Dr. Carole Goldsmith has spent over 20 years in a variety of educational leadership roles, most recently as President of Fresno City College. She has been recognized on state and national levels as an expert on workforce development, contextualized learning, and career technical education. Dr. Goldsmith has extensive expertise in building collaboration among faculty and industry, workforce investment boards and postsecondary educational agencies in order to identify and provide opportunities for students to gain the necessary skills and knowledge for future employment in high demand fields.

Dr. Goldsmith earned her Doctorate of Education from the Joint Doctorate program offered by California State University, Fresno and University of California, Davis.

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval has roots in Fowler, a city 15 minutes south of Fresno, and his commitment to the region and higher education form part of his personal mission to promote the region’s economic and cultural ascendency.

Dr. Jiménez-Sandoval was appointed to serve as the ninth President of Fresno State in May of 2021. He previously served as Interim President, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Dean of Arts and Humanities. Prior to his administrative appointments, Dr. Jiménez-Sandoval taught at Fresno State for almost 15 years. His area of expertise is Spanish and Portuguese poetry, and he has published on authors from Cuba, Mexico, Spain and Portugal.

Dr. Jiménez-Sandoval received dual B.A.s (cum laude), in History and in Spanish, from the University of California, Irvine. His M.A. and Ph.D. are in Spanish literatures, also from UC Irvine.

Dr. Jiménez-Sandoval’s leadership has been recognized in various ways. He serves on a number of boards, including the Mountain West Athletic Conference Board, University High (Fresno) Board of Directors and California Teaching Fellows Foundation. He received the Horizon Award’s Excellence in the Arts by the Fresno Art Council in 2019, was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society in 2016, and, as a faculty member, received the Provost’s Award for Graduate Teaching and Mentoring in 2012-13.

Dr. Jiménez-Sandoval is committed to the Central Valley region, and is proud that all of his academic career has been invested in promoting the enrichment of our students and region. With deep roots in the Valley and a strong connection to agriculture and the arts, he is committed to Fresno State and the valley community. He and his wife, Dr. Mariana Anagnostopoulos, happily make Fresno their home with their two sons, Arion and Leo.

Mike Snell is the Chief Executive Officer of the California Teaching Fellows Foundation. The mission of the California Teaching Fellows Foundation is to inspire next generation leaders with a passion for teaching and learning while impacting the lives of youth. Mike’s personal mission is to link talent to opportunity in the kindergarten through college pipeline. Prior to the California Teaching Fellows Foundation, Mike spent ten years as a manager in the retail sector and two years in the commercial insurance sector. Mike received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and his Master of Business Administration from Fresno State; and is currently a Education Leadership doctoral candidate. Mike invests a significant portion of his off-work hours serving and supporting organizations aligned with his personal and professional goals and making a significant impact in California’s Central Valley. Mike serves on the Board of Directors for Educational Employees Credit Union and he is an active member of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development Community Council. Additionally, Mike serves on various committees at the California Department of Education, Expanded Learning Division. In his free time, Mike gets to do his favorite thing in the world, spend time with wife Stephanie and son George.

Superintendent Ketti Davis serves the Central staff and community by creating, providing, and supporting high-quality teaching & learning opportunities.

Mrs. Davis first joined the Central family as a teacher in 1992. In her almost 28 years in education, Mrs. Davis has supported student learning as a teacher, instructional coach, technology trainer, grant writer, and administrator of assessment and technology. For 5 years, she served as a school principal in Sanger Unified at which time she facilitated a school’s academic goals that helped one school exit program improvement and another to gain Distinguished School Status.

Mrs. Davis was born and raised in San Jose, California. However, she has called the Central Valley her home for 30 years. She received her teaching credential from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Fresno, and her administrative credential from Fresno Pacific University. Her graduate studies focused on adult learning theory and the practices and research associated with creating effective professional learning opportunities for adults in the educational organization. She was recently honored by District 1 Council Member Esmeralda Soria as one of the 2021 Women of the Year as well as previously named ACSA’s Curriculum and Instructional Administrator of the Year for Region IX.

She is married to a middle-school educator and loves to spend any free time she has with her two children, watching sports, reading, or traveling.

