On Dec. 18, 2024, nearly 100 guests came together for a recognition ceremony to celebrate those who completed Cal State Fullerton’s fall 2024 Leadership Development for Public Agencies certificate program.
This program, offered through CSUF University Extension, aims to help emerging public leaders further develop successful leadership skills and styles. University Extension works directly with public agencies in the region that nominate and sponsor employees to participate in this highly coveted, semesterlong training. In fall 2024, 33 employees from 13 public agencies completed the program.
The graduation was held virtually and included guest speakers Amir Dabirian, CSUF provost and vice president for academic affairs, and Jim Vanderpool, city manager for the city of Anaheim.
“Over the years, we have built lasting relationships with 34 agencies, both within Orange County and beyond. Together, we have made a profound impact on workforce and leadership development across the region. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of executive leadership from these agencies. Your commitment and vision have turned an idea into a powerful and sustainable program that is benefiting so many,” said Dabirian.
Vanderpool also congratulated the graduates, encouraging them to pay their experience forward.
“You’ve developed relationships with your peers through the program that you will carry forward and build upon. Cal State Fullerton is a very unique place in the region and provides valuable services to public agencies,” said Vanderpool.
The agencies and fall 2024 graduates include:
City of Anaheim
- Annie Singhal
- Cristela Rosales
- Janice Garcia
City of Costa Mesa
- Caroline Tse
- Kathia Viteri
- Monique Arredondo
City of Fullerton
- Camryn Worsham
- Cesar Navarro
- David Bishop
- Matt Esqueda
City of Tustin
- Brooke Lovell
- Katrina Pinyan
Irvine Ranch Water District
- Alex Murphy
- Alfonso Calderon
- Josh Nowak
Lutheran Social Services Southern California
- Kaleb Rudy
- Reina Jimenez
- Vincent Silva
Moulton Niguel Water District
- Julie Schrock
- Karen Pearson
Municipal Water District of Orange County
- Rachel Waite
- Tiffany Baca
OC Sanitation District
- Eric Halverson
- Giti Radvar
- Krystal Aleman
Orange County Transportation Authority
- Chris Ramos
- Elena Clark
- Kevin Driftmier
South Coast Water District
- Vil Acuna
- Vince Mata
The Toll Roads
- Chris Thompson
- Gordon Blakey
Yorba Linda Water District
- Sophia Phuong