The University Student Union announces its Board of Directors for the 2021–22 academic year. Student and staff representatives met in June to appoint the leaders who will guide USU programs, services and facility development in the coming school year as Matadors make a gradual return to campus.
2021–22 Board of Directors
Student Representatives (1 Vacancy)
Ayana Galves (She/Her/Hers) — Returning BOD Student Representative
Gisselle Olmedo Torres (She/Her/Hers) — Returning BOD Student Representative
Robert Jacome (He/Him/His) — Returning BOD Student Representative
Bryant Garcia (He/Him/His) — Incoming BOD Student Representative
Karina Perez (She/Her/Hers) — Incoming BOD Student Representative
Charlie Rodriguez Salazar (He/Him/His) — Incoming BOD Student Representative
Christian Lipton (He/Him/His) — Incoming BOD Student Representative
Jonathan Hay (He/Him/His) — Associated Students President and Liaison to the Board
Faculty/Staff & Alumni Representatives
Dr. Tadeh Zarakian (He/Him His) — Faculty Representative
Dr. Edith Winterhalter (She/Her/Hers) — Administrator Representative
Dr. Shelley Ruelas-Bischoff (She/Her/Hers) — Student Affairs Representative
Benjamin Plotkin (He/Him/His) — Staff Representative
Dr. Carroll Brown (He/Him/His) — Alumni Representative
Debra L. Hammond — Executive Director
Diversity & Inclusion Committee
Chair: Robert Jacome
Co-Chair: Ayana Galves
Executive Secretary: Dr. Freddie Sánchez
Facilities & Operations Committee
Chair: Christian Lipton
Co-Chair: Open Seat
Executive Secretary: Samantha Liu
Finance Committee
Chair: Karina Perez
Co-Chair: Charlie Rodriguez Salazar
Executive Secretary: Joe Illuminate
Personnel Committee
Chair: Gisselle Olmedo Torres
Co-Chair: Bryant Garcia
Executive Secretary: Kristen Pichler
Retirement Plan Committee
Chair: Jacob Akopnik
Co-Chair: Gisselle Olmedo Torres
Executive Secretary: Jonathan Navarro
In addition, the USU Board revised its Mission Statement to reflect an expanded role that includes equity promotion, inclusion, and well-being.
The University Student Union, as the heart of campus, uplifts and empowers students to achieve educational, personal and professional goals by providing leadership development, meaningful employment, and innovative programs, services and facilities. We promote equity, inclusion and well-being, while encouraging social justice advocacy to help Matadors feel heard, respected and connected to CSUN.
To learn more about the USU Board of Directors, how you can get involved as a student leader, and about its programs and services, visit the Board of Directors webpage.