SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, the new Chairman of the Assembly Higher Education Committee today announced the hiring of Sandra Fried, who will take over as Chief Consultant effective February 1st.

“Sandra brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the job, having worked in the higher education establishment for nearly ten years,” said Assemblymember Portantino.  “I am looking forward to working with her to expand access and keep our public institutions affordable for future generations.”

The selection of Fried caps an 18 year career in public service, beginning in 1988 as a consultant to former Speaker Willie Brown.  Most recently, Fried served as Legislative Director for the University of California State Governmental Relations Office, where she coordinated legislative activities for all University of California campuses.  She served as a representative of the University of California to the Legislature, the Administration, and other state agencies that effect UC activities.