Key Milestones
1999
Senate Bill 733 (1999) was authored by then Senator Charles Poochigian, codified the Kenneth Maddy Institute’s existence in state law.
This marks the first and only public policy institute to be established by the California Legislature.
2000-2003
A legacy of leadership in civic education begins as Harold Haak (2000), Dan Whitehurst (2001), and Jim Costa (2003) serve as Maddy Professors, mentoring future public servants.
2002
The Maddy Institute strengthens its long-term impact by becoming an independent 501(c)(3) organization.
2003
The launch of the Jim Costa Washington, D.C. Legislative Intern Scholar Program provides Valley students with life-changing opportunities to gain hands-on policy experience at the federal level.
2004
The Congressman Cal Dooley Leadership Fund is established to invest in future leaders dedicated to public service.
2004
Mark Keppler begins tenure as Executive Director, guiding The Maddy Institute into a new era of influence and innovation.
2005
Raising awareness on environmental challenges, The Maddy Institute produces The Greens of the San Joaquin, a five-part television documentary on air quality in the Valley.
2005
The Maddy Associates Speaker Series is launched, fostering critical policy discussions among leaders and stakeholders.
2005-2011
The Maddy Institute drives regional progress by consulting for the Air Quality Work Group of the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, successfully advocating for state and grant funding to improve air quality.
2006
Public affairs programming expands with the launch of The Maddy Report, a weekly television show providing in-depth discussions on policy issues affecting the Valley.
2009
The Maddy Daily, a public policy news aggregator, is launched to inform and engage the community on critical policy developments.
2010-2011
Investment in the next generation continues with the creation of the State Sen. Bob Beverly Sacramento Legislative Intern Scholar Program (2010) and the Don Jackson Public Finance Scholarship Fund (2011).
2013
Expanding access to civic education, The Maddy Report – Valley Views debuts as a weekly public affairs radio program, reaching broader audiences.
2013
The Citizenship Academy is co-created, leading civic integration efforts and establishing the Annual Citizenship Academy Naturalization Ceremony, reinforcing The Maddy Institute’s commitment to civic engagement.
2014
The inaugural Sacramento Reception honors the legacy of Ken Maddy, strengthening The Maddy Institute’s connection with state policymakers.
2014
El Informe Maddy, the Institute’s first Spanish-language public affairs TV program, is launched, ensuring policy discussions reach and reflect the Valley’s diverse communities.
2014
The Wonderful Public Service Graduate Fellowship Program is created to support the next generation of public service leaders.
2018
Leadership development expands with the creation of the State Sen. Dave Cogdill Leadership Fund, further supporting students pursuing careers in public service.
2019
The Maddy Institute earns the Focus on Efficiency Award at the California Higher Education Collaborative (CHEC) Conference at UCLA, recognizing its innovative approach to policy education.
2019
A historic milestone is reached as The Maddy Institute becomes the first public policy institute in the nation to operate under the auspices of four universities—CSU Fresno, CSU Stanislaus, CSU Bakersfield, and UC Merced—expanding its reach and influence.
2023
The inaugural Ag Policy Summit on the Future of Agriculture convenes key stakeholders to shape the future of one of the Valley’s most vital industries.
2023
Mark Keppler retires, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and impact.
2024
Blake Zante becomes the first Maddy alumnus to serve as Executive Director, reinforcing the Institute’s commitment to developing leaders from within.
2024
The Ag Policy Internship Program is established, providing students with direct experience in shaping agricultural policy
2024
A $150,000 grant from the City of Fresno strengthens The Maddy Institute’s capacity to expand its programs and impact.
2024
A new era of collaboration begins with the establishment of an MOU with Central Valley Community Foundation, Stanislaus Community Foundation, San Joaquin Community Foundation, and Kern Community Foundation to facilitate the Central Valley Legislative Roundtable, ensuring bipartisan discussions on regional challenges.
2025
A first-ever formal partnership is created with the State Center Community College District (SCCCD), expanding legislative internship opportunities to community college students across the San Joaquin Valley.
2025
The Maddy Institute rebrands, launching a new website and logo to modernize its presence and engagement.
