Neil Pople, Controller, Placer County Democratic Party
Interview by Toni Fisher
When we recently bid farewell and thanks to George Mellen, the Central Committee Controller, it was natural to have felt some uncertainty as to who could replace him. This, after all, is a position requiring special skills to track expenditures and categorize different types of revenue, operating within the boundaries of the law. Surprisingly, Neil Pople stepped up as an experienced candidate, willing to take on this role.
Many of us only knew Neil Pople as a recent candidate for the Roseville City Council, but some delving into his background revealed that Neil has the experience and talent to assume this role, as well as a firm commitment to serving the needs of the Placer County Democratic Party. Neil is a fourth generation California resident, primarily in Roseville, and continues his family’s history of valuing the area and working to maintain a high quality of life for all residents. After attending schools in the area, including Sacramento State, Neil worked in a variety of roles as he built his career and honed his skills. While accounting was his main focus, he held positions which also required him to serve in administrative roles as a business communicator and compliance coordinator.
His early work included several political activities including the 2008 Presidential campaign which eventually led to a position with the California Democratic Party where he used his accounting skills while strengthening his communication talents. The work also revealed to Neil that political work can be both challenging and rewarding and that he possessed the skills for this work. This led to his run for the City Council position where he came in second, but values thee experience.
As a supportive member of the community, Neil has also spent a good amount of time, talent and energy volunteering for nonprofit groups that provide for those residents who need help with food and other services. He describes himself as action-oriented with a strong attention to detail, effective communication and coalition building.
Neil currently serves with the Placer County Office of Health and Homan Services, receiving several promotions to where he now serves as the Senior Account Clerk which utilizes many of his varied administrative skills developed over the years. We welcome Neil and look forward to having his skills work on behalf of the Placer County Central Democratic Committee.