Image Shaper, Destiny Maker, Lee Neves
PICTURED ABOVE: Lee Neves, 41 Photo Credit: Chris Cannon
Lee Neves has made it on our list of Most Eligible Bachelor's of the Central Valley. He is a first generation American from Hilmar, California. Both of his parents came from Portugal. "My Mom picked strawberries for fifty cents a basket and my Dad used to milk cows. When he would finish, he would go and help my Mom pick strawberries," said Lee.
His parents' great work ethic paid off as all of their children are doing well. Lee, who is the middle child runs Cross Currents, LLC consulting firm with this partner. His older brother is a police officer in Turlock and his younger sister works for Gallo wine.
Lee originally came to Stockton to attend University of the Pacific, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and went on to Mc George School of Law to receive his Juris Doctor, Law; Governmental Affairs.
Upon leaving school, he worked in politics for some time. He was the Political Director for Dick Monteith's Congressional campaign, the Executive Director of the Republican Party of the Central Valley, and ran political races in Merced and Stanislaus Counties.
PICTURED ABOVE: Lee and his Father playing a game of checkers
After five years he decided that he needed a break from politics and accepted an offer at Barnes and Noble as their Community Relations Director.
"When you go from law school directly to politics, it;s like you live in a bubble. I needed a change. That position really helped me engage with the community in a way I never had before. It was a great experience. We (Barnes & Nobles) deliverd 10,000 books a year to Stockton kids. I would sometimes get asked to read to kids. I remember one time I had to go to an elementary school in Stockton and read to a class. I started off telling the kids that I PICTURED ABOVE: Lee speaking with FOX 40 News
had eaten cold pizza for breakgast and asked all of them what they had eaten. One of the kids said his Mommy told him that they didn't have enough food for breakfast that morning and it killed me. That experience and others help me to select the best candidates. I don't just think about how much money I can make. I pick candidates who are doing the right thing for the right reason, who are really helpin," stated Neves.
Lee has a long list of clients who he has helped get elected. Some you might be familiar with are San Joaquin's current District Attorney, Tori Verber Salazar, San Joaquin County Superintendent of schools, James Mousalimas, and a number of Stockton City Council Members.
In addition, he has recently worked to get Stanislaus' Monteith and Merced's Lloyd Pereira elected, an Orange County Supervisor, the Auditor/Controller of Alameda County, and pushed countless initiatives through County. He has also worked to get measures passed in Stanislaus and Merced Counties.
When asked how it feels to help shape the image of men and women who are contending for a political seat, he replied, "It feels great knowing that I can help make someone's destiny by shaping public policy wherever my clients are. My actions have a direct effect on the way a city or a county goes. It does get stressful at times, but it's fun. I enjoy it. It doesn't feel like work."
Lee's most memorable moment in politics is when he was consulting for former Senator Dick Monteith, who was running for a county supervisor seat. "Election night came and it was almost tied. It took three weeks to count the votes. I was at a Sacramento King's game and got a call from Dick's wife. We won by 16 votes! So, next time someone says their vote doesn't matter, I tell them this story, " said Lee.
Q&A with the Bachelor PICTURED ABOVE: Lee with clients, Lloyd Pareira, Merced County Supervisor and Vern Warnke, Merced County Sheriff
Karima: What are you looking for in a mate?
I am looking for someone who can put up with me (chuckles).
What do you do for fun?
I love UOP basketball and am a rather large supporter of the team. I am on the PAF Executive Board and Coach Damon's Exclusive Circle to help him recruit some of the best players and make the team successful. I enjoy wine tasting, visiting the Bay Area and the Central Coast, Big Sur, and Ventana. I like to go watch SF Giants games, soccer, spin class.
Are you involved with any charities?
Yes, I am. I am on the Executive Board/Chair for the March of Dimes, on the Committee for March of Dimes Signature Celebrity Auction, I am a former Rotarian, I have been Santa Claus the last 3 years for Central United Methodist Church, Cleavland Elementary School, and Angel families.
Do you like kids?
Yes, I do. I have two nieces and a nephew. They are great.
PICTURED ABOVE: Lee with friend and Assistant Athletic Director
at University of the Pacific, Chris Lynn at Giants game.
What is the most romantic thing you have ever done for someone?
I wisked a woman away to San Francisco to go see Phantom of the Opera and after a dinner at Kuleto's. It was a surprise and she loved it.
You can only take 4 things to a stranded island...go.
My phone, Kate Christianson, and a grill so I could catch fish and grill them.