Max Baumgarten
PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAM MANAGER
Dr. Max Baumgarten serves as the Institute’s public policy program manager. He helps oversee the Institute’s public policy, research, and polling work. In addition to his work at the Institute, he teaches History courses at Cal State LA and has authored articles in American Jewish History and California History. A native of Los Angeles, he completed his undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley and holds an MA and PhD from UCLA. In his free time, Max enjoys biking, swimming, and watching television.
DIANA ALBARRAN
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Diana Albarran is the Institute’s Administrative Assistant and a Cal State LA Alumni. She has been at the Institute since October 2015. Diana coordinates the Executive Director’s calendar, assists with financial record keeping and payroll, maintains the Institute’s personnel manual, and is responsible for the Institute’s contact database. She also provides office training to incoming interns and student staff on reception etiquette and procedures. Working at the Pat Brown Institute has influenced Diana’s interest in civic engagement and politics. When she’s not working, Diana enjoys spending time with her friends and hiking at Griffith Park.
Emily Marino
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Emily Marino joined PBI in August 2019 to fill the role of Research Associate. She graduated from UCLA in June 2019 with a Master of Regional and Urban Planning degree and a Master of Public Health degree, where her studies focused on the intersection of the built environment, public health, and sustainability. At PBI, she works closely with the entire team on a variety of projects, including assessing polling data, participating in census planning activities, and research and report writing on critical public affairs topics. Outside of work, Emily enjoys beach days, hiking, CrossFit, and curling up with a good book.
Tatiana Fernandez-Castro
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Tatiana joins PBI as the Executive Assistant to the Institute. She works closely with the PBI team to streamline internal policies and procedures, coordinate events, provide financial management support, and run daily office operations. She has a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a Master’s degree in Business Administration in Marketing. She has experience in the private sector, academia, non-profit, and federal government and has worked at UCLA, American University, and for the Department of State. She enjoys learning new subjects and perspectives about the world and the community. She grew up and lived in Costa Rica for over 20 years and speaks fluent Spanish. She likes to read, travel, watch movies, and listen to podcasts. Since moving to California in 2017, she has taken a liking to L.A.’s weather.
