2021 Officers of the Board
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Ben Winter
Transfer Flow, Inc. Chair Ben Winter is the Director of Business Development and Sales at Transfer Flow,Inc. an automotive manufacturing company that specializes in certified legal fuel systems. I have grown up in the Butte County my whole life with education through Butte College and Chico State. I have worked at Transfer Flow since 1993 where I established a position as the Sales Manager and piloted positive growth over 18 years. Our customer base ranges from retail through OEM vehicle manufactures around the world. I have developed a vast experience working with many fortune 500 companies introducing services and closing project with successful profits. My roles include networking, customer maintenance, presenting to new business and fielding diversity in manufacturing. I am a current Board member of the NTEA (National Truck Equipment Association) and sit on many different associations connected to a manufacturing core business mission. I am extremely lucky to be living in Chico raising 5 children who attend local schools, play sports and absorb our community’s lifestyle. The “Winter 7” all have a strong passion for our community and want to focus making our lifestyle happy and positive. My interests are running, riding and giving back through local clubs and associations. |
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Jolene Francis, FAHP, CFRE
Enloe Medical Center
Past Chair
Jolene Francis, FAHP, CFRE is Director of Advancement & Communications at Enloe Medical Center. Jolene is a lifelong resident of Chico with 40 years’ experience in local business including positions in the financial services industry and non-profits. Jolene is the past President & CEO of the Chico Chamber of Commerce and served on the Chico Planning Commission for 8 years. She is a recipient of the Chamber Athena Award and the Chairman’s Award. Her award-winning article on disaster fundraising was published in the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Journal in 2020. Jolene and her husband Mark Francis are both members of Chico Rotary.
Enloe Medical Center
Past Chair
Jolene Francis, FAHP, CFRE is Director of Advancement & Communications at Enloe Medical Center. Jolene is a lifelong resident of Chico with 40 years’ experience in local business including positions in the financial services industry and non-profits. Jolene is the past President & CEO of the Chico Chamber of Commerce and served on the Chico Planning Commission for 8 years. She is a recipient of the Chamber Athena Award and the Chairman’s Award. Her award-winning article on disaster fundraising was published in the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Journal in 2020. Jolene and her husband Mark Francis are both members of Chico Rotary.
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Mark Chrisman
Healthy Solutions Insurance Services Chair-Elect Mark is a home-grown Chico native, after moving to Chico in 1970, where he attended Rosedale, Chico Junior and Chico Senior High School. Growing up and living in Chico for the past 46 years Mark has been able to watch Chico grow from a sleepy, small college town of approximately 30,000 residents to a thriving city of almost 100,000! Mark believes Chico offers a great quality of life and enjoyed it growing up as a kid. He is now grateful to be able to give these experiences to his two children, raising them here in Chico! Mark spent 36 years in the automotive industry, with almost 30 of those years working in the service department for Chuck Patterson Auto World in Chico. That experience provided a great way to learn the workings of business! In May of 2015, Mark retired from the automotive industry to join his wife, Leanne Chrisman, at Healthy Solutions Insurance Services. Now he is able to experience and enjoy what Chico offers business owners in the community. You might see Mark out running in Bidwell Park or at a Chico Heat baseball game. He feels very fortunate to have grown up in and able to continue living in Chico, enjoying all it has to offer from education, to business, to raising a family! |
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Sierra Grossman
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Vice Chair Sierra Grossman is a second-generation owner at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., a leader in America’s craft beer industry. Working at the brewery since she was 15 years old—from washing dishes to fixing equipment—Sierra admired her father’s hands-on approach to management, which she now applies in her role as Vice President. In response to Butte County’s experience with the devastating Camp Fire, Sierra is at the helm of the brewery’s philanthropic efforts to support their hometown through funds, resources, and community collaboration. Sierra has also served on nonprofit boards focusing on sustainability, local resources, and education. Her current board seats include the Chico Chamber of Commerce, the John Muir Trail Foundation, and the Wildflower Open Classroom. Sierra graduated from California State University, Chico, with a degree in Health Science. |
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Michelle Niven
Chico Area Recreation & Park District Vice Chair Michelle joined CARD in January of 2017 and currently holds the position of HR Manager. She is responsible for the administration of all human resources services for CARDS’s 400 employees. This includes maintaining compliance with legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting human resource functions as well as ensuring policies, procedures, and reporting are in compliance with the law. Michelle came to Chico in 1988 and completed her degree in Speech Communications at California State University, Chico. From then, till now, she worked 20 years as an HR Specialist for a local employer, along with participating in a variety of community activities which has included mentoring students at Fairview High School, providing them with resume writing assistance, interviewing skills and the basics of being a valuable employee as well as conducting Job Skills Workshops for the EDD. When she isn’t wearing her professional hat, she is the mother to teenage twin daughters and enjoys reading, travel, music and spending time with family and friends. |
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Karli G. Olsen