Benjamin T. Duran, Ed.D., is a highly respected higher education leader, teacher and former president of Merced Community College in California. He recently retired as superintendent/president of the Merced Community College District.

President Tweed grew up in the Central Valley and started her educational journey at West Hills. She understands the culture of rural, agricultural communities and is committed to building relationships in the community.

Dr. Tweed served as a President at a private college, and at Yuba College as Acting President, Dean of Arts and Education, Dean of Applied Academics, and Executive Vice President.  She is noted for building strong community partnerships and her expertise in compression planning, which she has led at Yuba College and for external agencies such as the Yuba County Office of Education’s Board and the Yuba Water Agency. In addition to her professional experience, she has volunteered with CASA as a Court Appointed Special Advocate to be a voice of victim children.

Dr. Tweed holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Chapman University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from Chapman University.

Dr. Tweed’s hobbies include running and biking. She is a triathlete and has competed in a half-iron man with her husband.  She has four children and three grandchildren.

Elizabeth “Beth” J. Dooley has been the President/Chief Executive Officer of Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU) since December 2007. Prior to joining EECU, Ms. Dooley was appointed to the position of Deputy Commissioner of Credit Unions for the California Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) by Governor Gray Davis, continuing her service under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. In that capacity she oversaw the regulation of all state chartered credit unions in California. Beth earned her BA in Economics from Mills College and her JD from Western State University College of Law. She is a member of the California Bar. Beth is also actively involved in the community serving on a number of Boards and/or Advisory.

Bio coming soon.

Dr. Cantwell-Copher was raised in the Central Valley and has a deep appreciation for its unique cultural diversity, which she believes is one of Fresno County’s greatest strengths. She attended Fresno City College and Fresno State for her teaching degrees, ultimately earning a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of LaVerne. Over her career, she has opened new schools, achieved State Distinguished Schools recognitions, passed school bonds, assisted in district rapid growth, launched two educational foundations, led a movement to uplift the importance of early care and education, hosted a GradNation Summit, co-written the Central Valley Children’s Agenda and stewarded the Fresno Cradle 2 Career work. Those accomplishments are secondary to the privilege of teaching her students to read in the early years of her career as a classroom teacher.

Her mission as the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools is to provide leadership and cultivate engagement to unite all sectors in support of public education. Community partnerships and service to others are values that Dr. Cantwell-Copher upholds. She believes we must all be committed to the success of the “whole child,” starting with healthy families. Dr. Cantwell-Copher further believes that ensuring the health and safety of children is a community responsibility. She strives to ensure that each child feels valued and has access to equal opportunities to succeed in school, graduate and pursue college or a career.

She led FCSS’s successful expansion of business-education partnerships and collaborative work with nonprofit, community-based organizations and civic groups. Since 2019, Dr. Cantwell-Copher has contributed to the work of the Fresno DRIVE Community Investment Plan that focuses on economic growth, human capital and neighborhood development.

Dr. Cantwell-Copher is active in the community, serving on boards and volunteering at Valley Children’s Hospital. She was recognized as a Top 10 Business Woman of the Year in 2006. Dr. Cantwell-Copher is married to John, a Correctional Lieutenant with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, and together they have two children, Claire, a third-year law school student at McGeorge School of Law, and Quaid, serving at the United States Naval Academy.

Misty was born on March 5, 1975, in a small Prisoner of War camp in Laos during the final phases of the Vietnam War. Her father was involved in the CIA’s secret operations in Laos. The eldest of six siblings, Misty’s early life was marked by turmoil. Shortly after the war, her family attempted to resume farming, but her father was soon taken for “re-education” by the government—a fate from which many never returned. Fearing for their safety, the family fled to a refugee camp in Thailand, where they spent a year.

In 1980, at age five, Misty and her family relocated to the United States, initially settling in Garden Grove, California, before moving to Fresno. With no formal education and an inability to speak English, her parents chose Fresno for its agricultural opportunities, hoping to provide a better future for their children. It was here that Misty’s passion for education was nurtured through the support of teachers and mentors in the Fresno Unified School District. This early influence inspired her to pursue a career in education.

