Dr. Daisy Gonzales will serve as the California Student Aid Commission’s Executive Director
What they’re saying about new California Student Aid Commission’s Executive Director
SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 11,
2024 – The California Student Aid Commission
(Commission) has named Dr. Daisy Gonzales to serve as the next
Executive Director of the Commission, the nation’s largest state
financial aid system. The announcement comes following an
extensive national search. Dr. Gonzales currently serves as the
Deputy Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, where she
oversees 116 colleges and supports the implementation of learning
environments and services for 2 million students.
Dr. Daisy Gonzales
Executive Director, California Student Aid Commission
“As an alumna of the Cal Grant and
Chafee Foster Youth Grant programs and an experienced higher
education leader, Dr. Gonzales is well-positioned to lead the
California Student Aid Commission during this pivotal time. I
look forward to working with Dr. Gonzales to expand opportunity
for all.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
“Guided by her dedication to student
success and economic opportunity for all, Dr. Gonzales is a
long-time champion and proven partner for California students.
Her leadership will help California continue to set the national
standard in protecting marginalized students and comprehensively
meeting their needs through financial aid. I commend the
Commission for its selection and look forward to continuing to
partner with her to ensure that all of California’s students can
afford and attain higher education.”
U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA)
“Dr. Daisy Gonzales has dedicated her
career to achieving equity and promoting access for our
underserved students. Her effective and compassionate leadership
as Deputy Chancellor of the California Community Colleges is a
model for us all and will be invaluable as she continues to serve
students in her new role as Executive Director of the California
Student Aid Commission. I look forward to continuing to work
together to expand access to affordable higher education and move
towards a better, brighter future for all Californians.”
Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis
“Dr. Gonzales has worked continuously
to serve California students as an educator, leader and advocate.
Her public service has always been centered in student success
and improving state programs to better serve Californians.
Through her powerful lived experience, she
understands how higher education degrees and credentials are life
changing, particularly for underrepresented Californians. I look
forward to working with her to create broad coalitions to address
college affordability and student basic needs like affordable
housing and mental health.”
California State Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa
Barbara)
“Congratulations to Dr. Daisy Gonzales
on her appointment as the Executive Director of the California
Student Aid
Commission. I have worked with Dr. Gonzales in her various roles
at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. She
cares deeply about providing the tools to students, especially
those from disenfranchised communities, in order to help them
succeed. As a foster youth herself, she will bring a unique
understanding of the importance of financial aid to those who
need it the most. I look forward to partnering with Dr. Gonzales
in her new capacity to expand higher education
opportunities.”
California State Assemblymember Mike Fong
(D-Alhambra)
“It with great pleasure that I welcome
Dr. Daisy Gonzalez as the new Executive Director of the
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). In San Diego and
Imperial County, Dr. Gonzales worked with me to expand
educational opportunities for students, and to design policies to
make college more affordable. I am confident that her life
experiences will keep her dedicated to CSAC’s mission where she
can use her experiences as a statewide leader with the needed
tools for a systemic change to increase access to higher
education for future generations of students.”
California State Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San
Diego)
“Dr. Gonzales is a fierce advocate for
students who has a proven track record of serving the students of
California, especially those coming from marginalized
communities. Having helped lead the California Community
Colleges, Dr. Gonzales is uniquely familiar with the students
that California is serving today and tomorrow – there is no one
better suited to lead the Commission into the future and to help
us continue to adapt to the changing needs of our students.”
Catalina Cifuentes
Chair, California Student Aid Commission
“Dr. Gonzales is an equity-driven
leader who understands
how life-changing financial aid can be and how crucial it is
for those who seek to access our institutions of higher
education,” said current Executive Director, Marlene Garcia.
“Dr. Gonzales has a long record of delivering studentcentered
policy change and I look forward to working with
her to ensure a seamless transition.”
Marlene L. Garcia
Executive Director, California Student Aid Commission
“As a proven leader and powerful
advocate for student success, Daisy Gonzales is a natural choice
to lead the California Student Aid Commission. I have appreciated
working with her at the California Community Colleges, and I know
she will do great things to advance educational equity for
students across the state in this new role. At the University of
California, we are also proud that she is a UC alumna, and we
look forward to continuing to collaborate closely.”
Dr. Michael V. Drake
President, University of California
“On behalf of the California State
University and the more than 450,000 diverse students we serve, I
congratulate Dr. Daisy Gonzales on her appointment as executive
director of the California Student Aid Commission. I look forward
to working in partnership with her and with CSAC to continue to
expand access to higher education and support the success of
current and future CSU students.”
Dr. Mildred Garcia
Chancellor, California State University
“Dr. Gonzales is a catalyst for
positive change and a fierce student-centered leader. As a proud
California Community College alum, she served 2.1 million
students by creating streamlined pathways to completion, securing
unprecedented state and federal investments in our students, and
guiding the implementation of historic policy changes, including
the Student Centered Funding Formula, equitable placement,
baccalaureate degrees at community colleges, affordable student
housing, and resources to meet student basic needs. I look
forward to continuing to work with Dr. Gonzales to unlock
opportunities for all Californians.”
