NASCA Announces Lasso as an Alternate on its Executive Committee 

LEXINGTON, Ky – The National Association of State Chief Administrators (NASCA) announced the election of Ana Lasso as an Alternate on its Executive Committee.  

Ana M. Lasso was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve as the Director of the California Department of General Services (DGS) on March 19, 2021. Prior to DGS, Director Lasso had been appointed to serve as the General Manager of Exposition Park by then-Governor Jerry Brown, serving in that role since April 2014. 

“Californians want bold action to fight climate change, and the Department of General Services is proud to lead the charge in our state’s sustainable purchasing and building practices, energy and water use reduction, and zero-emission vehicle adoption,” said California Department of General Services Director Ana M. Lasso. “I appreciate NASCA’s confidence in me, and I look forward to the collaboration that will enable us to maximize opportunities for our respective states in all the vital functions we oversee.”  

Director Lasso leads DGS, which serves as the business manager for the state of California, with more than 4,000 employees and a budget of approximately $1.5 billion. DGS serves the public by providing a variety of services to state agencies through procurement, acquisition solutions, creative real estate management, design, innovation, environmentally friendly transportation, and funding for the construction of state schools. DGS also serves as a control and oversight department to help protect the interests of the state of California. 

Previously, Director Lasso represented the state with real estate negotiations to secure the Los Angeles Football Club—Banc of California Stadium and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art at Exposition Park. She also led Exposition Park through one of its most triumphant economic development periods, with over $1 billion in construction dollars invested throughout the 160 acres known as Exposition Park.  

Prior to becoming a state appointee, Director Lasso managed the Joint Use Development Program for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Joint Use Development Program cultivated community partnerships and capital improvement projects to provide features and enhancements for public schools that provide benefits to students and the surrounding community.   

In addition to her expertise in real estate development and strong commitment to public service, Director Lasso has worked at the international level on issues such as economic development, education, city design, and housing.  

Director Lasso holds a Master of City Planning and Urban Design Certificate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her commitment to underserved communities is undeniable and has been recognized through awards such as the 2021 Mujeres Cambiando el Mundo (“Women Changing the World”) Award from the Regional Hispanic Institute, the 2021 Outstanding Leadership in Government Award from the Center for Transforming Culture, a 2020 Bridge to the Future Award from A Place Called Home, the City Council District 9 SHero Award in 2017, the Los Angeles County Medical Association’s Innovation Award of 2012, Building and Construction’s 2011 “40 Under 40,” the MIT Departmental Service Award, the UCLA Charles E. Young Humanitarian Award and as a Hispanas Organized for Political Equality “HOPE” Leadership Fellow.