K-Coe Isom Vice Chair Karli Olsen has been providing tax and accounting advisory to businesses for over ten years. As a manager, her passion for working with clients to identify ways to maximize value has resulted in increased efficiencies, effectiveness, and profitability within their businesses. Karli expertly provides recommendations that improve effectiveness so that business owners can monitor operations, employees, and customers. As a certified public accountant, Karli excels at providing valuable solutions for the tax challenges unique to food and beverage clients. With her manufacturing-centric tax knowledge, she proactively helps clients plan for changes in their operations, optimize tax structure, and avoid obstacles to minimize tax burden. Karli has specialized knowledge and experience from working with businesses in the food and beverage, manufacturing, and agriculture industries. |
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Brandon Slater
Slater & Son, Inc. Vice Chair As the third generation owner of Slater & Son, Brandon Slater has deep roots in the construction industry. He's managed everything from a $44 million dollar, 378 unit multi-family housing project, to small tenant infill projects. Brandon has a strong background in managing public works projects, as he's handled multi-million dollar public school facilities and school modernization projects, while utilizing the fast track method of scheduling. Certifications: A LEED Accredited Professional (AP), Brandon has a thorough understanding of the practices and principles of Green building, as well as the LEED rating system. In 2017, Brandon attained full certification as a Designated Design-Build Professional (DBIA). |
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Anastacia L. Snyder
Catalyst Domestic Violence Services Vice Chair Anastacia L. Snyder is the Executive Director at Catalyst Domestic Violence Services in Butte County. In this capacity, she is responsible for the overall management of the agency’s operations. In addition to her work, Anastacia holds many state and local leadership positions including a Governor’s appointment to the California Office of Emergency Services Domestic Violence Advisory Council where she is the current co-chair and is a Regional Policy Representative to the state domestic violence coalition’s Public Policy and Research Committee. Locally, Anastacia participates on the FEMA Board serving as the chair, Children’s Services Coordinating Council serving on the Executive Committee and is an elected member of the Butte County Continuum of Care Council. Anastacia is an active Rotarian since 2008 having served as the Chico Noon Rotary club president as well a past Chair of the Board of Directors for the Chico Chamber of Commerce. Anastacia is a proud graduate of St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California and attended California State University, Chico pursuing a Master’s Degree in English. She is dedicated to providing vital safe housing and social services to victims of domestic violence and their children in the community in which she lives and serves. |
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Devin Van Hout
Ferguson Enterprises Vice Chair Devin Van Hout is the V.P. of Digital Commerce at Ferguson Enterprises, a pure play online home improvement retailer. He has been with the company for over 12 years and throughout his time has proven the ability to drive profitable growth in a highly competitive market. A Chico State graduate, Devin grew up in Paradise and has been working and living in Chico for 20 years. He is an avid cyclist and mountain biker, a decent hockey player, and enjoys traveling with his wife and two sons. |
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Olivia Wilson
K-Coe Isom Treasurer Olivia Wilson is a manager at K-Coe Isom, LLP in Chico. Olivia primarily works with permanent and specialty crop farmers with a specialization in providing tax strategy and planning. She enjoys learning about her clients’ operations, providing insights to help alleviate their operational pain points, and providing long lasting solutions to their goals. Olivia finds digging into the details rewarding, especially when she is able to help others understand the often complex and confusing information surrounding accounting and tax regulations. Olivia earned a Bachelor’s of Science from Chico State in 2011 with a Magna Cum Laude distinction in Accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Public Accountants and the California Society of CPAs. Olivia enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, and running the trails of Upper Park. |
2021 Directors
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Carol Bertagna
Almendra Winery & Distillery Carol Bertagna was born in Chico, raised in Hamilton City and graduated from Chico State in 96'. She majored in Ag. Science and returned for her teaching credential in 97'. She is a mother to 2 grown boys and a wife to a 4th generation Almond Farmer who is also a Chico native. Berton and Carol have been married for 23 years. In the last 3 decades she has been very busy and involved in the Chico community. She has held offices in the PTA, Scholarship committees, and other local organizations. Currently, she is busy running her businesses/restaurant and event center while keeping the farming and other ventures going as well. |
Spencer Boone
Orangetheory Fitness
Spencer Boone is the Regional Fitness Manager of Orangetheory Fitness in Northern California. He has been with Orangetheory for the past five years starting in Kansas City. Spencer moved to California and landed in Chico late 2016. Since, Spencer has been in the Chico area and has become very active in the community, volunteering at multiple events, and being an active Rotarian with the Chico Noon Rotary. Prior to Orangetheory, Spencer grew up in Kansas City and then went on to earn a football scholarship in Indiana. Throughout college, and thereafter, Spencer got into personal training which sparked his career in the fitness industry. He has shown his passion for people not only through fitness, but also coaching positive, personal growth. Besides fitness he is a huge family guy along with being a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan! Spencer is proud to live and be a part of the vibrant Chico Community.
