On Thursday, September 29, the Long Beach Post hosted an event to honor young people from around the city who are doing great things to better their community and beyond. Out of hundreds of nominations from our readers, judges chose 40 winners, representing a range of professions and activism. The Post will be profiling each honoree in the coming days.

The leader of Long Beach’s i-team has long been known for spearheading change and innovation, but he is almost known just as well for his ubiquitous smile.

Those nominating John Keisler, 38, called him a “visionary” and “entrepreneurial;” a “dynamic changemaker who refuses to accept the status quo.”

With past jobs that have spanned different departments and roles (chief financial officer for the Long Beach Police Department, business operations manager at the Long Beach Parks Recreation and Marine Department and director of Animal Care Services), Keisler’s passion for all things Long Beach runs deep.

“My wife Laura and I love that there is something new for each new stage of life,” said Keisler. “We used to love renting in Belmont Shore, exploring cultural enclaves, and having brunch at the beach! Now that we have two young boys, we love the dual immersion program at Patrick Henry Elementary, Municipal Band Concerts, nights at East Long Beach Pony Baseball, and Sunday morning Children’s Choir at Bayshore Church. Long Beach has it all!”

The University of Southern California alumnus doesn’t stop at his day job when it comes to contributing to community causes. He is also the treasurer and founding member of the Patrick Henry Foundation, past president of the Municipal Management Association of Southern California, board member at the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union and City/County Management Fellowship at USC, mentor to USC graduate students at the Sol Price School of Public Policy, Planning and Development, coordinator of the City’s Management Assistant Program, and youth soccer coach.

He said he chooses Long Beach as his city in which to live, work and play, because of its trademark strong, diverse communities.

“Long Beach is unique because of its fierce sense of ownership,” he said. “Our city is owned and operated by the community, and you can see their unique and diverse personalities reflected in each of its unique and diverse neighborhoods.”

Above, left: Photo courtesy of John Keisler.