California Consulting welcomes newest staff members:
James A. Ritchie
James A. Ritchie, Ph.D has joined the firm as the Senior Associate responsible for grant writing. Mr. Ritchie will assume a leadership role in the California Consulting grants department. Jim joins California Consulting as the firm's sixth full time grant writer. Jim will work with a grant writing staff that includes five other full time grant writers, a newly appointed Senior Grants Consultant and a grants intern that composes the company's grants department.
Company Chief Operating Officer Juan Garza, II said, "We were very fortunate to bring Jim on board our team. His grant writing experience with Fresno County as well as his academic success earning a Ph.D from one of the nation's top Universities really speaks volumes about his skills. Our grant writing department is clearly stronger than ever now that Jim has agreed to join us."
Mr. Ritchie joins California Consulting, LLC having served as a Researcher, Grant Writer and Analyst with the County of Fresno Behavioral Health Department. During his tenure with the County of Fresno Mr. Ritchie wrote a $25 million State application that was funded for the County. Jim's work on this major state grant won accolades from the County Board of Supervisors, constituents and others.
Mr. Ritchie holds a PhD from the University of California at Berkeley and has authored numerous research papers, and peer review documents throughout a distinguished career. He has learned 14 languages and has led a stellar academic career prior to his position with the County of Fresno.
Fresno County Supervisor Henry Perea commented on the news about Jim's new position saying, "California Consulting was very fortunate to find Jim Ritchie. He is a rare find, hard working, reliable and very talented. I worked with him closely at the County and was pleased to strongly recommend him for his new position at California Consulting. California Consulting continues its reputation as the state's top grant writing firm and Jim only enhances that already existing reputation."
Antoniette Aizon-Hubbell
Antoniette Aizon-Hubbell is joining the firm as a Senior Grants Advisor. Antoniette holds two Bachelors Degrees (Psychology and Criminal Justice) and two Masters Degrees. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate. She joins the company to assist the firm's existing 6 full time grant writing staff members.
Antoniette's Masters Degrees focus on "The Use of Technology in Law Enforcement" and "At-Risk Youth: From CPS Cases to Probation Cases." She is an Adjunct Faculty member for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Phoenix where she currently teaches courses in Criminal Justice among other topics.
Antoniette has previously served as a grant writer for the City of Fresno police department from 2006 - 2009 where she wrote the successful City of Fresno CalGRIP application that was funded. Additionally, she was the administrator for the City's CalGRIP grant where she coordinated the evaluation, reporting and administration for this complex grant. Among her other accomplishments at the Fresno P.D. she wrote several OJJDP grant applications, Edward M. Byrne Memorial Justice grants and numerous other law enforcement related federal and state grant applications.
California Consulting owner Steve Samuelian made the announcement and commented, "We are thrilled to have Antoniette as part of our team. As a grant writer for one of the largest police departments in the State (Fresno P.D.) she has written dozens of complex federal and state grant applications. She also is a resident expert on CalGRIP having written successful applications for a large police department and administered the grant post award. She will be an outstanding addition to the grant writing team at California Consulting."
California Consulting, LLC is the largest and fastest growing grant writing and advocacy company in California with more than 50 clients statewide including 22 cities, 16 school districts, 2 COG's, 2 Counties and various other private and public entities.
Brandy Gillespie
Brandy was born in Fresno, California, and is a graduate of San Joaquin Memorial High School. Brandy then pursued her education at California State University, Fresno where she earned her Bachelors degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Child and Family Studies. After receiving her degree at CSUF, Brandy moved to Alaska where she became a Juvenile Justice Officer with the State of Alaska Department of Juvenile Justice. Brandy is still pursuing her education in criminal justice.
Brandy enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling and attending many multicultural events.
