March 11, 2008
Vice Chancellors, Deans, Directors, Department Chairs and Administrative Officers
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rhea Turteltaub as vice chancellor, external affairs, following a national search and pending approval by the UC Regents. Since July 2006, Rhea has served as interim vice chancellor, demonstrating her ability to lead an integrated external affairs operation effectively to truly advance UCLA.
Rhea joined UCLA in 1994 as senior associate director of major gifts and became a part of the external affairs senior management team in 1996. Throughout her UCLA tenure, she has filled increasingly responsible positions in development. She played a pivotal leadership role in the phenomenal success of Campaign UCLA.
Rhea came to UCLA with an extensive career in advancement already behind her, having worked on three campaigns for other institutions. She held positions with the Otis College of Art and Design; University of Chicago; University of California, Berkeley; and Trinity College, where she received her B.A. in political science in 1982.
UCLA’s external affairs unit is a critical resource if we are to fulfill our high aspirations as a top-flight world-class research university. Facing tough resource challenges, we must rely more and more on the support of alumni, donors, friends and the parents of our students, and expand those vital networks and relationships. I believe Rhea is the right leader to build upon the progress we have made as we reach toward the next level of excellence and service. I very much look forward to working with her as we go forward.
I want to thank the members of the search committee, which recruited an outstanding pool of candidates for this position. The committee was chaired by Judy Olian, dean, UCLA Anderson School of Management. Other members were Norman Abrams, acting chancellor emeritus and professor of law emeritus; Gerald S. Levey, vice chancellor, medical sciences, and dean, David Geffen School of Medicine; Tim McCarthy, chair, The UCLA Foundation; Janina Montero, vice chancellor, student affairs; Yolanda Nunn Gorman, president, UCLA Alumni Association; and Steve Olsen, vice chancellor, finance, budget and capital programs.
Please join me in congratulating Rhea on her appointment, which will be effective on April 1, 2008.
Sincerely,
Gene D. Block
Chancellor