The California Endowment Welcomes Two New Board Members

Los Angeles, CA – The California Endowment (TCE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tyrone Howard of Los Angeles and Louie Nguyen of San Diego to its board of directors.

“We’re delighted to have these two exceptional and innovative leaders whose expertise and passion will reinforce our ongoing mission to fight for access to quality, equitable health care for all Californians,” said Brenda Solórzano, president and CEO, TCE.

Dr. Howard is the Pritzker Family Endowed Chair and professor of education in the School of Education and Information Studies at UCLA. He is the founder and director of the UCLA Black Male Institute and co-director of the UCLA Pritzker Center for Strengthening Children and Families. He also serves as faculty director of the university’s Center for the Transformation of Schools and is regarded as a leading expert on race, culture, educational equity and access. A native of Compton, CA, Dr. Howard began his career as a classroom teacher in the Compton Unified School District. He is a member of both the National Academy of Education and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

“Becoming a member of the TCE board is truly an honor. For years, I have been in awe of the visionary leadership of Dr. Bob Ross, former TCE CEO. To be part of the new leadership team provides a tremendous opportunity to do the important work around health equity, racial justice, and community empowerment and transformation that we need in our state,” said Dr. Howard.

Louie Nguyen is the Chief Executive Officer of SAY San Diego, a 54-year-old nonprofit social enterprise providing mental health, after-school, and veterans’ services to over 30,000 individuals annually— primarily in under-resourced neighborhoods. A Vietnamese refugee who grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Nguyen previously was the founding Chief Investment Officer at Mission Driven Finance, a pioneering private credit firm focused on community impact. He currently serves as a trustee of the San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System, where he helps guide investment strategy and risk oversight. He is also on the board of a private Asian media company, advising on new market entry strategies and social initiatives.

“From refugee to CEO and impact investor, my journey has been guided by a belief in the power of purpose-driven capital. Joining The California Endowment is a once-in-a-lifetime privilege to help shape a healthier, more just California—where every community can thrive,” said Nguyen.

“Our new board colleagues have a proven history of addressing health disparities and have shown commitment in creating inclusive environments. Their contributions to the Board will be invaluable as we strive for sustained and transformational changes statewide,” said Dr. Katherine Flores, board chairperson, TCE.

Dr. Howard and Nguyen began serving three-year board terms in May.

About The California Endowment
The California Endowment, a private, statewide health foundation, was established in 1996 to expand access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities, and to promote fundamental improvements in the health status of all Californians. Headquartered in Downtown Los Angeles, The Endowment has regional offices in Sacramento, Oakland, Fresno and San Diego, with program staff working throughout the state. The Endowment challenges the conventional wisdom that medical settings and individual choices are solely responsible for people’s health. The Endowment believes that health happens in neighborhoods, schools, and with prevention.