CEO Symposium

This event will be held in Monterey and the venue details will be shared upon registration. Schedule is subject to change. Specific details about sessions and presenters will be shared directly with attendees closer to the event.

Wednesday, March 12

1:00 p.m. − 5:15 p.m.             Registration

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.          New CEO Workshop Part 2
*separate registration required

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.            CEOCCC Board Meeting

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.            Welcome Reception for CEO Symposium , Ocean Front Deck, B & C

6:00 p.m.                                     Dinner on Your Own

Thursday, March 13

8:00 a.m. − 5:30 p.m.             Registration  

8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.              Breakfast

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.              Breakfast Sessions, Del Monte A & B – Breakfast buffet in the foyer, seating in break rooms
Attendees should select from one of these two breakout sessions.

• Build It While Flying: Forming a Grassroots Program Alliance, Del Monte B
  This session explores the formation of the California Community Colleges Aviation Alliance, its mission, projects, and strategic planning. Learn how a grassroots, “common-good” approach united aviation programs statewide, fostering collaboration in branding, advocacy, philanthropy, and securing grants. Discover how the Alliance supports students, industry partners, and statewide economic development.
  Presenters: Jerry Buckley, President, Reedley College and Wesley Lundburg, President, San Diego Miramar College
• Let’s Talk Trustees, Del Monte A
  Join the conversation on trustees and CEO-trustee relationships. Share challenges, gain insights from peers, and explore proven strategies in a confidential, supportive space.
  Presenter: Kevin Walthers, Superintendent/President, Allan Hancock College

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.         General Session
Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce: Community Colleges at the Forefront of Apprenticeship Evolution, Cypress Ballroom
Discover how community colleges drive economic mobility through apprenticeships funded by FTEs and RSI. Panelists will showcase local and regional models, workforce development efforts, and integration of credit for prior learning within the Governor’s Master Plan for Career Education and Vision 2030 goals.
Presenters: Jeannie Kim, President, Santiago Canyon College and Greg Smith, Chancellor, San Diego Community College District

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.            Networking Lunch, The Lantern Room

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.               General Session
CCC-ASU Partnership and Transfer Opportunities, Cypress Ballroom
Arizona State University President Michael Crow will discuss the California Community Colleges partnership with ASU, creating transfer opportunities and pathways for CCC students.  Additionally, President Crow will provide insight on timely issues confronting higher education and its leaders.
Presenter: Michael Crow, President, Arizona State University

3:00 p.m.       Coffee Break, Sponsored by Piper Sandler

3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.        REIE Session
Resilience in Action: Advancing Supplier Diversity in a Challenging Political Climate, Del Monte B
Part 1 of this session will briefly highlight how supporting diverse businesses creates jobs, fosters economic development, promotes social equity and supports your institution’s equity goals. We will not only discuss the importance of building strong relationships with diverse suppliers but also the importance of moving DEIA initiatives forward in light of our political climate. Part 2 of this session will be an open discussion about how CEOs are navigating through the current administration’s executive orders.
Outcomes:
·       Define supplier diversity and executive orders currently impacting our campuses.
·       Explain the importance of supplier diversity and the need to continue moving DEIA initiatives forward.
·       Describe strategies for navigating the political climate.
Presenters: Char Perlas, Superintendent/President, College of the Siskiyous and Denise Whisenhunt, President, Grossmont College, Lee Lambert, Chancellor, Foothill-De Anza CCD, Carole Goldsmith, Chancellor, State Center CCD, Gregory Smith, Chancellor,  San Diego CCD

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.              Reception,  Del Monte A

6:00 p.m.                                        Offsite Dinners
These dinners are hosted for CEO Symposium attendees. Please sign up for your choice of location at the registration desk before 1:00 p.m. Thursday.

Friday, March 14

8:00 a.m. − 3:30 p.m.              Registration

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.           Breakfast

8:30 a.m. − 9:30 a.m.           Breakfast Sessions, Del Monte A, B & C – Breakfast buffet in the foyer, seating in the breakout rooms

Attendees should select from one of these three breakout sessions.

• Postsecondary Education: Designation of California Black-Serving Institutions, Del Monte A
  This presentation will provide an overview of Senate Bill 1348: Postsecondary Education-Designation of California Black-Serving Institutions, signed by Governor Newsom on September 26, 2024. We will also examine the designation creiteria and explore the potential benefits of becoming a Black-Serving Institution in California.
  Presenters: Keith Curry, President and CEO, Compton College and Dr. BJ Snowden, Executive Director, California Statewide Central Office for the Advancement of Black Excellence
• Negotiating CEO Compensation: The Legal and Political Landmines, Del Monte B
  CEO compensation is determined by the Board of Trustees or a district chancellor for multi-college districts. CEOs typically represent themselves in negotiations, while boards may rely on internal or external counsel. Given the declining average tenure, CEO compensation plays a crucial role in retention and success.
  Presenter: Brian King, Chancellor, Los Rios CCD
• Board Development from the First Day: Onboarding New Trustees, Del Monte C
  Following the November 2024 Election, many districts are onboarding new trustees. This session will explore best practices for welcoming, orienting, and developing trustees, fostering board effectiveness through shared insights and lessons learned.
  Presenters: Shoan Pan, Chancellor, Yuba CCD and Joe Wyse, Superintendent/President Emeritus, Shasta College

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.          General Session, Cypress Ballroom
Leveraging AI for Productivity and Student Success
Explore innovative uses of AI’s role in enhancing productivity and student success in community colleges. Topics include combating phantom students, fraud prevention, and using immersive technologies like Dreamscape and VictoryXR for engaging learning.
Presenters: Jeannie Kim, President, Santiago Canyon College; Lee Lambert, Chancellor, Foothill-DeAnza CCD; Paul Leonardi, Professor/Department Chair, UC Santa Barbara

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.            Keynote Luncheon
Open Dialogue with CCCCO Leaders
Discuss topics including the state budget, undocumented students, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and infrastructure investments focusing on challenges, opportunities and strategies for success.
Presenters: Rowena Tomaneng, Deputy Chancellor, CCC Chancellor’s Office and David O’Brien , Vice Chancellor for Government Relations, CCC Chancellor’s Office

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.               General Session
Fiscal Outlook and Our Strategies, Cypress Ballroom
With rising enrollment and declining Proposition 98 funding, California’s community colleges face fiscal uncertainty, including potential federal funding shifts under President Trump. This session will examine current funding, future outlooks, and strategies for fiscal advocacy.
Presenters: Shouan Pan, Chancellor, Yuba CCD; Willy Duncan, Superintendent/President, Sierra College; Lynn Neault, Chancellor, Grossmont-Cuyamaca CCD; Lizette Navarette, President, Woodland Community College; David O’Brien , Vice Chancellor for Government Relations, CCC Chancellor’s Office

3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.              Networking or Group Activity

3:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.              Chancellor’s Circle, Del Monte B
Designed for Multi-College District Chancellors, this session fosters collaboration, shares best practices, and addresses key challenges. Engage in strategic discussions, gain leadership insights, and strengthen your professional network.
Facilitator: Carole Goldsmith, Chancellor, State Center CCD

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.              Reception, Sponsored by AALRR, Del Monte A

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.              Retiree Recognition Dinner, Cypress Ballroom

Saturday, March 15

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.              Breakfast, Cypress Ballroom

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.              Statewide CEO Meeting, Cypress Ballroom