Tony Brunello is a Partner at California Strategies. He has 25 years’ experience working on energy and environmental policy, governmental and Tribal affairs, and coalition-building. Previously, Tony served as the Deputy Secretary for California’s Natural Resources Agency. He also founded and led the nonprofit Gridworks, led the Tahoe-Baikal Institute, and has worked in various countries on energy, water and economic issues.

Tony holds a Master of Science in Environmental and Resource Economics from University College London and Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, he is proud to be the Great Grandson of Sierra Nevada “Vade” Phillips, who was an early woman pioneer at Tahoe.  Tony divides his time between San Francisco and Fallen Leaf Lake with his wife, Belinda, and two daughters, Siela and Nadia. He grew up supporting the League to Save Lake Tahoe and is honored to now serve on its Board. Tony joined the board in 2025.