In his new position, he is charged with generating support for the University and its interests by working with the SFSU community, the 23-campus CSU system, and national, state and local governmental entities on projects and initiatives of mutual benefit. He is also responsible for building relationships with constituent groups, assisting community leaders in gaining access to SFSU's resources, coordinating the University's response to political and policy issues, and advising administrators and faculty on strategies to encourage constructive dialogue with public officials.

"Sam Rodriguez's knowledge and extensive experience as well as his insights into the workings of government and politics will prove to be invaluable for San Francisco State University and the communities we serve," said Don Scoble, interim vice president for university advancement. "His energy and drive will be great assets to the University."

Before working for the California Democratic Party, Rodriguez was Washington state director for Sen. John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign. There he managed campaign operations, was chief political strategist for communications, served as liaison to government officials, and served as a media spokesman.

He was chief deputy labor commissioner for the California Department of Industrial Relations from 2003 to 2004 and acting undersecretary for the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency the previous year. He served as chief deputy director for the California Employment Development Department from 2000 to 2002 and assistant director for science education and communications for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science from 1994 to 2000.

Rodriguez, a New York City native, holds a bachelor's degree in government and politics from University of Texas, Dallas.

He replaces Christine Treadway, who has joined University of California, Berkeley, as director of state governmental relations.

-- Matt Itelson