Navy Service Highlights
I proudly served in the United States Navy from 1994 to 2015, retiring after more than 20 years of service. My Navy career took me from aviation squadrons to expeditionary and maritime security assignments, including deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Enduring Freedom.
My service included assignments with HCS-5 “Firehawks” and HSC-84 “Red Wolves,” supporting combat search and rescue and special warfare insertion and extraction missions. I later served with the Navy’s Coastal Riverine Squadrons One and Eleven, qualifying as an Expeditionary Warfare Specialist and Tactical Craft Coxswain and participating in maritime security operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
Throughout my Navy career, I was entrusted with the safety, training, and leadership of Sailors, as well as the maintenance and readiness of military aircraft, weapons, and equipment. In naval aviation, I served as a work-center supervisor, leading approximately 25 Sailors supporting the readiness of 12 HH-60H helicopters. I also served as a lead planner for major aircraft maintenance, helping my team complete a critical phase inspection approximately two weeks ahead of schedule.
During the maritime portion of my service, I helped train and qualify well over 100 Sailors in critical positions, including gunner, engineer, navigator, and coxswain. I also participated in more than 20 qualification boards for Sailors working toward earning their Expeditionary Warfare Specialist qualification. These responsibilities reinforced the importance of leadership, accountability, teamwork, training, and preparing others to succeed.
My Navy service taught me that leadership means accepting responsibility, taking care of the people and assets entrusted to you, managing limited resources wisely, and accomplishing the mission. Those are the same principles I will bring to public service in Fullerton.
Civilian Experience
Following my military service, I continued my commitment to public service through a civilian career in federal government contracting and quality assurance. My experience has given me a practical understanding of how government contracts are developed, funded, administered, and monitored—and the importance of ensuring taxpayers receive the products and services they paid for.
As a federal Quality Assurance Specialist, I review contracts and technical requirements, evaluate contractor performance, conduct inspections and audits, identify deficiencies, and work with contracting and program officials to resolve problems. My responsibilities include overseeing contractor quality systems, conducting risk-based surveillance, reviewing first-article requirements, evaluating corrective actions, and helping ensure contractors meet their contractual obligations. This work requires attention to detail, sound judgment, documentation, and accountability when taxpayer dollars are being spent.
My civilian experience also includes federal acquisition and contracting, where I conducted market research, prepared solicitations and purchase orders, evaluated contractor bids, negotiated with vendors, reviewed funding and contract performance, and inspected and accepted materials and services. Through these efforts, I helped achieve more than $54,000 in documented cost savings. I earned the Department of Defense Contracting Professional certification and have extensive experience applying federal acquisition regulations to real-world purchasing and contracting decisions.
Before entering federal civilian service, I spent nearly a decade in private-sector purchasing and supply management. As a buyer, I managed relationships with 29 vendors supporting more than $10 million in annual sales while maintaining a 98 percent inventory fill rate. That experience taught me that successful organizations must balance cost, performance, customer needs, supplier relationships, and long-term planning.
Together, my private-sector and federal experience has taught me that responsible government requires more than simply approving expenditures. It requires asking the right questions, carefully reviewing contracts, measuring performance, holding contractors accountable, identifying waste and inefficiency, and ensuring public resources are used effectively. Those are principles I will bring with me to the Fullerton City Council.
Education & Background
My education and professional background reflect a commitment to public service, leadership, and responsible management. I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University, building a strong foundation in business operations, management, finance, and organizational decision-making.
Before completing my bachelor’s degree, I attended Cypress College, where I completed general education coursework and earned recognition on the Dean’s List for academic achievement. These educational experiences strengthened the analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills that I have carried throughout my military and civilian careers.
My professional development also includes multiple Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certifications in Purchasing, Contracting Professional, Facilities Engineering, and Engineering & Technical Management. These qualifications complement my practical experience in federal acquisition, contracting, quality assurance, contractor performance, and oversight of government resources.
Together with more than 20 years of Navy service and my subsequent civilian federal career, my education and professional development have given me a practical understanding of budgets, contracts, infrastructure, accountability, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. I believe that combination of education and real-world experience is valuable in public service, where decisions should be based on facts, careful analysis, fiscal responsibility, and the needs of the community.
Connection to District 5
Fullerton’s District 5 is my home and the community I am committed to serving. As a resident, Navy veteran, and public servant, I understand the importance of safe neighborhoods, well-maintained streets, responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and a local government that listens to its residents. I am running for City Council to bring my experience in leadership, accountability, and public service to City Hall and to ensure District 5 receives the attention, investment, and representation it deserves.
Short Bio
Fischbein is a dedicated leader for Fullerton, bringing a deep-rooted commitment to our community's excellence. With a unique blend of executive experience and local focus, he is focused on steering District 5 toward a safer, more vibrant, and prosperous future for all residents.