Ron Cedillos has long been recognized as a leader of a number of important public policy issues for
the past twenty years. The following are just a few of the more publicized statewide and national programs
he has shepherded on behalf of California.
U.S. SECRETARY OF
COMMERCE
When the Wall Street Journal and Washington Times reported that
Ron Cedillos was under consideration for
the cabinet position of
U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President George H.W. Bush, it
set off another round
of speculation of whether Cedillos would
leave the private sector for full-time government service. With
the opportunity to advise the President on U.S. competitiveness
and economic growth policy, Cedillos knew it was a once in a
lifetime prospect, but he also knew it would mean the end of
fulfilling his work helping govern the largest institution of
higher education in the nation -- the California State
University System.
The
confidence placed in Ron Cedillos by the Governor through his
many appointments to important policy boards, projects and
commissions had been noticed by the White House in search of
problem solving talent
and leadership. California’s Governor
characterized Cedillos through his spokesman thusly; “No
challenge is
too big for him. I think through his dedication
and his energy he’s able to accomplish a lot of feats that
others write off as lost causes.”
Moreover, Ron was being ardently supported for the cabinet
position by many leading Californians from both
the Democratic
and Republican parties who knew firsthand of his abilities and
problem solving skills.
When
interviewed by the Press Telegram regarding his possible
appointment, Ron Cedillos replied “I don’t know the timing is
right for me. There is a lot of work to be done in
California.” Cedillos was at least in part referring to his
work in advising state elected officials on economic
strategies and education reform.
While creating broad based economic opportunity is Cedillos’
passion, in the end, providing the best education possible for
our youth is his first priority. As such, though distinctly
honored when put forward for the post, Cedillos declined
further consideration. Notwithstanding his decision, Cedillos
continued to advise state and national leaders on a variety of
policy matters.
|