Jessie Catacutan is an experienced and effective executive leader in the areas of finance, budget, accounting, operations, administrative, and grants management. He consults in the areas of accounting and financial oversight. His career has spanned the sectors of higher education, and public and private accounting. Recent consulting engagements include the City of Citrus Heights, City of Gustine, City of Patterson, City of Calistoga, City of Rohnert Park (finance and financial audit services), City of Pittsburg (budget services), and Rancho Murietta Community Services District (financial audit services).
Prior to consulting, Jessie spent 23 years at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), most recently as the Executive Assistant Dean for the College of Engineering. He was a member of the dean’s leadership team and was a staff lead for the college. He supervised the functional areas and was also the college liaison working with the campus-wide administrative units in accounting, human resources, purchasing, information technology, sponsored programs, and contract and grants. Jessie has served as the Director of Grants, Budget, Finance, and Administration as well as the Financial Manager.
During his exemplary career at UC Davis, he was responsible for the administration of the complex and extensive business affairs of the college. He has provided budget forecasting, strategic planning, and audit preparation.
He started his accounting career as a Certified Public Accountant (certificate number 66358 – inactive status) at Gilbert CPA firm in Sacramento and started his public career with the City of Sacramento.
Jessie received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accountancy) from California State University, Sacramento.
During his Fire Service career, Jeff successfully upgraded the volunteer firefighter program in two jurisdictions and implemented the annual master planning session for Northern CA Training Officers, CA Fire Chiefs, Novato Fire District, and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue. He administered a comprehensive disaster preparedness program that interfaced with the City and the County. Jeff also co-authored and implemented a Career Development Guide that was successfully negotiated with labor in two jurisdictions focusing on succession planning.
As a consultant, Jeff assisted with the development of Promotional Testing for numerous agencies, a Fire Department Master Plans, and completed a study on the delivery of EMS. He facilitated an audit of the Fire Services Master Plans. Jeff served as a Fire Service Consultant for many agencies, including working as a liaison between several insurance companies on wildfire risk. He has developed and field tested the Quality Improvement Program for the State of CA Fire Service Training and Education System. Jeff implemented several cultural change programs and was recognized with an International Fire Chief Association Excellence Award. He also served as the Executive Director of the CA State Firefighter’s Association.
Jeff holds a MPA in public administration and an AS in Fire Science. He is a California Certified Fire Chief & National Fire Academy EFO. He has served as President of the Marin County and Lake Tahoe Regional Fire Chiefs Associations. Meston has served as a course developer and instructor at NFA residency programs and for CFSTES. Meston served as the Acting City Manager for South Lake Tahoe as well as its Fire Chief. Meston also served on the Board of Directors for FIRESCOPE and has served as the Executive Director for the CSFA. He served as a Deputy Chief working for CalOES Fire/Rescue on a variety of tasks. Meston also serves on the UC, San Diego WIFIRE Convergence Advisory Board, the First Responders Health Foundation Board, the Climate and Wildfire Institute Board of DIrectors and has been consulting in the fire service space for 35 years in fire administration, cultural change, planning, and leadership. Meston was named to the inaugural class of the California Fire Chiefs Association Hall of Fame in 2023.