Misty attended Fresno State University, earning a BA in Liberal Studies and a master’s in administration and supervision. She started her educational career teaching grades two through six and progressed to become the first Hmong Vice Principal and, subsequently, the first Hmong Woman Principal in the United States. In 2011, she was appointed Instructional Superintendent for School Leadership in Fresno, overseeing educational programs and staff development across the district. Since 2021, Misty has served as the Deputy Superintendent of Fresno Unified School District.

In her Deputy Superintendent role, Misty is responsible for student achievement, analyzing performance data, and leading district improvements in curriculum, assessments, and community relations. She is also deeply involved in community service, serving on several boards and mentoring students throughout Fresno. Her contributions to education have been recognized with multiple awards, including the 2019 California Woman of the Year for Outstanding Service in Education and the 2022 Marjaree Mason Top Ten Woman Award.

Misty’s calling is to do educational missionary work, transforming the lives of children and families. She understands her decisions directly influence the paths of young minds she interacts with daily. Investing in and inspiring hope in our youth is profoundly powerful and necessary for success. Misty believes in the transformative power of education and is committed to inspiring hope and potential in the next generation.

Bio coming soon.

Kevin has dedicated his career to serving the students and community of the Golden Valley Unified School District in Madera, CA, where he has been an employee of the district since its formation.

Throughout his career, Kevin has held various administrative roles within the district, developing his leadership and demonstrating his commitment to education. He currently serves as the Superintendent, a position he has held since August 2021. Prior to this role, he was the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for eight years. Kevin also served as Interim Superintendent on multiple occasions as Golden Valley transitioned leaders.  Earlier in his administrative career, he served as the Special Education Coordinator for GVUSD.

Kevin’s leadership experience also includes his tenure as Principal of Ranchos Middle School. Before this, he served as Vice Principal, then Principal of Webster Elementary School.

Prior to moving into administrative roles, Kevin began his career in Golden Valley Unified as a teacher at Webster Elementary School, where he taught fourth grade and sixth grade math and science.

Throughout his extensive career, Kevin has remained focused on fostering a positive and productive learning environment, continuously striving to improve educational services and outcomes for all students in the district. His dedication and passion for education have made him a respected leader within the Golden Valley Unified School District community.

Cecilia Massetti was elected in 2010 and will be serving her fourth term as the Superintendent of Schools for Madera County. Prior to her election Dr. Massetti served Madera County in various roles including Associate Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Student Programs and Services, Division Administrator and Director for Educational Services, Director of Curriculum Services and Pupil Personnel Services, Program Specialist, General Education
Consultant and School Psychologist.

She is a champion for all children in the community connecting resources for children and families as a leader in local organizations. Currently, she serves as the President of the Camarena Health Centers, Board of Directors with 12 years of service on the Board. Over 30 years of service as a member of the Soroptimist Club, is also a Commissioner for First 5 Madera County and has held various leadership roles in the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association.

Dr. Massetti graduated from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Psychology. She has earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of San Francisco in Educational Administration and a Doctorate from the University of Southern California in Policy and Administration.

Bio coming soon.

Dr. Jerry Buckley currently serves as president of Reedley College and came to the Central Valley from the Santa Clarita Community College District, where he served as assistant superintendent/vice president of academic affairs since August of 2013. Prior to that, Dr. Buckley was the vice president of instruction for the San Diego Community College District.

He also worked for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District as senior dean of planning, research & institutional effectiveness, acting vice president of academic affairs, dean, interim associate dean and professor. Mr. Buckley earned his Ed.D. in educational leadership from San Diego State, his M.A. in biology from Cal State Fullerton and his B.S. in biological sciences from USC. Dr. Buckley is also a graduate of the LACCD/UCLA Presidents Academy.

Bio coming soon.

A California native whose parents immigrated from Mexico and whose father worked in the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz has deep roots in the UC System and the Central Valley region.

He currently serves as Chancellor of UC Merced and previously served in a variety of positions including president of University of Houston Downtown (UHD), vice president for institutional diversity, equity and community engagement and vice provost for undergraduate education and student affairs at Texas Tech University.

He is the author of book chapters, academic articles, essays, refereed and invited conference presentations. He earned his B.A. in psychology from UC Santa Barbara and an M.A. in Mexican American studies from California State University, Los Angeles.

Bio coming soon.

