Mr. Xiong obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Marian College of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and later received a Master’s degree in Business Administration from National University. Before joining ABIRC, Blong served 2-terms as a Council Member for the City of Fresno, where he was the first elected Hmong Council Member in the State of California and the first Asian Council Member in the City of Fresno. He also served as a Public Defender Investigator for the County of Fresno and as Deputy Director for The Fresno Center (formerly known as Fresno Center for New Americans) for over a decade. Blong’s leadership experience extends to diverse organizations in Fresno County and the U.S. where his passion has led him to assist, advocate for and represent many underserved populations including immigrants, refugees, New Americans, small business owners, and farmers. Throughout his professional career, he has served on several statewide commissions, the Asian Pacific Islander Commission and the California Volunteer Commission appointed by former Governor Schwarzenegger. As part of the community, Blong is also very active in issues that span education, economic development, health, and equitable access to resources. On a personal note, Blong has shaped his family’s small business and has a keen understanding of the struggles of small business owners.