Dr. Charles B. Reed, chancellor of the State University System in Florida was named new Chancellor for the California State University System by the CSU Board of Trustees.

In August when the current CSU Chancellor Barry Munitz had announced that he was departing from the CSU system to head the J. Paul Getty Trust, a nationwide search for a new chancellor began.

Reed, who will begin his position on March 1, 1988, will start at a salary of $254,000.

"Charlie Reed has a passion for the California State University mission, vast experience in academic institutions, a keen understanding of politics, and loves what he does. That combination will move the CSU to the next plateau," Martha Fallgatter, chairwoman of the CSU Board of Trustees and head of the search committee said.

As chancellor of the State University System of Florida since 1985, Reed has served as the chief executive officer for the Florida Board of Regents, which oversees Florida's 10 public universities.

"What attracted me to the CSU is that it has the opportunity to be one of the most important economic engines for the state of California by preparing its workforce--both at the entry level and retraining those already employed," Reed said, according to a press release. "The CSU is the vehicle that will be able to improve all of public education in the state."

Prior to becoming the chancellor of the State University System of Florida, Reed served as chief of staff for then-Governor of Florida and now U.S. Senator Bob Graham.

Reed, the Pennsylvania native, was also deputy chief of staff, chief legislative advisor and education policy coordinator.

Florida's system has an annual budget of more than $3 billion and employs more than 35,000 people.

Its physical plant is larger than all the rest of the state government combined with 37 million square feet and more than 3,100 buildings.

Munitz, who will depart his position as chancellor January 5, 1997, said he believes Reed to be the perfect choice for California.

"There could be no greater compliment to the California State University system, or any stronger reason to believe that its extraordinary momentum will continue, than to have Charlie Reed as my successor," Munitz said.

Reed has also served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Florida Education Commission of the States and as vice chairman of the Southern Regional Education Board.

Currently, Reed is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations which publishes the journal, "Foreign Affairs," the Business-Higher Education Forum and the Florida Progress Corporation Board of Directors.

Reed is married and has two children.