October 8, 1999
Thomas S. Sayles, vice president of governmental and community affairs at Sempra Energy, has been appointed by California Governor Gray Davis to a volunteer task force on diversity that will seek ways to reach out to diverse populations in education and state contract work.
The goal of the 27-member task force is to make recommendations to the governor and the legislature on outreach efforts for academic admissions, state contracts, and other programs that will increase diversity while complying with Proposition 209, which bans many affirmative action programs. Sayless is the only member of the panel from San Diego.
"I am honored to be appointed to such an important group of community and business leaders that will work to promote diversity throughout California," said Sayles. "Sempra Energy's diversity programs have been nationally recognized as a benchmark against which other corporations are measuring themselves. I look forward to sharing the expertise of our company with other members of the task force and working toward increasing educational and business opportunities for people of all backgrounds."
Sempra Energy was the top Southern California firm on Fortune magazine's 1999 list of "Best Companies for Asians, Blacks and Hispanics." The company —which was ranked No. 4 overall— was recognized for its achievements in hiring, promoting and valuing the contributions of minorities, as well as for its commitment to minority contracting.
Sayle's responsibilities at Sempra Energy include public-policy planning and analysis; local, state and federal government relations; corporate contributions and community relations. Prior to assuming his current position, he was senior vice president, consumer marketing, for Sempra Energy Solutions, an unregulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy.
Sayles previously serve as California Commissioner of Corporations and California Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing. He holds a law degree from Harvard Law School and a bachelor's degree from Stanford University. He serves on the University of California Board of Regents and is a former member of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.
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