CSUCI Hires Director of Community and Government Relations

Camarillo, Calif., Oct. 8, 2007- California State University Channel Islands Vice President for University Advancement Mario de los Cobos announced that Celina L. Zacarias has joined the University as the director of community and government relations.

"Celina is widely known for her community and educational outreach in the areas that CSUCI serves," de los Cobos said. "We are pleased to welcome her to the University."

In her new role, Zacarias will oversee the University's relations with the communities it serves, as well as serving as the liaison between the University and government officials at the local, state, national, and international levels.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of this great institution of higher learning where I can combine my passion for community service and education," Zacarias said. "By working together, we can all make a difference in improving the lives of those around us."

Prior to joining the University, Zacarias served as the lending program manager for the Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation in Ventura. In that role Zacarias managed and developed the lending team and loan programs, business development with city, county, and state government officials, and industry partners. She also has worked for GMAC Mortgage of Oxnard and Ventura, and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage of Ventura.

Zacarias has been extensively involved in community and educational outreach as a council member for the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Office P-16 Regional Council; an organizing board member for California Lutheran University Diversity: Center for Equality and Justice; a founding member of the United Women's Leadership Council through the United Way of Ventura County; former board president of El Concilio Del Condado De Ventura; a member of the Vision Committee for Destino-The Hispanic Legacy Fund; and a former board member of the Ventura County Economic Development Association; is currently an executive board member of the Ventura County Civic Alliance.

Zacarias holds a bachelor's degree from the University of California Santa Barbara. She was born in Mexico and has been a life-long resident of Ventura County since childhood. Zacarias is the first in her family to complete a college education, and was recently named the 2007 Diversity Ambassador of the Year by the American Red Cross as well as the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce's 2007 Woman of the Year and in 2006 was one of the Pacific Coast Business Times Top Women in Business Honoree.

For media inquires about this release contact Ceal Potts, communications specialist at CSUCI, 805-437-8940 or cecilia.potts@csuci.edu.