Charles Melton, a University of California, Davis, alum and public policy leader, has been appointed to serve on the UC Board of Regents, representing more than 2 million graduates worldwide.

Melton, who graduated in 2008 with a degree in political science, will serve a two-year term as a University of California alumni regent beginning today (July 1).

“I’m honored to represent UC alumni and advocate for the university community that helped shape who I am,” said Melton. “This appointment is both a responsibility and a privilege. I’m committed to listening, amplifying alumni voices, and ensuring UC remains a leader in education, innovation and belonging.”

The position is part of a longstanding tradition: Two seats on the UC Board of Regents are reserved for alumni representatives, who are selected on a rotating basis by the primary alumni associations at each UC campus.

Every six years, the UC Davis Cal Aggie Alumni Association, or CAAA, may nominate one of these representatives. Melton succeeds Debby Stegura ’79, who held the post from 2019 to 2021.

Melton is widely recognized for his visionary leadership and service to UC Davis. In 2020, he became the youngest and first openly gay president of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association. During his tenure, he launched the organization’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

He also founded the popular Aggies Uncorked Wine Club — which raises scholarship support for students — and helped CAAA continue to thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning to virtual programming and strengthening long-term financial planning.

“Charles leads with heart, intellect and courage,” said Dana Allen, associate vice chancellor of alumni relations and executive director of CAAA. “His impact on the Aggie network is profound — from championing inclusivity and student support to building community in innovative ways. We’re incredibly proud to see him take this next step.”

Melton’s service to UC Davis began as a student, when he was a campus tour guide and Student Alumni Association board member. During his senior year, he was also known as Gunrock, the beloved campus mascot. Since graduating, Melton has remained deeply involved with the university, and this year he was honored with CAAA’s Young Alumni Award for his service to the university and in his community.

“UC Davis didn’t just educate me, it empowered me,” he said. “It’s where I found my voice, discovered my purpose, and established a foundation upon which I have built my professional career and commitment to public service.”

“Volunteering has shown me that one of the greatest gifts we can offer is belief,” Melton added. “Belief in all students, in their potential, and in the futures they’re building. Safeguarding the university’s commitment to education, research and service will build a better tomorrow, and it starts with our students, today.”

Professionally, Melton is the director of public policy and research at Turo, the pioneering car-sharing marketplace, where he helps lead the company’s government relations strategies in the United States, U.K., Canada, France and Australia. His background also includes advocacy roles with Silicon Valley tech companies, the UC Office of Federal Governmental Relations, and the U.S. House of Representatives.

A committed community leader in the Bay Area, Melton founded Sausalito Pride, a nonprofit focused on advancing LGBTQ+ representation, and actively volunteers with various grassroots advocacy organizations. In May 2025, he earned his Master of Public Affairs degree at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley.

Melton joins three other UC alumni leaders in serving as officers of the Alumni Associations of the University of California, a collective body that strengthens connections between the university and its alumni worldwide.