Driven by the need to impact students and economies through innovation and ingenuity, Karri Hammerstrom has spent the last 12 years in the educational arena helping institutions effectively implement education and workforce initiatives for student success. As the Executive Director of the Fresno K-16 Collaborative, she is actively leading this bold intersegmental collaboration whose focus is on laying the foundation with dual enrollment pathways to systemically and sustainably address equity and inclusion of our most vulnerable student populations by improving socioeconomic mobility with increased educational attainment levels; increasing employability in high-demand, living wage jobs; and lowering the poverty rate.

Prior to joining the Collaborative in July 2020, Karri served as the Regional Chair of the Central/Mother Lode Regional Consortium (CRC) leading its 15 regional CA community colleges on behalf of the CA Community College Chancellor’s Office to realize change leadership to close student success and equity gaps by ensuring colleges effectively implement education and workforce initiatives and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in regional, priority industry sector; and managed a Strong Workforce regional investment portfolio of over $85M for the CRC colleges and K-12s. She also previously served as Reedley College CTE faculty managing their U.S. Department of Labor grant funded Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College & Career Training program which was part of a 11-CA community college collaborative effort to prepare students to be career-ready employees in the areas of agriculture and manufacturing, alternative fuels/renewable energy, and health; taught classes on career preparation and leadership in the agriculture industry; managed an USDA-HSI grant funded program designed to promote equity leadership and interest in the agriculture sector for high school students; and was a 2014 USDA E. Kika De La Garza Fellow. Karri holds a Master’s of Public Administration from California State University, Fresno with Honors, and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in City and Regional Planning with a Minor in Agribusiness from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She lives and farms in CA’s Central San Joaquin Valley with her husband and their two children.

Lauren Flores (she / her) is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach whose service-oriented professional experience has been dedicated to providing empathetic and solution-focused guidance to diverse undergraduate students as they navigate the complexities of higher educational systems. She lives in Sanger, where she attended through high school, with her husband and their two cats and they look forward to establishing their roots closer to both of their families.

Lauren was a Regents Scholar, a member of the College of Letters and Science Honors Program, and inducted into Phi Beta Kappa at UC Santa Barbara where she graduated with High Honors earning a B.A. in Psychology with two minors in Classics and Education (Applied Psychology track). She then obtained her M.S. in Counseling, option Student Affairs and College Counseling, at Fresno State while also working as a Graduate Assistant in the Student Involvement Center to support recognized student organizations, Greek Life, campus events, and leadership programming. As a first-year Orientation Leader she was selected by the team to receive the “Most Inspirational” award and then subsequently served as the Graduate Student Coordinator before being hired full-time as the Assistant Coordinator of Dog Days: New Student Orientation and an Academic Counselor in the University Advising Center at Fresno State. 

Lauren continued her career at UC Santa Barbara as an Academic Advisor before holding multiple positions at San Jose State University including an Academic Advisor in the CHHS Student Success Center, the Graduation & Data Specialist in the H&A Student Success Center, and the Guardian Scholars Program Coordinator within the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), where she provided direct guidance to first-generation college students with lived experiences as current or former foster youth, wards of the court, unaccompanied homeless youth, and youth under legal guardianship. Lauren was thrilled to return home to join the Collaborative team to leverage her skills and experiences to support Central Valley students in accessing transformative educational experiences with holistic support to ensure their personal, professional, and academic progress and success from high school to college and beyond.

As the Administrative Support Coordinator, Sam provides administrative support to the Collaborative and is responsible for Collaborative meeting scheduling, event logistics, budget management, and day to day office operations.

Prior to the Collaborative in September 2020, Sam was an Administrative Analyst for the Kremen School of Education of Human Development at California State University, Fresno.  She holds a B.S. in Business Administration, with a Human Resources Management option. 

Sam lives in Fresno, CA where she raises her four daughters who keep her extremely busy.  

As the Business Engagement Coordinator, Rachel collaborates with businesses in the Central Valley to create shared goals and strategies that support the needs of employers, students, and campus partners. Her focus is on enhancing employer awareness and engagement, as well as expanding student access to job opportunities and internships within the region.

Rachel Klassen is a two-time alumna from California State University, Fresno, holding a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Counseling.

Her professional journey includes roles in higher education as an Academic Counselor at California State University, Fresno, and in business operations as an Area Manager at Amazon Fulfillment, where she gained valuable experience.