SAN FRANCISCO (January 30, 2017) – Council for a Strong America recently hired Susan Bonilla, former California Assemblywoman of Concord, to serve as Director of the California State Office. Bonilla brings almost 20 years of education and policy experience to the organization.
Much of Bonilla’s work in the state legislature focused on the educational, health, and welfare needs of children and families, with special emphasis on high quality early childhood care, STEM, and revitalizing public education. Bonilla also led legislative efforts to reform the K-12 funding formula and eliminate fill-in-the-bubble testing in favor of computer adaptive assessments in order to ensure student success and workforce readiness in California.
“We’re thrilled to have her on board,” said Barry Ford, Vice President of State Operations and Policy. “Her continued advocacy for the wellbeing of children in California coupled with her track record in policy development and implementation make her a perfect fit for the organization.”
Council for a Strong America is a national, nonpartisan nonprofit that unites five organizations comprised of law enforcement leaders, retired admirals and generals, business executives, faith leaders, and prominent coaches and athletes who promote solutions to ensure the next generation of Americans will be citizen-ready.
The 8,000 members affiliated with Council for a Strong America seek increased investments in evidence-based public policies and programs that strengthen families, communities, the economy and our national security. Council for a Strong America includes:
- Fight Crime: Invest in Kids – police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors, other law enforcement executives, and violence survivors who promote solutions that reduce crime
- Mission: Readiness – retired admirals, generals, and other top military leaders joining forces to ensure national security, advocating for the health of our children
- ReadyNation – CEOs and other business leaders promoting solutions to strengthen the workforce and close the skills gap for young people
- Shepherding the Next Generation – clergy and faith leaders calling for biblically-based and effective approaches to strengthen families and communities
- Champions for America’s Future – prominent coaches, athletes, and sports leaders leveling the playing field for at-risk kids
“I look forward to working with our diverse membership to support polices that will increase access to high-quality early education, after-school and summer learning programs, keep kids in school by promoting alternatives to suspensions, prevent child abuse and neglect, reduce obesity by providing healthy food and physical activity in schools, and prepare students for success in both college and career,” said Bonilla.
In her new role with the organization, Bonilla will lead a team of six and be responsible for new member cultivation, funder relations, and organizational growth and development as Council for a Strong America continues to serve and support the most vulnerable children in California. For more information about the Council for a Strong America, please visit strongnation.org.
