Mike Fong, who was elected last week to Seat No. 7 on the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees beginning July 1, will instead fill the position immediately.
The Board voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint Fong to finish the term of Miguel Santiago, who resigned Dec. 1 following his election to the State Assembly. Since then, the Board has been operating with only six members.
“This will restore the Board to its full membership of seven,” said Board President Scott Svonkin, who was elected to a second term on the Board last week. “Our action ensures that the public’s voice will be heard. We welcome Mike Fong, who was given an overwhelming margin of victory by the voters. With his impressive background in workforce development and programs for our youth, he will be a tremendous addition to our Board.”
Fong will be sworn on Mar. 25 at the next Board of Trustees meeting. He will take the oath of office again in July when he will begin his full term along with Sydney Kamlager, who won Seat No. 3, and the winner of the election for Seat No. 1. Andra Hoffman leads Francesca Vega by a slim margin in that race, but the results have not yet been certified by the Los Angeles City Clerk.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by the support I have received from voters throughout the many dynamic, diverse communities that comprise the Los Angeles Community College District,” said Fong. “I thank them for the trust they have shown in giving me this opportunity to serve.
“As Trustee, my priorities will include increasing student success, improving the quality and access to educational opportunities, expanding workforce education and high-growth sector training programs, and creating jobs. I look forward to working with trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and community members in moving LACCD forward and providing opportunities for students to achieve their goals and aspirations.”
A lifelong Angeleno, Fong works with the Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department on the Hire LA Summer Youth Employment Program, Cash for College, and the Bank on Los Angeles programs. He also audits and monitors various YouthSource Center agencies which help young people pursue educational goals and job training programs.
Fong previously served as the East Area Director for then-Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
The Los Angeles Community College District, the nation’s largest community college district, serves one-quarter million students a year in more than 36 cities in Los Angeles County at its nine colleges. The District covers nearly 900 square miles and has educated and trained the region’s diverse workforce since 1969.