California Humanities Welcomes Rey M. Rodríguez and Tony Gonzalez to Its Board of Directors

Their combined expertise in law, public policy, philanthropy, cultural preservation, and community engagement will help strengthen California Humanities’ mission to connect Californians to ideas and one another through the humanities. 

“We are honored to welcome Rey Rodríguez and Tony Gonzalez to the California Humanities Board of Directors,” said Rick Noguchi, President and CEO of California Humanities. “Rey and Tony each bring extraordinary leadership and a deep commitment to strengthening California’s civic and cultural life. Their expertise in storytelling, public policy, historic preservation, and community engagement will help guide California Humanities as we continue connecting Californians to ideas and one another through the humanities.” 

“I am a firm believer that one should never give up their creative life,” said Rey M. Rodríguez. “I support California Humanities because it is essential to support the human in all of us. I am honored to be part of this organization, and I will do whatever I can to promote the humanities. We need each other, and art and culture show us that there is very little distance between us.” 

Rey M. Rodríguez serves as Assistant Chief Counsel for Legal Affairs at Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, where he oversees legal matters related to domestic theatrical distribution and international distribution across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Throughout his legal career, he has championed equity and inclusion within the profession while advancing opportunities for historically underrepresented communities. 

In addition to his legal work, Rodríguez is an accomplished poet and writer. His recent collection, Todos Somos Sagrados: All Are Sacred, was published by El Martillo Press. He earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the Institute of American Indian Arts, where his work focuses on storytelling, cultural preservation, and amplifying underrepresented voices. 

Rodríguez has devoted decades to nonprofit leadership through organizations including Proyecto Pastoral at Dolores Mission, the Western Center on Law & Poverty, Bet Tzedek, Homeboy Industries, and the Legal Education Access Pipeline. He brings extensive experience in governance, law, philanthropy, and community engagement to the board. 

“Throughout my career in public policy and community service in California, I have seen that strong communities are built not only through laws and institutions, but through shared understanding, dialogue, and a deeper appreciation of our histories and experiences,” said Tony Gonzalez. “I joined the Board of Trustees of California Humanities because I believe the humanities are an essential component of citizenship and a powerful force for creating welcoming, connected communities throughout California. My hope is that California Humanities will continue to broaden public recognition that the humanities are not a luxury or an academic exercise, but a vital civic resource that helps Californians understand one another, strengthen our democracy, and build a more inclusive future.” 

Tony Gonzalez is a partner at London & Gonzalez Advocacy and a California public policy advocate with more than 40 years of experience advancing legislative, regulatory, and community initiatives. Throughout his career, he has represented clients across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, developing expertise in government relations, legislative strategy, regulatory affairs, and strategic advocacy. 

Gonzalez has held leadership roles with several prominent California institutions, including serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the California Historical Society and currently serving on the boards of the California Preservation Foundation, the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation, Cristo Rey High School in Sacramento, and the Stanford University Libraries Advisory Council. He has been a leading advocate for historic preservation policy in California, including advancing the state’s Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program and helping secure the long-term stewardship of the California Historical Society’s collections at Stanford University. 

Earlier in his career, Gonzalez served in leadership positions with the California Department of Insurance and the California State Assembly, gaining firsthand experience in state government and public policy development. He brings extensive experience in legislative advocacy, nonprofit governance, and advancing initiatives that strengthen California communities and preserve the state’s cultural heritage. 

California Humanities looks forward to the unique perspectives, experience, and vision that Rey and Tony will bring as the organization continues its mission to connect Californians to ideas and one another to understand shared heritage, inspire civic participation, and shape a collective future. 

California Humanities, a nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, connects Californians to ideas and one another to better understand our shared heritage and the many cultures that shape our state. For 50 years, our grants and programs have fostered connection, community, and learning through storytelling, dialogue, and the arts.  

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