Associated Students Inc. President Angel Barajas announced his candidates for the two lingering board member vacancies Wednesday ?” simultaneously leaving another position vacant.

Robbie Abelon, a junior government-history major with prior ASI experience was chosen to fill the shoes of former Executive Vice President James Shelby II.

Graduate student Bonnie Sugiyama, currently sitting on the board as director of education, was selected to take over the vice president of finance role, formerly occupied by Julio Velazquez.

The appointments will face board scrutiny at the meeting on Oct. 26.

Sugiyama’s nomination, if approved next week, will leave her former position vacant. Sugiyama told board members that although she has not yet found someone to her take her spot and that she will search for a qualified candidate.

Barajas said Abelon outshined his competitors by completing an action plan that tells what he will pursue once in office. The plan includes establishing a campus-wide scholarship database and taking advantage of the capitol proximity to the campus by setting up student programs.

“He has had previous experience in ASI and held extensive leadership roles on and off campus,” Barajas said.

Student Affairs Designee Heather Dunn-Carlton said she questions Abelon’s ability to obtain a high enough GPA in order to remain on the board due to what happened in spring when Abelon won the vice president of Academic Affairs position, but later stepped down because of a low GPA.

Barajas said Abelon told him during a phone interview that he will be able to manage his studies in addition to spending 10 to 20 hours a week completing his ASI duties.

Sugiyama currently sits on the Finance and Budget Committee, which Barajas said makes her qualified for the position. Barajas said Sugiyama has been well-prepared during committee meetings and contributes knowledgably to the discussion.

“That’s what ASI needs is someone who is excited about the position,” Barajas said.

Sugiyama was present at the working board meeting and was available to answer board member questions. Vice President of University Affairs Christine Hopkins asked Sugiyama what has prepared her for the finance role.

Sugiyama told the board that with the completion of three finance classes in her undergraduate business degree, she was fit for the job.

Sugiyama also serves as a coordinator for the Sacramento State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Intersexual and Queer people program at the Women’s Resource Center.

Abelon has been active in student politics at Sacramento State serving as the Northern California vice president of the California College Democrats since April and co-founding the College Democrats chapter during the spring of 2004.

As a dedicated volunteer assisting victims of the hurricane destruction, Abelon recently spent three weeks in Baton Rouge, La., contributing to the efforts of the American Red Cross.