A Los Angeles native, David Vela has had an extensive career in public service. In 2002, David served as Senior Legislative Assistant to former Assemblymember Jackie Goldberg, handling Labor, Transportation and Economic Development. David also served as Senior Advisor to the Employment Development Department under the Gray Davis administration.
After his time in Sacramento, David spent 10 years as a Senior Deputy to Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, in charge one of the largest unincorporated community pockets, with more than 130,000 residents. David was responsible for the delivery of municipal services, capital projects and economic development. He also served as the political liaison to several of the cities in Supervisor Molina’s district. In 2012 he was asked to take the role of Chief of Staff to Labor Committee Chair, Assemblymember Roger Hernandez.
Before joining the Lee Andrews Group, David created his own government-consulting firm, VELADA Consulting LLC, which focuses on social capital projects, such as low income housing and provides solutions for responsible businesses, unions, non-profits, eco-businesses and governmental agencies. David is also the founder of Honor PAC, a political action committee that focuses on equality in all levels of government. David Vela received his Bachelors of Science from the University of California Los Angeles and he holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Pepperdine University in Malibu. He resides in Montebello.
