New Board Member: Mike Harriel, Southern California Gas Company
Michael (Mike) Harriel is a public affairs manager for the Southern California Gas Company. He is the company liaison for the Westside of Los Angeles County for local elected officials, state legislators, community leaders, and key civic, non-profit and community organizations.
Mike has been employed by the gas company for over 26 years, starting as a probationary field employee performing pipeline construction work. He made his way up through the ranks and eventually went into the management side of the company. He has held several leadership positions in field operations, technical services and special projects. Mike is a proactive, self-motivated, adaptable, and results-oriented team player capable of thinking outside of the box. He has a proven ability in planning, organizing, managing, training and formulating solutions to difficult problems.
Mike was born and raised locally, graduating from Compton High School and attended the University of Southern California as a cinema major, where he had aspirations of becoming a screenwriter and film maker. As an under-grad, his hobby of photography was his source of income. He worked as the photo chief of the yearbook and various departments on campus, including the news bureau and the athletic department. He also developed portfolios for aspiring actors and models. After college he was employed by the Compton Police department as a crime scene photographer.
Mike believes in giving back to the community. He sits on the board of directors of several chambers of commerce, and non-profits and mentors young adults; providing inspiration and encouragement to succeed. He has volunteered for the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce “Work Force Readiness” program, developing job interviewing skills for young adults, and has a passion for supporting non-profits that provide education, training and support services to children and young adults.
Mike was named by the Wave Newspaper as one of Los Angele’s most influential African-Americans of 2013, in the “Movers and Shakers” category. He has received several commendations and is being honored this year by the Congress of Black Women for his work in the community.
Mike receives artistic enjoyment through photography, his passion for over 30 years. His images have been published in several magazines and used in advertisements. He frequently participates in photo excursions, allowing him to capture spectacular images of the world we live in. Some of his work can be viewed on his photo website at www.zoesdadthephotographer.com. He is also a proud father of five daughters.
