Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of four new members and reappointment of two current members to the UC Board of Regents last Monday.
The newest members of the Board of Regents are John “Rusty” Areias, Dorene Dominguez, Mabelle Hueston and Carl “Chip” Robertson.
The 26-member board — primarily responsible for managing university policy, tuition and investments — is made up of 18 governor-appointed members. Governor-appointed regents serve 12-year terms and must be confirmed by the California Senate.
“I look forward to working with them as we build on the University’s extraordinary legacy of academic excellence, life-saving research, and world-class patient care,” said UC President J.B. Milliken in a press release. “Each brings new perspectives and a depth of experience that will strengthen our board and serve the University of California.”
Hueston, a Democrat who grew up on a Navajo reservation in Utah, was previously assistant director of the Native American Program at Dartmouth College and a lecturer in American Indian Studies at CSU Long Beach. She is set to take over chair Janet Reilly’s current seat.
Robertson, is a Democrat who holds a bachelor’s degree in history from UC Berkeley, an MBA from UCLA and a JD from UCSF Law. He has been a co-managing partner at Warland Investments Company since 2009 and is set to take over Peter Gruber’s seat.
Areias, who previously served as the director at the California Department of Parks and Recreation and a state assembly member, has been a partner at California Strategies, a public affairs consulting firm, since 2002. He is a Democrat and is set to fill Gareth Elliott’s seat.
Dominguez has been the chair and CEO of Vanir Construction Management since 2004. She is also the first Latina to govern an NBA team, as part of the group that owns the Sacramento Kings. Dominguez is the sole Republican among the new appointments, and is set to fill Richard Sherman’s seat.
Additionally, Newsom reappointed board Chair Janet Reilly and regent Gregory Sarris.
“Chair Reilly has been a valuable partner and leader in my first months as president,” Milliken said in the press release. “Regent Sarris’s deep commitment to student support and success is a cornerstone of how we fulfill our mission.”
Reilly, who has been on the board since 2019 and became chair in 2024, was formerly an executive producer and on-air television host for NBC Bay Area, as well as the director of The Presidio Trust from 2015-18. Her current term is set to expire in March 2028.
Sarris, appointed in 2023, serves as the chair of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. His current term is set to expire in March 2038.
“I am grateful to them both for their collaboration and commitment to our University,” Milliken said.