Dr. Sonya Christian
Chancellor, California Community Colleges
“On behalf of AICCU and the 89
independent colleges and universities in our membership, I
applaud the CA Student Aid Commission on the selection of Dr.
Daisy Gonzales as their next executive director. As a graduate of
Mills College and a recipient of the Cal Grant and Chafee Grant,
she understands how critical state financial aid is in creating
access to higher education and the important role that private
colleges play in educating CA’s future leaders. Dr. Gonzales is a
student-focused and compassionate leader, and I am grateful for
her work at the CA Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to
create new opportunities for students to transfer to the
independent higher education sector. I look forward to continuing
our partnership to bring greater equity and access to the state’s
financial aid programs and college opportunities.”
Kristen Soares
President, Assoc. of Independent CA Colleges &
Universities
“The UC Student Association extends
our heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Executive Director Marlene
Garcia for her unwavering
advocacy and dedicated service to students. Her passion has been
truly inspiring. We are thrilled to congratulate Dr. Daisy
Gonzales, a steadfast champion for students, on her new role.
Having worked with her during my tenure as the student trustee
for Pasadena City College in the community college trustee
workgroups focused on implementing DEI policies, and having seen
her step up as Acting Chancellor during a difficult time for the
system, I am confident she will continue to prioritize students
at the California Student Aid Commission. We look forward to
working closely with her to continue
addressing the needs of our most marginalized students across
the
state.”
David Ramirez
Government Relations Chair, UC Student Association
“The California State Student
Association(CSSA) is thrilled to congratulate Dr. Daisy Gonzales
on her appointment as the next
Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission. Dr.
Gonzales’ exemplary leadership at the California Community
Colleges and her deep commitment to student equity align
perfectly with the values and mission of our organization. As an
alumna of both the Cal Grant and Chafee Foster Youth Grant
programs, Dr. Gonzales brings a unique and valuable perspective
to this role. She is truly made in the CSU, embodying the spirit
and resilience of our students. We look forward to continuing our
work together toward ensuring equitable access to higher
education for all students in California. On behalf of CSSA, we
extend our deepest gratitude to Executive Director Marlene Garcia
for her years of dedicated service and wish her all the best
in
her retirement.”
Iese Esera
President, Cal State Student Association
“From foster youth to community
college student to a Ph.D., Dr. Gonzales understands the complex
challenges California’s students must navigate. Dedicating her
career to public service and higher education, Dr. Gonzales is an
incredible role model for all students who appreciates the power
of the Cal Grant and how life changing financial aid is for our
students. We could not be any happier for her and we look forward
to seeing how her student-centered leadership shapes the future
of the California Student Aid Commission.”
Cassandra Flandre-Nguyen
President, Student Senate for CA Community Colleges
“Cal Grant support for California’s
low-income learners is a critical ingredient to the success of
the California economy and fuel for the California Dream. I
cannot think of a better person to lead CSAC and be a strong
advocate for learners than Dr. Daisy Gonzales. I am thrilled
about the appointment of Dr. Gonzales as the next Executive
Director and look forward to working with her.”
Eloy Ortiz Oakley
President & CEO, College Futures Foundation
“Dr. Daisy Gonzales was an
instrumental partner for the implementation of the
#CaliforniansForAll College Corps program while she served as the
California Community Colleges Interim Chancellor. Her partnership
has ensured California community college students have the
opportunity to benefit from these service opportunities that
offer on-the-job training while earning money for college. We are
proud to continue the partnership with Dr. Gonzales as the
California Student Aid Commission Executive Director to build the
next generation of civic leaders by engaging students in
meaningful community service that builds leadership skills, while
providing them with a path toward reducing college debt.”
Josh Fryday
California Chief Service Officer
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Daisy
Gonzales as the new Executive Director at CSAC. Dr. Gonzales’s
deep commitment to equity and access in education, along with her
visionary leadership, will be invaluable as we continue to
champion these causes. Her dedication to advocating with students
and empowering them as leaders and scholars reflects her belief
in their potential and value. Her firsthand experiences and
proven track record assure us that she will inspire and drive
impactful change. We eagerly anticipate the continued partnership
with CSAC under her exceptional leadership, particularly in
support of undocumented students.”
Dr. Iliana G. Perez
Executive Director, Immigrants Rising
“Dr. Gonzales is a systems-linker. She understands firsthand the
reality of California’s students, the systems that inform their
decisions and experiences, and how to bring people together to
collectively remove barriers. Equity Avengers is excited to
support this historic appointment and the opportunities ahead to
help more students achieve their goals with equity at the
center.”
Dr. Keith Curry | Dr. Pamela Luster |Dr. Tammeil
Gilkerson
Equity Avengers
“The complex affordability challenges
facing today’s college students require policy leaders who can
infuse data-driven best practices with on-the-ground student
experiences. CSAC is fortunate to have found a strong champion in
Dr. Daisy Gonzales who is uniquely qualified to take this on.
uAspire is excited to continue our strong partnership with CSAC
under Dr. Gonzales’s leadership and looks forward to her
tenure.”
