SACRAMENTO – The Asian & Pacific Islander (API) Legislative Caucus kicked off the 2014 legislative session by honoring Charu Khopkar, who recently became the first API director of the California State Assembly Speaker’s Office of Member Services.
“On behalf of the API Legislative Caucus, I applaud Speaker John A. Pérez for appointing an exceptionally qualified candidate for one of the state Assembly’s top staff posts,” said Assemblymember Paul Fong (D-San Jose), caucus chair. “Charu brings an enviable career that includes vast experience in public service and effectively advocating on behalf of California’s educators and working families. His historic appointment also underscores the Assembly’s strong commitment to staffing that understands and reflects the rich diversity of our state.”
Khopkar most recently served as the political director of the California Faculty Association, where he managed the association’s legislative and political staff. Prior to that, Khopkar worked for Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell and Gov. Gray Davis. His experience also includes working for Congressmembers Nita Lowey of New York and Sanford Bishop of Georgia.
The API Legislative Caucus was established in 2001 with the mission of representing and advocating for the diverse interests of California’s API community. Additionally, the caucus seeks to increase API participation and representation in all levels of government.