David A. Garcia ’02 (M.S. environmental studies), who has three decades of experience in the water industry in Southern California, most recently as assistant general manager, water delivery, for Riverside Public Utilities, has been named interim general manager for RPU.
Jackie Filla ’02 (B.A. political science) has been appointed the new president and CEO of the Hotel Association of Los Angeles. The organization works to advance the industry and improve the lives of all employees in the field.
Lucy Dunn ’76 (B.A. political science), chief executive officer emeritus of the Orange County Business Council, was honored for her public service at the 2024 Celebrating Orange County’s Political Legacy dinner. The annual event is hosted by Cal State Fullerton’s Lawrence de Graaf Center for Oral and Public History.
Jenn Jackson ’11 (M.A. political science) published their first book, “Black Women Taught Us,” to honor Black women and feminists whose work has been “erased from the archives.” The book is based on a course they teach in the political science department at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
Jenny Luker ’01 (M.A. sociology) is president of Platinum Guild International USA. She is responsible for the strategic business development of the platinum jewelry industry in the U.S.
Christine Hernandez ’09 (B.A. English) was appointed to the city of Westminster’s Parks and Recreation Commission.
Keith Collins ’06 (B.A. history) was appointed city attorney by the Whittier City Council. He previously served as the city attorney in Fort Bragg and the assistant city attorney in La Habra, Placentia, Bishop and Blythe. He has experience in land use, redevelopment, elections, First Amendment issues, labor and employment, criminal prosecution, litigation, law enforcement, […]
Harvey F. De La Torre ’04 (M.A. political science) was named general manager for the Municipal Water District of Orange County board of directors. He previously spearheaded the revised financial reserve policy and facilitated strategies for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California as interim general manager and assistant general manager.
Thomas R. Hatch ’91, ’95 (B.A. political science, M.P.A.) was appointed interim city manager of Santa Ana, overseeing operations for one of the largest cities in Orange County with over 1,400 employees. He has 36 years of local government experience, including serving more than 12 years as city manager and assistant city manager of Costa […]
Heidi Rae Cooley ’92, ’95 (B.A., M.A. English) was named the program head of arts, technology, and emerging communication and critical media studies at the University of Texas at Dallas. She also co-directs the Public Interactives Research Lab, where investigators design interactive technologies for public spaces.