Janeira Forté
Chief Impact Officer, uAspire
“The California Student Aid Commission
plays a vital role in making students’ college dreams come true
and I am thrilled that this important Commission will now be led
by Dr. Daisy Gonzales. Dr. Gonzales is a true education equity
champion who knows how intertwined economic mobility and racial
justice are. I admire and appreciate her intentionality around
student-focused solutions, her deep expertise in fiscal
management, and her steadfast commitment to stakeholder
engagement – all of which will prove to be huge assets for
California students and the state as a whole as she takes on this
new role.”
Dr. Christopher Nellum
Executive Director Education Trust-West
“The Campaign for College Opportunity
congratulates Dr. Daisy Gonzales for her appointment as Executive
Director of the California Student Aid Commission. As she steps
up to lead the largest state financial aid agency in the country,
we look forward to partnering to build upon her demonstrated
experience at California Community Colleges and to ensure college
dreams remain affordable and accessible in these challenging
times to the lowincome and first-generation students who are
instrumental in powering California’s multiracial economy and
democracy.”
Jessie Ryan
President Select, Campaign for College Opportunity
“I extend a warm welcome to Dr. Daisy
Gonzales as the incoming Executive Director of the California
Student Aid Commission – she is also a former colleague from my
days in the State Legislature. With her wealth of experience and
exemplary leadership at the nation’s largest higher education
system – the California Community Colleges – I have no doubt that
the CSAC will continue to uphold California’s standing as a
shining light in the nation for college affordability.”
Arnie Sowell Jr.
Executive Director, NextGen Policy
“Dr. Daisy Gonzales has been a
longtime champion for college access and equity in California,
and we celebrate her appointment as Executive Director of the
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). We are confident that
Dr. Gonzales will champion college affordability and ensure that
California students can earn college degrees without needing to
take on burdensome debt. TICAS looks forward to working with Dr.
Gonzales and CSAC to advance our shared vision for equitable
college access and success and a path to debt-free college in
California.”
Sameer Gadkaree
President, The Institute for College Access & Success
“John Burton Advocates for Youth is
thrilled to that Dr. Daisy Gonzales will serve as the Executive
Director of the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). CSAC
has been pivotal in making higher
education accessible to foster youth and other historically
underserved students. Dr. Gonzales shares this dedication, and
under her leadership, we are confident that California will
continue to advance. Congratulations, Dr. Gonzales!”
Amy Lemley
Executive Director, John Burton Advocates for Youth
“UNITE-LA, a proud partner of the
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) for more than two
decades, celebrates the appointment of Dr. Daisy Gonzales as
Executive Director. Dr. Gonzales brings her years of
student-centered practice from her time as Deputy and Interim
Chancellor of California Community Colleges, as well as her
experience as a dualimmersion third-grade teacher. UNITE-LA is
deeply grateful to retiring CSAC Executive Director, Marlene
Garcia, for her leadership and partnership as we collectively
advocated for a more equity-focused Cal Grant system and served
over 300,000 Angeleno youth through L.A. Cash for College.
UNITE-LA stands ready to advance our collaboration alongside Dr.
Gonzales.”
Alysia Bell
President, UNITE-LA
“Dr. Gonzales’ extensive leadership
experience, combined with her dedication to always putting
students first, makes her an excellent choice for her new
position with the California Student Aid Commission. Her
commitment to student financial health and overall well-being is
clear, and I know she will skillfully build the necessary
coalitions and spearhead initiatives that dismantle barriers to
student success. The Foundation for California Community Colleges
has been fortunate to partner with Dr. Gonzales and CSAC closely
over the years, and we look forward to continuing our
collaboration in this new and exciting time of change.”
Keetha Mills
President & CEO, Foundation for Community Colleges
“The Faculty Association of California
Community Colleges congratulates Dr. Daisy Gonzales on her
appointment as Executive Director of the California Student Aid
Commission. Financial Aid plays a vital role in meeting the basic
needs of our students—especially those attending California’s
community colleges, who disproportionately face food and housing
insecurity in addition to family financial pressures. We are
confident that Dr. Gonzales’ leadership will foster collaboration
among partners across the state, remove barriers to access, and
provide crucial resources and support for students in all stages
of their education journeys. FACCC looks forward to working
alongside Dr. Gonzales to empower students at community colleges
and across California.”
Wendy Brill-Wynkoop
President, Faculty Association of California Community
Colleges
“Dr. Gonzales is an unapologetic
student-centered leader, a fiscal and policy strategist and an
inclusive coalition builder. For the last six and a half years,
she has been instrumental to the equity gains in student
completion and historic investments in California Community
Colleges. Our SDICCCA students benefited from her vision to bring
California Community Colleges closer to the communities that they
serve, including new programs and services to address student
basic needs, resources to expand career technical education and
equitable access for low income students in our region through
historic legislation. We look forward to working with her to
expand financial aid to the diverse student populations we serve
today and those we need to serve tomorrow.”
Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey
Superintendent/President of Palomar College & Chair of the
San Diego and Imperial Counties Community College
Association