from lbpost.com
1: Skip Keesal
The founder and CEO of Long Beach’s most influential law firm makes the top of the list thanks to his efforts both inside and outside the courtroom – his office is decorated with photos of him with everyone from President Barack Obama to Senator Dianne Feinstein to Former President George Bush.
Local and national politicians seek his advice, and his behind-the-scenes work with a slew of local charities keeps their operations running smoothly. He has recently hosted receptions in his office for Attorney General and Gubernatorial Candidate Jerry Brown and Lt. Governor John Garamendi.
His influence also reaches far beyond the courtroom and into the lives of everyday Long Beach residents. Whether it is his role on the Board of Governors at CSULB, the Board of Trustees with the Boys and Girls Club, or his involvement with the Long Beach Police Foundation. He is also a shrewd businessman with major development assets in Downtown Long Beach, including a proposal for a new multi-tower development on Ocean Blvd.
People come to Skip because he has his finger on the pulse of the city. It’s the highest of compliments to say that Keesal did not make this list because his law firm is one of the city’s largest and most influential; it is because he’s used his local notoriety to benefit the lives of others. Skip Keesal is our most powerful person in Long Beach.