Providing Direction and Guidance
Comprised of a notable and representative group of 13 faculty, staff, students and community leaders, our board of directors are committed to supporting Cal Poly and its educational mission.
Allison Baird-James
Senior Vice President, Administration and Finance
Chair
“Cal Poly Partners is dedicated to fostering a vibrant educational community that supports student success. Their focus on innovation and collaboration aligns seamlessly with Cal Poly’s emphasis on enhancing the student experience through Learn by Doing. As a significant part of the Cal Poly story, I am honored to serve on the board of directors.“
Damon Fleming
Dean and Professor of Accounting, Orfalea College of Business
Secretary-Treasurer
“Cal Poly Partners is essential in our mission to educate career-ready future leaders in a polytechnic Learn by Doing environment and produce research that positively influences society.”
Cindy Vizcaíno Villa
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
Director
“Cal Poly Partners was founded for the sole purpose of supporting student success and the educational mission of Cal Poly. Each day 2,000 employees contribute to creating the amazing educational experience and community for which Cal Poly is renowned. Cal Poly Partners makes us ‘Cal Poly Proud,’ and it is my honor to serve on the board of directors.”
Sean Hurley
Professor, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science
Director, Audit Committee Chair
“Cal Poly Partners has a tremendously positive effect on the campus and local community through the services it offers; touching the lives of everyone on campus in one way or another. I am honored to serve on the board as a Faculty Senate representative and to help guide the organization in helping Cal Poly fulfill its Learn by Doing mission.“
Joseph P. Cleary
Associate Professor, Construction Management Department
Director
“Cal Poly Partners is essential in delivering the Learn-by-Doing mission of Cal Poly and it is my privilege to play a part to help steward the organization that makes Cal Poly the enriching place delivering the great outcomes the institution has become recognized for worldwide in preparing students ready on day one.”
Cyrus Ramezani
Professor, Orfalea College of Business
Director
“Being on the board has afforded me the opportunity to see the contributions Cal Poly Partners makes to the university life and the due diligence undertaken to arrive at most business decisions. As a long-time faculty member, I am lucky to see things from the academic and student perspective, and bring their concerns to the decision-making process. I am honored to be part of this very important economic unit at Cal Poly.“
Dean Wendt
Dean of Research, College of Science and Mathematics
Director, Audit Committee Member
“Cal Poly Partners is central to the success of the university and our students. It enables successful partnerships in teaching and research, and it makes Cal Poly a more effective community for student learning.”
Geri LaChance
Retired – President and CEO of SESLOC Federal Credit Union
Director
“SESLOC has been rooted in supporting education and educators for nearly 80 years so the opportunity to serve with the Cal Poly Partners board is an honor; the university is a defining part of this community’s heritage of educational excellence. I am happy to contribute to improving the student experience, growing Cal Poly’s reach and ensuring fiscally sound operations.”
Patrick Mullen
Retired – Division Director, Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Director, Business and Finance Advisory Committee Chair
“As a member of the local business community, Cal Poly alumnus and Cal Poly parent, I have seen first-hand the terrific impact Cal Poly has on our community, region and state. Cal Poly Partners plays a critical role in supporting our students’ success. From dining, books and student support programs, Cal Poly Partners improves the lives of our students and of those in our neighboring communities.“
Cara Wright
CEO, Farm Supply Company
Director
“I am incredibly honored to serve on the Cal Poly Partners board as an alum and representative of our local business and agriculture communities. This organization’s commitment to Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy is an integral part of the university’s success and enhancement of each student’s educational experience.”
Ashleigh Spragins
Business Administration
Student Director
“It is an honor to serve on the Cal Poly Partners board. It allows me to bring student perspectives to the forefront, ensuring their voices are heard in critical decisions. Cal Poly Partners is instrumental in guiding students through times of significant transition and growth, playing a vital role in shaping their success and the future of our university community.”
Toby Walpole
Business
Student Director
“I am honored and proud to partner with Cal Poly Partners in service to the students. Through Cal Poly Partners, the Learn by Doing mission continues to inspire students by improving our educational experience and providing us the means to make change in our communities.”
Committees
Audit Committee
Sean Hurley – Chair
Dean E. Wendt
Toby Walpole
Investment Advisory Committee
Matt Wilson – Chair
Larry Lahr
Cyrus Ramezani
Geri LaChance
Carolyn Herzog
Mahdi Rastad
Budget and Finance Advisory Committee
Angie Kraetsch
Patrick Mullen
Marc F. Benadiba
Heather Zacker
David Valadez
Prema Windokun