Dear Cal State East Bay Community,
I hope you are doing well now that the intense end-of-spring-semester activities have come to a close. I also hope you are able to get some rest and rejuvenation during the summer months. Before we know it, we’ll be welcoming students back for fall semester.
I am writing today to inform you of another leadership change in the Office of the President. Derek Aitken, chief of staff, will be stepping down from his role on June 30 and will become special projects director starting July 1st.
As chief of staff, Derek has served Cal State East Bay for more than 13 years, supporting two university presidents with unwavering dedication and professionalism. Always willing to step in where needed, he has overseen critical strategic areas of the university, including government and community relations, athletics and numerous other units during periods of significant transition and growth. Derek’s deep knowledge of the university, our community members, as well as CSU System policies and leaders have served the university in ways too numerous to mention here. His steady support and guidance through influence—often from the background—are hallmarks of his service as chief of staff.
Also worth emphasizing, Derek played a pivotal role in guiding the university through the COVID-19 pandemic, working closely with the Chancellor’s Office and public health officials to help ensure the safe reopening of our campus. His steady leadership and sound judgment as campus COVID liaison were invaluable during one of the most consequential periods in our history.
Please join me in recognizing and thanking Derek Aitken for his commitment and contributions to Cal State East Bay over the years and his willingness to continue to help move key strategic projects forward.
I am working diligently to be able to announce our interim chief of staff before the end of the month. I will keep you informed as this process evolves.
Very sincerely yours,
Cathy Sandeen
President
June 3, 2026