Matt Fong

Matthew Kipling Fong (November 20, 1953 – June 1, 2011) He graduated from Skyline High School, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree at the United States Air Force Academy in 1975.

In 1982, he received an MBA at Pepperdine University, and in 1985 attained his J.D. degree at the Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles. with the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve. In 1991, Fong was appointed to the State Board of Equalization by Governor Pete Wilson.

In 1994, Fong ran to succeed Kathleen Brown as State Treasurer. Fong defeated Democrat Phil Angelides to secure a four-year term beginning in January 1995.

Private sector career He was president of the Strategic Advisory Group, providing counsel to CEOs and senior executives on strategy and business development. He was also Special Counsel to the law firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton. Fong held Series 7 and 63 securities licenses and was a principal of Belstar Group, a New York-based asset manager.

Fong was an independent director of TCW Group's complex of mutual funds. He also served on two technology start-up companies' boards of directors—one dealing with earthquake detection devices (Seismic Warning Systems) and the other involved with energy-saving devices (American Grid).

U.S. President George W. Bush appointed Fong chairman of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Advisory Board. Fong also served as a Regent of Pepperdine University and a Trustee of Southwestern University School of Law.

Personal life Fong lived in Pasadena, California with his wife, Paula, with whom he had two children: Matthew II and Jade. Fong died of cancer in his Pasadena home on June 1, 2011. He is buried at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado. At the time of his death he was survived by his mother, his wife, and children.