health care, communications and the broad umbrella known as the environment. Our team is politically astute and experienced in issue development, refinement and management at every level of government in California.
PAUL FICKAS
Founder and Partner
Paul Fickas has worked and advised over 1,000 local elected officials for the past 30 years. During his career Mr. Fickas has consulted and advised City Council members, School Board members, County elected officials and Statewide candidates and State Ballot measures. Mr. Fickas is the founder and partner of several companies including Nestpoint Associates, No Party Preference, Asian Pacific Islander and Homeowners Voter Guides.
ADRIANA GONZALEZ
Partner
Adriana Gonzalez has a decade of experience in media relations and business development, significantly contributing to the expansion of the California Alliance Group. She has been actively involved in issue advocacy work across California.
TOM TORLAKSON
Senior Advisor
​The Honorable Tom Torlakson is the former California State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He previously served three terms in the California State Assembly, representing Contra Costa County. He also served two terms in the California State Senate, representing Northern California. The Honorable Tom Torlakson was one of the most admired and respected education leaders in the State of California.
JOHN THOMAS
Partner
John Thomas is a seasoned chief political consultant and strategist for candidates from all over California, Texas, Florida and Washington DC. John Thomas is actively involved in shaping the political landscape and specializes in strategy consulting for political campaigns, businesses and issues. John can be seen as a guest commentary on FOX news, CNN and various political podcasts.
LISA KAPLAN
Legal Counsel
Lisa Kaplan is an elected councilmember for the City of Sacramento, California. Ms. Kaplan is an attorney, small business owner and former School Board member for Natomas Unified School District. Lisa Kaplan began her career working at the California State Capitol serving several Assemblymembers, and then as a Governor appointee to the State Allocation Board.
PATTY HOLOHAN
Senior Consultant
Patty Holohan is a veteran school board member on the Redlands Unified School District in the Inland Empire. She is a veteran fundraiser, raising over ten million dollars for various organizations and elected officials in the Inland Empire. Patty has a vast network of local elected officials in the Inland Empire.
MARC BURGET
Senior Advocate
Marc Burgat has over 30 years of experience in politics, policy, government relations, and public relations. Marc formed MB Advocacy after spending nearly seven years managing the Sacramento office of the world’s largest law firm, Dentons, where he was a Principal and lobbyist in the firm’s Public Policy and Regulation practice. Dentons selected Marc after he led the California Chamber of Commerce’s business advocacy efforts.
MARCUS FRISHMAN
Senior Consultant
Marcus Frishman has a diverse and exceptional record in public policy and security, including serving as advisor for the U.S. State Department. Mr. Frishman is a former Deputy Chief of Staff to the California Board of Equalization and Franchise Tax Board he also served as chief consultant to the California Legislature Committee in Medi-Cal Fraud. Marcus served as a former Senior Assistant in the State Assembly and former aide to the City of Los Angeles City Council and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
MIKE NAJERA
Senior Consultant
Mike Najera has over 40 years of experience in politics, government relations, and public relations, a notable career as an entrepreneur and is founder of numerous successful businesses, a former San Diego Port Commissioner and currently President of Tri Solutions Corp, a Government Relations Company.
Mike’s background spans multiple sectors including the multi-family and commercial development, renewable energy and Development Industries.
