Governmental Relations

The Office of the Superintendent, Governmental Relations connects Pomona Unified School District with local, state, and federal leaders. We advocate for policies and resources that support our students, staff, and schools.

Ronald Gonzales-Lawrence
Director, Governmental Relations

Ronald Gonzales-Lawrence is the Director of Governmental Relations for Pomona Unified School District (PUSD), bringing more than 20 years of experience in government, education, and public policy. In this role, he serves as the district’s chief advocate and external affairs leader, advancing legislative priorities, building strategic partnerships, and securing critical resources on behalf of students and families in Pomona and Diamond Bar.

Ronald began his career in public service as an intern for State Senator Martha M. Escutia before becoming one of the youngest Field Representatives in California while working for Assemblymember Rudy Bermudez. He went on to serve in the California State Legislature for over a decade, holding leadership roles as Senior Field Representative and Deputy District Director for Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, and later as District Director and Chief of Staff to Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, who represented Pomona and surrounding communities. Throughout his legislative career, Ronald helped develop and pass numerous bills and played a key role in securing more than $30 million in state funding for community projects.

In 2007, Ronald made history as the youngest person—and the first of African American descent—elected to the Little Lake City School District Board of Education. During his tenure, he championed transparency, advanced the district’s use of educational technology, preserved a balanced budget during challenging fiscal periods, and launched a wellness program for students and staff. He also spearheaded the creation of the Little Lake Education Advancement Foundation to bring private funding into classrooms. Ronald served as Clerk and Vice President of the Board and concluded his term in 2011. He later continued his service to the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Community as the founding Chair of the Measure LL Bond Oversight Committee.

At Pomona Unified, Ronald has led several high-impact initiatives, including the successful passage of Measure UU, a $385 million facilities bond. He also championed amendments to protect PUSD in the reauthorization of the District of Choice legislation (SB 897, Newman) and has overseen the district’s 7-11 Committee and Bond Oversight Committee. His work reflects a deep commitment to educational equity, fiscal accountability, and long-term community investment.

Ronald’s public service extends beyond the Legislature and school governance. He was appointed by Assembly Speaker John Pérez to the California Advisory Commission on Special Education and served on the Board of Directors for Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services, Inc., a $20 million nonprofit providing Early Head Start, Head Start, and State Preschool services across more than 38 early childhood education centers in Southeast Los Angeles County. He currently serves on the Los Angeles County Water Appeals Board (appointed by Supervisor Hilda Solis), the Board of Directors of the SELA Arts Foundation and on the Board of Supervisors for Rancho Federal Credit Union.  

Ronald studied Political Science and Child Development at Rio Hondo College before transferring to Mount St. Mary’s College, where he pursued studies in Liberal Arts and Religious Studies. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne.

Outside of his professional work, Ronald is a devoted dog dad to his two French Bulldogs, Kyva and Xennia, and an avid foodie always on the hunt for new culinary recommendations.

Contact Information:
Office of the Superintendent, Governmental Relations
Education Center
800 South Garey Avenue
Pomona, CA 91767
Office: (909) 397-4800 x.23885
Email: [email protected]