Louis Caldera bio

LOUIS CALDERA
Biographical Sketch

Caldera, 46, is Vice Chancellor for University Advancement of The California State University System. The CSU system is the largest four-year university system in the country, with headquarters in Long Beach and 23 campuses across the state. As Vice Chancellor, his portfolio includes system-wide fundraising and development programs, legislative affairs, community relations, alumni affairs, public affairs and communications. He also serves as President of the CSU Foundation.

Before arriving at the CSU, Caldera held two appointed posts in the Clinton administration. As Secretary of the Army from 1998 to 2001, Caldera, together with the Army's Chief of Staff, General Eric K. Shinseki, announced and set into motion a new vision for a more versatile and highly deployable force. During his tenure, Caldera also successfully led a reversal of recruiting shortfalls and initiated a range of highly popular educational programs for soldiers and potential recruits. As Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service from 1997 to 1998, Caldera ran the federal grant-making agency that supports the volunteer service programs AmeriCorps, the National Senior Service Corps and Learn and Serve America.

Elected to three terms in the California State Assembly, Caldera represented the 46th District, located in and around downtown Los Angeles, from 1992 to 1997. During his tenure, Caldera chaired several business and finance committees, and was an active proponent of measures to improve the lives of children, particularly in the areas of education, foster care, and health and safety. Prior to his election to the Assembly, he worked as a Deputy County Counsel for the County of Los Angeles and as an attorney in private practice, including at the law firm of O'Melveny & Myers.

Caldera has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the National Commission on the Senior Year in High School, the Ad Council's Community Affairs Advisory Committee and the Panama Canal Commission. He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Recent honors include the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Award and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chairman's Award.

Caldera holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy, an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. He is married to Eva Orlebeke Caldera and has three daughters, Allegra, Sophia and Camille.