Danville Councilmember/six term Mayor, elected 1995. His community involvement started 30 years ago on Danville’s Design Review Board / Planning Commission. Newell serves on a variety of local and statewide committees keeping Danville at the forefront of engagement. An advocate for public education serving on Measure D School Facilities Bond Committee and Co-Chair, Valley Wide Committee on Youth Safety.

Danville’s financial health has been guided by Newell’s “pay as you go” fiscal policies keeping Danville fiscally strong. As Mayor, Newell presided over “hometown hero” celebrations of Captain “Sully” Sullenberger and Olympic Gold Medalists Jessica and Maggie Steffens.  

Graduate of Leadership San Ramon Valley, League of California Cities Mayors & Council Members Academy for Leadership and Advanced Leadership. Newell has published over 50 articles on governance, leadership and economic trends. He has guest lectured at Stanford University MBA International Classes, UC Berkeley and other institutions.

Newell earned Bachelors/Masters degrees in Architecture/Urban Design, UC Berkeley and is President/CEO of awarding winning architectural firm for past 40 years.

Contra Costa County Mayors Conference, Past Chair 
Tri-Valley Transportation Council, Past Chair
Contra Costa Transportation Authority, Director 
TRAFFIX Co-founder
Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority, Director
iGATE Innovation Hub, Director 
East Bay Economic Development Alliance
Discovery Counseling Center, Director

Leadership San Ramon Valley, Director
Danville Library Endowment
Danville Area Chamber of Commerce 
Contra Costa County Sheriff's Posse
100 Club Contra Costa, Life Member 
CERT, Community Emergency Response Team 
Tri Valley APAPA Honorary Board 
Danville-Sycamore Valley Rotary, Past President
Operation Welcome Home, Co-founder
Sentinels of Freedom