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Committees for the Selection of the Chancellor

Two committees comprised of a broad, diverse cross-section of key university stakeholders have been appointed to guide the national search for the next chancellor of the California State University. There is a deep commitment throughout the selection process to the principles of inclusivity, diversity, transparency, authentic consultation and confidentiality.

Process for the Selection of the Chancellor

The Implementation Committee, working closely with any selected external executive search firm(s), identifies the characteristics desired for a successful candidate, approves the final leadership profile – including any and all advertising and related copy – and plays an active role in the recruitment and review of prospective candidates. The Implementation Committee is the body responsible for conducting the comprehensive evaluation of all prospective candidates and making final decisions with regard to their status in the search – including the advancement of candidates to the full Board. The process is to be conducted in a manner that includes and encourages broad stakeholder consultation via listening sessions, open forums, and through its work with the Assessment Committee.

The Assessment Committee, also working closely with any selected external executive search firm(s), serves as a critical advisory resource to the Implementation Committee and is responsible for conducting the initial review and assessment of all prospective candidates and making appropriate recommendations to the Implementation Committee. The deliberative and consultative review process is to be conducted in a manner designed to generate confidence in the selection process and to identify and advance the strongest candidates.

Implementation Committee for the Selection of the Chancellor
The Chair of the Board appoints an Implementation Committee to guide the process for the selection of the chancellor. The Implementation Committee is comprised of eight members including:

  • Wenda Fong, Chair of the Board and Implementation Committee Chair
  • Jack Clarke, Jr., Vice Chair of the Board
  • Julia Lopez, Trustee
  • Jack McGrory, Trustee
  • Yammilette Rodriguez, Trustee
  • Jolene Koester, Interim Chancellor
  • Robert Keith Collins, immediate past chair, Academic Senate CSU and professor, San Francisco State University (faculty representative)
  • Krishan Malhotra, president, Cal State Student Association and student, California State University, Stanislaus (student representative)

Assessment Committee for the Selection of the Chancellor

An Assessment Committee will work in parallel with the Implementation Committee throughout the search process, The Assessment Committee is comprised of the following 12 members representing key stakeholder groups:

  • Larry Adamson, Alumni Trustee and Assessment Committee Chair
  • Diana Aguilar-Cruz, Student Trustee
  • Romey Sabalius, Faculty Trustee
  • Jean Picker Firstenberg, Trustee
  • Beth Steffel, chair, Academic Senate CSU and professor, California State University, San Bernardino (faculty representative)
  • Dixie Samaniego, vice president of systemwide affairs, Cal State Student Association and student, California State University, Fullerton (student representative)
  • Timothy Chambers, facilities maintenance mechanic, California State University, Dominguez Hills (staff representative)
  • Sedrick Spencer, vice president of government relations, Paramount and alumnus, California State University, San Bernardino (alumni representative)
  • Hon. Gaddi H. Vasquez, retired U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and member, CSU Foundation Board of Governors (community representative)
  • William Watkins, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, California State University, Northridge (campus vice president/dean representative)
  • Richard Yao, president, California State University Channel Islands (campus president representative)
  • Lynnette Zelezny, president, California State University, Bakersfield (campus president representative)​