CCST Fills Key Director Roles with Three New Hires

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Council on Science and Technology announced three additions to its senior staff today.

Jason John, PhD, joins CCST as Deputy Director. He will oversee the expansion and coordination of CCST’s science services, communications and outreach, and the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship program.

John brings to CCST a wealth of experience developing collaborative partnerships across academia, non-profits, and state service. He previously served as Acting Director of Sierra Club California where he oversaw engagement with California policy on conservation, renewable energy, transportation, and industrial decarbonization. Prior to that, Jason was the Science and Policy Lead for the Biodiversity and Habitat Team at the California Natural Resource Agency, where he helped develop the state’s Pathways to 30×30 strategy, and worked on the agency’s Cutting Green Tape and other habitat restoration initiatives. A 2021 CCST Science and Technology Policy Fellow alum, John holds a PhD in Physiological Ecology from the University of California Santa Cruz and a BS in Biological Sciences from Santa Clara University.

Eric Chu, PhD, joins CCST as Director of Science Services. He will provide strategic direction, oversight, and coordination for CCST’s science services, including peer-reviewed reports, expert briefings, workshops, and more. He will also oversee the development of CCST’s science services by collaborating with research institutions, public agencies, and the private sector.

Chu has 15 years of experience leading strategic programs and building research partnerships at the science-policy interface. Prior to CCST, he was a Senior Planner in the California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (formerly Governor’s Office of Planning and Research) and a tenured Associate Professor in Community and Regional Development at UC Davis, where he retains a courtesy adjunct appointment. He received a PhD in environmental policy and planning from MIT, dual master’s degrees in urban planning and environmental policy from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor’s degree in natural resources from Cornell University.

Kevin McAllister joins CCST as Director of Development. He will lead CCST’s fundraising initiatives, cultivate individual and major donor relationships, implement strategic campaigns, and foster a philanthropic culture.

McAllister brings over 25 years of experience in organizational leadership and community service. He served as the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Sacramento County, where he played a pivotal role in expanding services for vulnerable populations. His leadership was instrumental in developing innovative programs that addressed food insecurity among seniors and implemented technology-driven solutions to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. McAllister received a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from National University and a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies from CSU Sacramento.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason, Eric, and Kevin to our senior leadership team at CCST,” said Julianne McCall, PhD, CEO of CCST. “Each brings a unique perspective and set of skills which align seamlessly with our mission to strengthen California’s policies with science and technology. Their collective expertise will be instrumental as we continue to expand our network, deliver evidence-based insights, and foster innovation and equity across the state.”

Learn more about these new members and meet the rest of our team on our Staff page.

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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 in 1988. CCST responds to the Governor, the Legislature, and other State entities who request independent assessment of public policy issues affecting the State of California relating to science and technology. CCST engages leading experts in science and technology to advise state policymakers—ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation.