ACLU California Welcomes David Trujillo as Executive Director

Sacramento — ACLU California Action proudly announces the appointment of civil rights leader and ACLU alum David Trujillo as its Executive Director. The ACLU California Action Board voted unanimously in support of Trujillo and his vision for advancing civil liberties and civil rights in California.

Trujillo brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the values championed by ACLU California Action. Most recently, Trujillo served as the Chief Program and Strategy Officer for the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties. His innovative initiatives, including the Equity in Action conference and leadership development program, not only advanced policy objectives but have also served as models for other ACLU affiliates.

Prior to joining the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties, David served as public affairs director for Planned Parenthood Northern California, where he helped pass legislation to improve Californians’ access to health care.

Born in Tijuana, Mexico, and raised on both sides of the Tijuana-San Diego border, Trujillo’s first-hand lived experience as an immigrant, English-learner, and first-generation college graduate has fueled his commitment to eradicating barriers to social justice.

“We are thrilled to welcome David Trujillo as our new Executive Director,” said Neal Ortiguerra, Board Chair of ACLU California Action. “His leadership will be instrumental in fulfilling our mission to protect civil liberties, advance equity, and dismantle systems of oppression. With David at the helm, we are confident that ACLU California Action will continue to be a powerful force for positive change in our state.”

Trujillo expressed his dedication, stating, “Joining ACLU California Action as Executive Director is an honor and a responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly. I am deeply committed to advancing the values of equity, justice, and freedom that are at the core of the ACLU’s mission.”

Trujillo began as Executive Director for ACLU California Action on April 1, 2024. He joins a growing team, which has expanded to 12 total staff in the last year to include the Director of Finance and Operations Jack Zwald; and Director of Strategic Communications Anita Narayana; three new Legislative Advocate hires, Rachel Bhagwat, Duke Cooney, and Cynthia Valencia. 

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