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Sunstone Cities is an economic development consulting firm that helps local government leaders unlock economic development, new business formation, and job growth. We partner with municipalities to identify and capitalize on opportunities for revenue growth and investment. Our team of experienced local government professionals leverage data-driven insights, industry expertise, and public-private partnerships to help cities revitalize their economies, attract new businesses, and better monetize their community assets.
John P. Keisler is currently the CEO & Managing Partner for Sunstone Management, Inc., a venture capital firm located in Southern California that invests in diverse early-stage technology startups through innovative public-private-partnerships that blend unique expertise across government, education, and private sectors.
Before Sunstone Management, Mr. Keisler spent over 20 years in public service, most recently as the Economic Development Director for the City of Long Beach. With approximately 500,000 residents, the City of Long Beach is the 7th largest city in California and a major engine of economic development for the region and the nation through its university, history of aerospace manufacturing, and its international seaport. Under his leadership, the organization created an innovative Blueprint for Economic Development, and helped to facilitate an historic increase of private sector investment in the city. The mission of the award-winning organization, and John’s personal passion, is to increase equitable economic opportunities for workers, investors, and entrepreneurs in Long Beach and throughout California.
Jayro Sandoval is a seasoned economic development associate with a specialization in crafting and leading public-private partnerships, rooted in his experience with state government and contract cities. His background at the state senate has honed his ability to leverage state resources for local economic growth. Known for his exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities, Jayro strategically forges partnerships that drive economic development. With a comprehensive skill set encompassing entrepreneurship, the nonprofit and corporate sectors, and his role as an economic development commissioner for the City of Long Beach, he offers a broad perspective on creating economic opportunities. His dedication to fostering public-private collaboration marks him as a key player in advancing community and economic well-being.
Ryan holds a Master of Public Administration with a Certificate of Public Financial Management from the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy. Ryan joins Sunstone Management as a Research & Management Analyst, where he analyzes federal and state funding opportunities and policies while also optimizing operational processes within the Economic Development Department. Ryan is committed to driving positive change through public-private partnerships and actively seeks to explore the intersectionality of economic development and venture capital.