Yurok Tribe Director of Education reappointed to the State Board of Education

Governor Gavin Newsom appointments today include a familiar name.

Governor's office press release:

James “Jim” McQuillen, a Yurok enrolled tribal citizen from Del Norte County, has been reappointed to the State Board of Education, where he has served since 2020. 

McQuillen has served as Director of Education for the Yurok Tribe since 2004. He has previously served as an American Indian Education Administrator, Family Therapist, and Consultant to the Del Norte County Unified School District. McQuillen has also served as a School Administrator for the Del Norte County Unified School District, Lecturer at Humboldt State University, and Director of the Child and Family Services Program at United Indian Health Services. 

McQuillen is an active cultural practitioner hailing from a ceremonial lead family from the Lower Klamath River. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Sacramento State University. He is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist and holds a Pupil Personnel Services credential. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. McQuillen is a Democrat.