More than 100 guests celebrated cohort 30 of CSUF University Extension’s Leadership Development for Public Agencies certificate program during a June 4 virtual ceremony.
Twenty-seven graduates represented 11 agencies, including the cities of Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Fullerton and Sunnyvale as well as Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Irvine Ranch Water District, Mesa Water District, Orange County Transportation Authority, Orange County Sanitation District, South Coast Water District, and Transportation Corridor Agencies.
Sean Walker, provost and vice president for academic affairs, congratulated the newest cohort on joining a network of over 700 alumni from the program. He commended the graduates’ dedication and commitment to professional growth, which will contribute to the program’s aim to shape a stronger and more resilient future for the communities they serve.
“At Cal State Fullerton, we are proud to partner with you in this important work,” Walker said. “We remain committed to listening, adapting and collaborating with our agency partners to ensure that our programs continue to meet the evolving needs and deliver meaningful impact.”
Transportation Corridor Agencies CEO Ryan Chamberlain spoke to the cohort’s accomplishments, emphasizing that leadership and public service depend on a conscious effort to change and learn new skills, especially by meeting peers from different organizations and professional backgrounds.
“Leadership isn’t just about a title, it’s about impact,” Chamberlain said. “It’s how you show up, it’s how you treat people, it’s how you make decisions. And in public service, that impact is very real. It shapes communities, and it improves lives. The work you do matters, and the leadership you bring to that matters even more.”
The program’s lead instructor and a proud Titan, Julie Espy, was also at the ceremony. She highlighted how impressed she was with her students.
“They were truly a fabulous cohort,” Espy said. “This cohort was outstanding for their attention, the depth of their discussions and their fabulous attendance.”
Students thanked the instructors and mentioned the support from their teams, who connected them to the program. Many expressed coming away from the program inspired about their work and career goals.
“While I take away many, many things that will help me in my day-to-day as valuable tools, one of my biggest takeaways is that leadership is not having all the answers,” said Monica Vera, who works for the City of Anaheim as a contracts administrator. “It’s about being authentic, building relationships, communicating clearly and creating an environment where others can succeed.”
Whether students are an emerging supervisor or an experienced manager, the Leadership Development for Public Agencies program offers a meaningful path forward. Explore how it supports public sector professionals in leading with confidence and purpose. Learn more on the website, connect with the CSUF University Extension team through the “Contact Us” page or speak with an agency’s human resources department to get started.