As a member of the alliance¹s executive committee, Koester will join a group of regional leaders that counsels the membership and helps provide a common vision for the area¹s business and economic initiatives.

"I am honored to have been elected to the Economic Alliance¹s executive committee. Cal State Northridge has strong ties to the community and is committed to ensuring that what we do - educating tomorrow¹s leaders - has a positive impact on the lives of the people in our region," Koester said.

The Economic Alliance was formed after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake in response to growth and economic issues facing the region. It is a collaboration of Valley public and private businesses, governments and educational organizations. The partnership focuses on attracting and retaining high quality jobs to the area and improving public education to prepare the workforce for these positions. Its goal is to improve the quality of life in the San Fernando Valley and market the region as an ideal place to work, live and play.

California State University, Northridge has more than 32,500 full- and part-time students and offers 59 bachelor¹s and 41 master¹s degrees as well as 28 education credential programs. Founded in 1958, it is the only four-year university in the San Fernando Valley and the third largest in the 23-campus CSU system. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges recently said CSUN "stands as a model to other public urban institutions of higher education."