Orangetheory Fitness
Spencer Boone is the Regional Fitness Manager of Orangetheory Fitness in Northern California. He has been with Orangetheory for the past five years starting in Kansas City. Spencer moved to California and landed in Chico late 2016. Since, Spencer has been in the Chico area and has become very active in the community, volunteering at multiple events, and being an active Rotarian with the Chico Noon Rotary. Prior to Orangetheory, Spencer grew up in Kansas City and then went on to earn a football scholarship in Indiana. Throughout college, and thereafter, Spencer got into personal training which sparked his career in the fitness industry. He has shown his passion for people not only through fitness, but also coaching positive, personal growth. Besides fitness he is a huge family guy along with being a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan! Spencer is proud to live and be a part of the vibrant Chico Community.
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Bob Bracewell
Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home Bob was born and raised in Chico. He worked at Enloe Hospital for a short time before attending and graduating from the Mortuary Science Program in Southern California. He returned to Chico and worked locally for ten years before purchasing Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home in 1991. Bob is happy to work along side his son Dane. Newton-Bracewell is proud to be a locally owned and operated business. Bob is also involved with Chico Meals on Wheels, Work Training Center and Chico Noon Rotary. He has three children and seven grandchildren all living in Chico. |
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Calen Chapman
Harris Commercial Real Estate Services Calen Chapman is a Senior Associate at Harris Commercial Real Estate Services, specializing in commercial sales and leasing. Upon graduating from CSU Chico, Calen decided to stay local after noticing the quality of life and many opportunities that Chico has to offer. Calen has continued to be very active in the local community, bringing leadership involvement to the Chico Chamber of Commerce and Chico Rotary Club. |
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Mark Francis
Golden Valley Bank Mark Francis, a Chico native and lifelong resident, is the President and CEO of Golden Valley Bank and a Chamber Director since 2007 and a member since 1982. He is a graduate of CSU, Chico and has been in banking for 31 years. |
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Brooke Isenberg
Courtyard by Marriott Brooke Smith is the current General Manager for Courtyard by Marriott. She has been at the Chico Marriott properties for almost 10 years and Director of Sales for 8 years. She graduated from California State University, Chico in 2010 with a degree in Recreation Administration optioning in Special Events, Tourism, Resort, and Lodging Management with a minor in Political Science. While in college she was President of her sorority, Sigma Kappa. Staying in Chico after college, she became very involved with the Chico Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations. She currently serves on the Committed Leaders for the Young Professionals Organization, and the special events committee. She was YPO President in 2016, and was the Young Professional of the Year for the Chico Chamber of Commerce for 2016. Brooke also is Vice President for Explore Butte County- a tourism improvement group in the county and was recognized in 2016 as one of California Travel Associations Emerging Leaders 30 and Under award. She was also nominated for Sales Person of Year for 2016 from her hospitality management company, Aimbridge. She continues to be active in the Chico Community as much as possible. You can find her most days exploring Chico and beyond looking for new craft beers to try. |
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Michelle Kalberer
Klean Kanteen
Klean Kanteen
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Tom Lando
Tom Lando Consulting Tom Lando, of Tom Lando Consulting, holds a Doctorate of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and is a past City Manager for the City of Chico. Before serving as City Manager, Tom held the positions of Community Services Director and Planning Director for the City of Chico. Tom is active in the community serving as a prior Chair for the Enloe Medical Center Board of Trustees and prior Chair of the Chico Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Tom is an active member of the Chico Noon Rotary Club, serving as President in recent years. |
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Mark Pierce
North Valley Ag Services Vice Chair Mark Pierce has been with North Valley Ag Services, a dba for Chico Bean Growers, since 1989. North Valley Ag is grower-owned cooperative that specializes in all things important to agricultural production including crop consulting, fertilizers and crop protection products. He has been fortunate to see the company evolve from primarily a dried bean handling and marketing association to a successful six-county farm supply company. North Valley’s customer base is a great diversity of both small and large growers with many minority growers and vertically integrated crop processors in the mix. Over Pierce’s 35 years he has held many positions in the company. Initially hired out of high school as a warehouse man to bag dried beans, Pierce has moved on to manage various divisions. In 2001 he became President of North Valley Ag Services and continues to work with a CEO and seven-member Board of Directors that is composed of association’s farmer-patrons. Pierce is also a board member of the Chico Noon Rotary and the California Fertilizer Foundation; as well as an active member of the Butte College Ag Advisory Committee, the Western Plant Health Retailers Council and the Chico High School Ag Boosters. |
