Garrett P. Ashley is senior advisor to the president at California State University, Fullerton. In this role, he advises the president and senior campus leaders on matters related to advancement, communications, and government relations. He is also vice chancellor emeritus for The California State University, where for 12 years he oversaw systemwide advancement, governmental affairs, alumni relations, communications, and public affairs. Additionally, he is a member and former chair of the St. Mary Medical Center Board of Ambassadors and co-chair of the Intentional Endowment Network's Executive Steering Committee. Previously, he was undersecretary for international trade in the California Business, Transportation, and Housing Agency. He chaired the statewide California Trade Partnership, was a member of the Office of the United States Trade Representative's Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee, and served on the advisory board of the Center for International Business Education and Research at the University of Southern California. He also served as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's deputy chief of staff for operations and as chief deputy director for Governor Pete Wilson's Office of Emergency Services. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of New Mexico.​​​​