Our work is possible because of the diverse coalition of local and regional leaders, educators, researchers, and investors who are working together to build a brighter future for our community.
Steering Partners
Primary Governance
Dr. Bonnie Irwin
Vice President for Academic Affairs
California State University, Monterey Bay
Yuri Anderson
Policy Adviser to Supervisor Mary Adams
Romero Jalomo
Vice President of Student Affairs
Hartnell College
Deneen Guss, Ed.D.
Deputy Superintendent
Monterey County Office of Education
Francine Rodd
Executive Director
First 5 Monterey
Janet Shing
Director of Grantmaking
Community Foundation for Monterey County
Jose Luis Alvarado
Dean of College of Education
California State University, Monterey Bay
Margaret D'Arrigo
Vice President of Community Development
Taylor Farms
Martha Martinez
Superintendent
Salinas City Elementary School District
Tim Vanoli
Superintendent
Salinas High School District
Erica Padilla Chavez
Chief Executive Officer
Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance
Adrienne Laurent
Director
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare
Cynthia Holmsky
Director
Bright Futures
Kim McGinnis
Vice President of Student Services
Monterey Peninsula College
Martha Pantoja
CTE Coordinator for Soledad USD | Part-time Counselor at Hartnell
Ben Bruce
Program Director at Community Partnership for Youth
Joshua Madfis
VP Community Investments at United Way Monterey County
Shannan Watkins
Executive Director at Early Development Services
Core Conveners
Lead Sponsors
Eduardo Ochoa | President, California State University Monterey Bay
Bruce Taylor | CEO, Taylor Farms
Lew Bauman | County Administrative Officer of Monterey County
Dan Baldwin | CEO, Community Foundation for Monterey County
Nancy Kotowski | County Superintendent, Monterey County Office of Education
Leaders’ Forum
Community Vision
- Connector.
Business
- Agriculture
- Hospitality
- Healthcare
- Education Technology
- Small Business Chambers of Commerce
- Connector.
Education & Government
- Early Childhood Development
- K12 Schools
- Community Colleges
- Universities
- Monterey County Office of Education
- Monterey County Government
- Elected Officials
- Connector.
Service Organizations
- After School & Summer Programs
- Child & Youth Non-Profit Organizations
- Civic Groups
- Faith-based Organizations
- Philanthropists