Governor Wes Moore Appoints Diane Sandoval, of Charles County, to CSM Board of Trustees

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore appointed College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Alumna Diane Sandoval ‘06, of Charles County, to serve the college as a trustee, effective July 1, 2024.

Sandoval has a distinguished record of public service that began in 2011 when she joined the U.S. Navy as an aircrewman, working as an electronic warfare operator aboard the P-3C Orion sub hunting aircraft. She currently works for the federal government as a management and program analyst.

During her military service, Sandoval provided intelligence briefings to high-ranking officials and was responsible for safety of flight operations. She subsequently became a legalman and was selected as the sole legalman for Command Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMVAQWINGPAC) located at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and its 15 ashore/afloat subordinate commands. She provided legal guidance to senior officers and enlisted personnel, built legal cases, assisted in legal proceedings and provided training. She was recognized for her exemplary military service by being selected as Junior Sailor of the Year and meritoriously promoted.

“There is a saying in the military that no matter where you live, you can grow where you're planted,” said Sandoval, who also shared that staying involved in her community is one of her passions. “A strong community stems from invested residents, and the more they collaborate, the more vibrant it becomes. I’m very excited to be given this opportunity, and I look forward to working for our community!”

Sandoval’s involvement in the communities in which she has lived is extensive. As a member of Partners in Education, Sandoval assisted in numerous events for local schoolchildren. She also helped to build homes with Habitat for Humanity and organized inventory at the Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation and local thrift shop. While stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Sandoval served as the command vice president of Morale Wellness and Recreation and organized fundraising and large events. She also served as the command’s official photographer when she assisted as the command public affairs officer, and she became a certified Victim and Witness Assistance Council member to aid sailors in need of legal services. She facilitated the opening of multiple lactation rooms on the naval station’s flight line per OPNAV instruction, and she co-founded the North Whidbey Community Pool and Recreation non-profit organization – which led to the funding and reopening of the community’s public pool. While stationed in Japan, she volunteered at the Misawa Animal Shelter. In recognition of her service, she was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

Sandoval also earned degrees from Towson University and Roger Williams University. After leaving the military, she attained a post-baccalaureate degree from the University of Washington, before moving back to Southern Maryland with her husband and two daughters. She has lived in Charles County for a combined 30 years and continues her community service as a Girl Scout troop leader, and an active member of the Parent Teacher Association.

Sandoval replaces Jose Gonzalez, who served as a CSM Board of Trustee from July 1, 2020, through July 1, 2024. During the June board meeting, Gonzales, pictured right, was honored by his fellow trustees for his distinguished service to CSM’s students, the CSM Foundation and for his steadfast leadership, devotion and guidance during his term.

CSM’s trustees also include Pamela Cousins, Celeste Alexander-Frye and Christy Lombardi of Calvert County; Shawn Coates, and Cordelia Postell of Charles County; and Ken Abell, Cathy Allen and Sonja Cox of St. Mary’s County. Serving as secretary/treasurer to the board is CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson and Board Liaison Vice President of Policy, Government Relations, and General Counsel Craig Patenaude, Esq. For information about the college’s leadership, visit https://www.csmd.edu/about/leadership/.