MATTHEW K. FONG
Biography

Matthew K. Fong is the Vice Chairman of the State Board of
Equalization and the highest ranking Asian-American in the state of
California. Matt represents the 7.5 million residents of the Fourth
District, which geographically covers nearly all of Los Angeles County.
Matt is one of the state's constitutional officers and was appointed by
Governor Pete Wilson in January 1991.

Fong, a fiscal conservative, has brought strong academic and
business skills to state government. In the course of his work on the
Board, Matt has the ability to apply fairness, compassion and common
sense to tax administration in California. In his first two years in
office, Matt moved swiftly to reduce the state agency's operating costs
by nearly $7 million and increase efficiency. His knowledge of state
government and "can do" attitude has even been recognized by local
government officials. Matt spearheaded a successful multi-billion dollar
settlement between utility companies and California's 58 counties that
saved hard-earned taxpayer money.

Matt Fong is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy
and currently holds the rank of Lt. Colonel (selectee) in the Air Force
Reserves. Following graduation in 1975, he served a five-year military
commitment. As acting comptroller and data processing manager for 8,000
men and women, Matt was awarded the USAF Meritorious Service Medal for
exceptional management performance. Today, he counsels inner-city
students as a USAF Academy Admissions Liaison Officer.

Following his military career Matt completed an MBA at
Pepperdine University. A few years later, he earned a law degree from
Southwestern Law School. In 1992 he was recognized for his efforts and
given the Distinguished Alumnus Award at Pepperdine. He is now a member
of the Board of Regents and serves on their Finance and Investments
Committee.

In addition to his strong academic record, Matt brings a blend of
practical experience in business and finance. After starting his own
small business, he joined the law firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and
Hampton. As a business attorney for the international firm, Matt
specialized in transactional law.

Following in the political footsteps of his mother, former
Secretary of State March Fong Eu, Matt entered politics and, in 1990, was
the Republican nominee for State Controller.

Matt is widely considered a "rising star in California
politics," and was asked to speak at the Republican National Convention.
Currently, Matt Fong is the Republican nominee for State Treasurer.

Matt is licensed and rated as an FAA flight instructor, and
commercial pilot. He is also licensed to fly gliders. Matt is active in
his community. He is on the Boards of Governors and Trustees for the
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the Board of Directors for
the Young Executives Association and he is a Regent of the Children's
Hospital of Los Angeles.

Matt is married to Paula, a CPA. They have two children, Matthew
II and Jade. The Fongs reside in Hacienda Heights.

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