About Us

Alberto Sandoval is responsible for leading, planning and managing programs that foster increased awareness, understanding and support for UC Irvine’s mission, vision and accomplishments. Before his current role on campus, Alberto served as UCI’s director of advocacy and state government relations.

Before joining the Anteater team, Alberto represented the Boeing Co. before Congress and state and local governments on key federal defense programs, as well as legislative, regulatory and land use issues affecting the company.

His turn in the private sector followed 20 years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives. There, he worked for then-Rep. Dana Rohrabacher as deputy district director in Huntington Beach, where his focus areas were the aerospace/defense industry, technology and cyberspace, and domestic policy. Prior to his service with Rohrabacher, Alberto served as a senior field representative for then-Rep. Robert K. Dornan.

In November 2009, Alberto traveled to his parents’ native Honduras in Central America to join the Washington Senior Observer Group as an international election observer. The group was invited by the Honduran Supreme Electoral Tribunal to observe and support the democratic process and ensure a free, fair and transparent voting process.  

Alberto received his bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University, Fullerton, and a master of science degree from the National Defense University, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. He serves on the boards of directors for the Newport Beach and Orange County Hispanic chambers of commerce, and is a trustee of the World Affairs Council of Orange County.  

Alberto and his wife, Rachel, have four children and reside in Rossmoor.

Christopher M. Leo’s responsibilities include county, state and federal public policy, as well as community benefit.

He has more than 20 years of experience in leading advocacy, improving government relations and consulting on public policy in diverse environments. He also possesses a strong background in managing public and media relations, designing organizational strategies, and building collaboration with key community and legislative leaders.

Before UCI Health, Christopher spent 13 years at Providence St. Joseph Health in charge of government relations for Southern California and the High Desert. He coordinated his efforts with the company’s community benefit department to ensure that the necessary programs were funded and highlighted in the community.

Prior to Providence St. Joseph, Christopher spent more than six years as chief of staff to then-Assemblyman Lou Correa. He managed both the Sacramento and Santa Ana offices and was responsible for working on public policy and crafting priorities for the assemblyman.

In addition to his government relations experience, Christopher practiced law for six years and served on the Santa Ana Planning Commission for 10 years and the Santa Ana Sales Tax Oversight Committee for four years.

He is a graduate of UCLA and Georgetown University.