Aaron Celious

Background

About Aaron Celious

Aaron Celious is a sociologist specializing in the implementation of large-scale programs and policies, particularly for public health and mass transportation agencies. His work focuses on aligning agency capabilities with community needs and consumer preferences. Notable projects include: Conducting Santa Clara County’s first comprehensive needs assessment on gender-based violence; Leading the development of a data-driven needs assessment and long-range strategic plan for the City of Glendale’s approach to aging in place; Developing a 10-Year Strategy for the City of Los Angeles AIDS Coordinator’s Office; Evaluating the effectiveness of the City of Los Angeles' Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) initiative; Crafting a strategic framework for the Southern California Association of Governments to address the region’s rapidly aging population; Identifying opportunities to expand rail service and improve access to Bob Hope Airport for the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority; and Leading the transition from an honor-based fare system to a mandatory payment model using electronic TAP cards on the Los Angeles Metro Rail system. Aaron is a member of the American Public Health Association and has presented original research on genetic ethics and the expansion of routine HIV testing as a strategy to reduce HIV transmission. In addition to his policy work, Aaron is also a filmmaker who writes and directs comedies and psychological thrillers. He is an alumnus of Film Independent’s Project Involve and the Guy Hanks & Marvin Miller Writing Program at USC, an HBO Directing Fellowship finalist, and a former Groundlings Theatre student. His comedy web series Jesus Is My Co-Pilot was licensed by nuvoTV and earned awards for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing at the 2011 LA WebFest.