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Levi Russell
Morgan Stanley Levi grew up enjoying the outdoors in Alaska, where he taught as a ski instructor, learned to fly bush planes from his Dad, and graduated from the University of Alaska. Before moving to Chico Levi spent a decade working in public affairs, specializing in media strategy and marketing in roles that spanned from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. When Levi and his wife Laura welcomed their first little ones, it was time for a change of pace. After joining Morgan Stanley as a Financial Advisor, Levi and his wife Laura were thrilled to move closer to family in Laura’s hometown of Chico. With Morgan Stanley, Levi specializes in helping families and businesses develop and implement financial plans that provide confidence during life’s big transitions and unexpected moments. Levi says, “The priority now is helping ensure growing families like mine have a community that is rich in opportunity where they can explore, grow, and call home. I’m part of the Chamber because it helps advance that mission and opens up new opportunities for service.” In addition to serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board, Levi is active in Chico Rotary, board member of Nord Country School, and serves on the Community Leadership Board for the Chico Boys and Girls Club. |
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Toni Scott
Morrison Toni Scott is a principal with Morrison & Company, a business consulting firm focused on providing services related to planning and feasibility, grant writing, interim executive searches and special projects. Toni primarily works in the firm's grants practice, writing competitive grant proposals on behalf of clients in production agriculture, processing, agribusiness, distribution, manufacturing, and alternative energy. Toni is a member of the City of Chico Planning Commission and Butte County Library Advisory Board, past President of the Chico Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Organization, is on the Butte County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and is a founding director of the Butte Agriculture Foundation. Toni moved to Chico to attend Chico State in 2002, leaving briefly to pursue graduate school. She returned to Chico after receiving her master's degree in print journalism and worked several years as a reporter for the Chico Enterprise Record and Oroville Mercury Register. Toni continues to freelance write for California Bountiful, a bimonthly statewide magazine featuring California farmers, ranchers, and chefs. Toni and her husband Nick enjoy spending time with their dog Conner. |
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Dan Shea
Recology Butte Colusa Counties Dan Shea joined the Recology in August of 2017 as the General Manager Butte Colusa Counties. He comes to the Recology family from Waste Management of Massachusetts where he held various management positions. Dan started his waste career six years ago as a route manager in Plymouth Massachusetts. Over the Next 4 years Dan was promoted into more senior leadership roles. He joined the Operations Improvement Group providing Market Area analytics and business improvement strategies. As the Market Area Logistics Engineer for Rhode Island and Central Massachusetts, Dan was instrumental in the role out of of WM’s new Service Delivery Optimization leadership program and certification. Dan was awarded the WM Circle of Excellence award for his work in 2014/2015 prior to assuming the role of District Manager Central and Western Massachusetts. Prior to Waste Management Dan served as an officer in the US Navy earning his wings in 2001. After the tragedies on September 11, 2001 he was assigned to Carrier Airwing 5 serving in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Upon completion of his Carrier tour in late 2004, Dan was assigned to the European Command and NATO J-3 Operations Staff as the Commander US Navy Europe Liaison Officer responsible for Naval Operations in 92 countries in Africa and Europe. Dan studied Engineering and Economics. He completed his Engineering thesis on Co-Generation and zero waste solutions. |
2021 Ex-Officio Directors
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Melanie Bassett
Downtown Chico Business Association Melanie Bassett has been the Executive Director of the Downtown Chico Business Association for 7 years. She previously served as branch Manager for Tri Counties Bank for five years and spent 14 years as the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Sierra Cascade. Melanie was born in Traverse City, Michigan into a Navy family, traveled extensively and grew up on the Monterey Peninsula where her father retired. She attended Chico State University getting a Masters in Criminal Justice and returned to Chico in 1990. Melanie is a member of the Chico Noon Rotary Club and served as President 2011-2012. She currently serves on the Chico Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and chairs the Beautiful, Clean & Safe Action Group. She has a son Benjamin who is a touring singer-songwriter (Benny Bassett Music) and lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. |
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Carolyn Denero
