GALLERY: S&T Week 2024 Reception and Leadership Awards

The awardees were recognized at CCST’s S&T Week Reception and Leadership Awards Ceremony by members of CCST’s Board of Directors and other leaders from CCST’s Partner Institutions.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) was proud to recognize the recipients of the 2024 CCST Leadership Awards for Science in Public Service: Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, Senator Anthony Portantino, and California Department of Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw.

The CCST Science in Public Service Award is given to public servants who have a clear track record of advancing science and technology issues and value efforts to connect science to policy. This year’s awardees are being recognized for their career-long leadership on implementing science-informed solutions in California.

“California state policymakers have a long history of incorporating scientific advice into their decision-making processes, because they understand that California’s policies are stronger with science,” says Sarah Brady, Interim CEO of CCST. “The CCST Science in Public Service Award celebrates our state’s vanguard position in evidence-based policymaking and science-informed leadership. CCST is proud to celebrate our three honorable awardees – whose consideration of science and technology have made a difference in the Golden State.”

The awardees were recognized at CCST’s S&T Week Reception and Leadership Awards Ceremony by members of CCST’s Board of Directors and other leaders from CCST’s Partner Institutions, as part of CCST Science & Technology Week.

See the full lineup of S&T Week events: ccst.us/STweek

Photo Gallery:
Photos by Will Bucquoy for CCST

2024 Awardees:

Eduardo Garcia
Assemblymember, California’s 36th Assembly District

Since the beginning of his career, Assemblymember Garcia has championed policies that advance science and technology in the state—especially in his previous roles as Chair of the Assembly Water, Parks, & Wildlife Committee and the Assembly Committee on Utilities & Energy; and now as the current Chair of both the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee and the Select Committee on California’s Lithium Economy.

Through his leadership, he has helped bring vital focus to California’s climate future, strengthened the state’s energy resilience, and worked tirelessly as a champion of environmental justice. Evident by his ardent support of the California Climate Resilience Bond, Assemblymember Garcia places incredible value on ensuring that California is a leader in providing equitable climate crisis response to vulnerable communities within the state.

Anthony Portantino
California State Senator

Throughout his career, Senator Portantino has consistently promoted policies that advance science and technology within the state—especially in his role as Senate Appropriations Committee Chair and his work on the Wildfire, Drought, and Flood Protection Bond of 2022.

Senator Portantino has also been instrumental to the success and longevity of the CCST Science and Technology Policy Fellows program. His mentorship to so many CCST S&T Policy Fellows, whether they were placed in his office or not, has been invaluable. Senator Portantino’s impact on these Fellows’ careers, and in the science policy arena at large, has been immeasurable.

Joe Stephenshaw
Director, California Department of Finance

Director Stephenshaw’s commitment to advancing science-informed solutions in the State has been apparent throughout his career, particularly in his roles as Chief Consultant for the Senate Budget Committee and as Director of the Department of Finance. He has continually advanced science-based policies surrounding climate change, energy, and disaster resilience.

The CCST Science and Technology Policy Fellows program has also benefited enormously from Director Stephensaw’s leadership and engagement. He has served as an invaluable mentor to many CCST S&T Policy Fellows, many of whom have continued to work in the science policy arena, providing immeasurable impact on their careers.

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About the 2024 CCST Science & Technology Week
Celebrating science at your service! From February 5th through 8th, CCST hosted a series of Capitol community events showcasing how science helps inform policies impacting California’s economy, society, and environment. CCST was created by California state leaders to advise California state leaders – and S&T Week is designed to inform leaders on what we can do for you. See event details at ccst.us/STWeek.

About the California Council on Science and Technology
The California Council on Science and Technology is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature — making California’s policies stronger with science and technology since 1988. We engage leading experts in science and technology to advise State policymakers — ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation.