Bruce Darling (National Academy of Sciences) and Charles Harper (Jariet Technologies) Retire from CCST Board of Directors

Bruce Darling and Charles Harper, MBA, are retiring from the Board of Directors of the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), after each serving for more than two decades.

Bruce Darling, who joined the CCST Board in 1997, served as Executive Officer of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Research Council from 2012 until he retired in 2019. Prior to joining the Academy, Darling served as vice president, senior vice president and executive vice president of the University of California system, and previously worked at the National Science Foundation, including as special assistant to the NSF Director.

During his 27-year tenure on CCST’s Board, Darling was instrumental in shaping the organization’s direction, providing invaluable insights to guide strategic planning, the development of CCST’s governance structure and policies, and the DEI Committee. He also led a memorable training seminar for the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows about the UC Regents’ recision of their ban on affirmative action in undergraduate UC admissions.

“Bruce generously shared his deep expertise to help guide CCST’s path to better serve the state while being a good partner to our supporting institutions,” said CCST Board Chair Peter Cowhey. “His illustrious career as a leader of the National Academy of Sciences and the University of California’s Office of the President provided the insights that heightened our role as a trusted source of science and technology advice for the state.”

Charles Harper is Chairman and CEO of Jariet Technologies and joined the CCST Board in 2001. Previously he served as Semtech’s Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. He has served on a number of boards and councils in addition to CCST, including University of Southern California EE Advisory Council, Council of the University of Southern California Integrated Media Systems Center, and the MIT Sloan School Dean Advisory Council.

Bringing his experience in leadership positions within high-tech companies, Harper played a key role in several strategic planning initiatives, significantly enhancing CCST’s approach and scope. As Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, he helped expand CCST’s fundraising activities, opening new avenues and opportunities for the organization’s growth and impact. He was also a key player in the process to set up and administer the CCST Investment Management Committee and the CCST S&T Policy Fellowship endowment. In 2023, CCST successfully fulfilled its $30 million endowment goal for the fellowship program, ensuring that the State has ready access to fellows annually.

“Charles was our financial conscience during his tenure,” said Cowhey. “He was also instrumental in the development of the Fellowship program, driving us to take responsible risks and identifying funding priorities. More broadly, Charles helped guide CCST’s vision, carrying out his service in a way that’s strong and enduring. That’s particularly evident in his efforts to guide CCST into a period of financial stability that we have not had in years.”

Both Darling and Harper will continue to support CCST through sharing their input, networks, and expertise when and where appropriate.

Bruce and Charles have been tireless champions of CCST, helping the organization grow into the trusted messenger and thought leader it is today.

— Interim CEO Sarah Brady, PhD

“For more than 20 years, CCST has been exceedingly fortunate to benefit from both Bruce and Charles’s expertise and fierce dedication to building bridges across academia, education, and policy landscapes,” said CCST Interim CEO Sarah Brady, PhD. “Bruce and Charles have been tireless champions of CCST, helping the organization grow into the trusted messenger and thought leader it is today. We are forever grateful for their friendship and leadership.”

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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.