Explore Butte County Carolyn Denero serves as the Executive Director for Explore Butte County. She began as a contractor working for the board of directors and was hired as the first staff person and executive director of the organization in May of 2018. Carolyn graduated from University of the Pacific with a degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology. Carolyn has had the opportunity to work for diverse organizations throughout her career. Prior to moving (back) to Butte County in 2017, she worked with the managing partners of Epicenter, a large-scale sports and entertainment complex in Santa Rosa, to build policy, recruit staff, and open the visitor-serving complex to the North Bay Area. Prior to that, Carolyn worked as the membership and event coordinator for the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce where she was able to help build the visitor-serving infrastructure and economy through events. Most notable was the conception and execution of the first “Calistoga Harvest Table,” which in only a few short years has become a must-attend sell-out event. Carolyn enjoys spending time exploring Butte County with her husband of 11 years, Steve, and their 2 dogs, Sophie and Mud. |
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Dr. Gayle E. Hutchinson
California State University, Chico In 2016, the California State University Board of Trustees appointed Gayle E. Hutchinson, Ed.D., as president of California State University, Chico. Hutchinson spent nearly 20 years in various instructional and leadership roles at Chico State. She served as dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, chairperson of the Department of Kinesiology, Academic Senate Chair, Statewide Senator and was a member of the President’s Diversity Council. Before that time, she was a member of the Chico State faculty, teaching kinesiology with a specialty in teacher preparation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education teacher education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, a master’s from Teachers College, Columbia University in teaching analysis & curriculum development, and a doctorate of education from University of Massachusetts, Amherst in teacher education/staff development. |
Mark Orme
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Kelly Staley
Chico Unified School District
Kelly has served as Superintendent of Chico Unified School District since 2007. She was born in Chico and graduated with a BA in English from CSU, Chico. She did post-graduate work at Pepperdine University, as well as the University of the Pacific. Kelly, and her husband Keith, are proud to be able to live in the positive, supportive and education friendly community of Chico.
Chico Unified School District
Kelly has served as Superintendent of Chico Unified School District since 2007. She was born in Chico and graduated with a BA in English from CSU, Chico. She did post-graduate work at Pepperdine University, as well as the University of the Pacific. Kelly, and her husband Keith, are proud to be able to live in the positive, supportive and education friendly community of Chico.
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Ann Willmann
Chico Area Recreation & Park District I was first introduced to the field of Community Recreation when I was 16 years old. Working as a recreation leader for a program that served youth and adults with disabilities. I credit my lifelong career in Recreation to my mother who suggested I get a degree in Parks & Recreation. At 18 years old I embarked on my education and career and have never regretted my choice. Upon graduation from Chico State, I have had the opportunity to work in several communities such as Vallejo, Davis, Sausalito and of course now Chico. I am truly passionate about the field of Community Recreation. I believe that every community deserves to have a quality recreation program to enhance the lives of those that live there. While there have been brief times I have left the field of Recreation, I always seem to return. My philosophy in life is to choose a career that feeds your soul and you will continue to be successful throughout your life. Community Recreation feeds my soul. |
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Dr. Samia Yaqub
Butte-Glenn Community College District Dr. Samia Yaqub was appointed Superintendent/President of Butte-Glenn Community College District effective July 1, 2016. She has worked at Butte College for over thirty years, most recently serving as the Vice President for Student Learning and Economic Development. Prior to moving into administration, she taught English as a Second Language and developmental reading and writing for fifteen years. Dr. Yaqub received her doctorate in education with an emphasis on Community College Leadership from Oregon State University. Her dissertation, Latina Student Perceptions of Learning Communities, won the RP Group Excellence in Dissertation award in 2011. She also holds a master's degree in English from CSU, Chico and a bachelor's degree in English from UC Davis. Dr. Yaqub has served on the Board of Directors for the Inspire School of Arts and Sciences and serves as an advisory board member of the California Writing Project. She is the co-chair of the Management Development Commission, the professional development arm of the Association of California Community College Administrators. Dr Yaqub’s professional interests include leadership development, student equity, and adult literacy. |
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