SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Dr. Kristen Tudor of River Park has been named to the board of directors for United Way California Capital Region. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, Tudor brings a rare combination of faculty expertise and executive leadership as chief of staff at Sacramento State University, where she also serves as interim vice president for university advancement and as a member of the President’s Cabinet. Through these roles, she oversees strategic operations, governance, institutional planning and cabinet-level administration on behalf of Dr. Luke Wood, president of Sacramento State.  

Before serving in her current role, Tudor spent 18 years as faculty in the university’s communication studies department where she taught courses and coached the competitive speech and debate team to regional and national recognition. She is coauthor of “Critical Thinking and Communication: The Use of Reason in Argument (7th ed.).”

Tudor has received the Outstanding University Service Award for her contributions to programs improving graduation rates for underserved students, and she has served as a consultant to the Solís Policy Institute, training grassroots social justice activists to communicate effectively in policy contexts. She holds a bachelor’s degree in American studies from Mills College, a master’s degree in public communication from Sacramento State and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies where she was named a graduate with distinction.

Tudor is one of five community leaders across the region joining United Way’s board of directors this month. 

“Strong communities depend on leaders who are willing to use their experience, influence and passion for service to create opportunities for others,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “We are honored to welcome these accomplished leaders to our board of directors and look forward to the collective impact we can make together as we work to help every individual and family in our region thrive.”

United Way California Capital Region has been a driving force across the region for more than 100 years, listening, responding and taking comprehensive action to meet local needs. From advancing youth opportunities and helping kids excel in school, to strengthening local communities and investing in families’ financial security and health, United Way mobilizes communities to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential and thrive. Working across Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties, the local United Way provides books and literacy tutoring, addresses housing and food security, leads the region’s largest tax preparation initiative, works with foster youth across school districts, launched the region’s first guaranteed income program and leads the Community Schools initiative in West Sacramento. To make a donation: YourLocalUnitedWay.org.