Alumni Advocates of the Year

Gary Townsend
California State University, Los Angeles

Currently the chief deputy for Los Angeles County Assessor Rick Auerbach, Gary Townsend began his career in politics when he was an elected delegate to the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. During his recent career, he has served as chief deputy to City Councilman Mike Woo, district director for Congressman Matthew Martinez and chief deputy assessor for Kenneth P. Hahn.

Townsend is active in numerous charitable endeavors and believes strongly in giving back to Cal State L.A. He is a member of the Cal State L.A. President’s Associates, currently serves on the CSULA Board of Directors as past president and is an active member of the CSULA Advocacy Committee. He has been instrumental in the growth of the Advocacy Program at CSULA and has recruited high-level, well-placed alumni to join the CSULA family, participated in CSU Advocacy Training Days since 2003, and has been traveling to Sacramento as part of the CSULA delegation since 2002.

Townsend graduated from Cal State L.A. in 1969 with a BA degree. Additionally, he was awarded the 2002 University Service Award at the Annual Alumni Awards Gala.