User:Antoncastaneda/sandbox

Anton Castaneda
Anton Castaneda is an American political strategist and executive, with a notable career in political management, advocacy, and strategic consulting. He is recognized for his roles in various political organizations and campaigns, with a focus on policy development, government relations, and public affairs.

Early Life and Education
Anton Castaneda pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Irvine, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in March 2016. Anton Castaneda furthered his education at George Washington University, obtaining a Masters in Political Management in August 2021.

Political Strategy and Advocacy

 * Executive Director, Opportunity Matters Network Inc. (January 2021 – Present): Oversaw the formation of this 501(c)4 organization, incubating policy ideas and performing research aligned with the “Opportunity Agenda” by U.S. Senator Tim Scott, focusing on “Opportunity Zones” and School Choice policy.


 * Executive Director, Opportunity Matters Fund Inc. (August 2020 – December 2023): Managed the formation and growth of a 527 independent expenditure-only Political Action Committee, which raised over $45 million. Under his leadership in 2022, the organization achieved an 81% success rate in the races it was involved in.
 * Founder and President, Mountaintop Advisors, LLC (July 2020 – Present): Launched this consulting firm specializing in political strategy, government and public relations, advising on a range of issues including securing a Presidential Pardon, and consulting with various high-level stakeholders.
 * Founding Board Member, Bluegrass Freedom Action & Energize Our Future Inc. (June 2022 – November 2023): Key roles in establishing these organizations, raising significant funds and supporting political candidates.

Legislative and Governmental Experience

 * Director of Programs and Strategy, Empower America Project (May 2019 – August 2020): Developed foundational documents and training materials, building a national network of political contacts.
 * Legislative Assistant, Office of Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX-23) (March 2018 – May 2019): Acted as a policy advisor across various domains, drafting legislation and policy memos.
 * Legislative Correspondent and Special Assistant, Office of Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) (January 2017 – March 2018): Managed Defense, Homeland Security, Intelligence, Veterans, Ethics, Postal, and Government Reform policy areas.
 * Special Assistant, Office of Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) (March 2016 – January 2017): Assisted in all official duties of the Senator, including briefings, hearings, and votes.

Other Relevant Experience/Skills

 * Chairman’s Circle Member, Maverick PAC (September 2020 – Present): Contributed significantly to the PAC's activities, including serving as a Board Member.
 * Member of Various Professional and Civic Organizations: Includes Young Republicans National Federation 1856 Society, Trust for the National Mall’s Professional Leadership Circle, and Heritage Foundation’s Citizenship Project.
 * Executive Board Member, Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA) (May 2017 – January 2019).
 * War Room Intern, National Republican Senatorial Committee (January 2016 – March 2016): Conducted Competitive Intelligence research and translation of materials.
 * Cornell University Tradition Fellow (2012).
 * Language Skills: Fluent in Spanish.