Santa Monica College Executive and Leadership Team

Ailsa Ortiz, the President at Santa Monica College, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional advancement. This leadership role involves guiding the college's mission to provide a world-class, affordable education, ensuring its continued recognition as California's top transfer college. Ortiz oversees the development and implementation of academic programs and student support services designed to facilitate seamless transfers to prestigious universities. The President's responsibilities extend to fostering key relationships with community stakeholders and university partners, thereby enhancing the college's market position and educational impact. Ailsa Ortiz ensures that the institution remains responsive to evolving educational landscapes and student needs, driving forward initiatives that support both on-campus and online learning modalities. This executive leadership focuses on maintaining high standards of academic excellence and operational efficiency across all college departments.

Cornelius Peterson, the President at Santa Monica College, spearheads critical initiatives focused on institutional growth and operational excellence. This executive guides the college's strategic planning, ensuring alignment with its core mission of delivering relevant and affordable education. Peterson's leadership encompasses the oversight of administrative functions and resource allocation, aimed at maximizing student success and transfer rates to top-tier universities. The President's role involves cultivating a dynamic learning environment that supports a diverse student body, including international and out-of-state learners. Cornelius Peterson drives efforts to expand educational offerings and enhance the quality of both on-campus and online programs. This position is central to maintaining the college's reputation for academic rigor and student support, ensuring sustained financial health and programmatic innovation.

Diane Chen, the President at Santa Monica College, champions the institution's commitment to academic excellence and student achievement. This leadership position involves directing strategic partnerships and community engagement efforts that bolster the college's transfer mission. Chen oversees the enhancement of academic programs and student services, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of learners seeking pathways to higher education. The President's focus includes driving innovation in educational delivery, supporting both traditional classroom settings and flexible online learning options. Diane Chen is instrumental in securing and managing financial resources, including scholarships and aid, to make education accessible and affordable for all students. This role is pivotal in maintaining Santa Monica College's status as a premier transfer institution.

Gabriel Hernandez, the Club President at Santa Monica College, leads student engagement initiatives and extracurricular programming. This role involves fostering a vibrant campus community by organizing events and activities that enrich the student experience. Hernandez works to promote student involvement in various clubs and organizations, enhancing opportunities for leadership development and networking. The Club President's responsibilities include advocating for student interests and ensuring that campus life activities align with the college's broader educational mission. Gabriel Hernandez collaborates with college administration and student government to support student-led initiatives and enhance campus morale. This position is key to building a supportive and engaging environment for all students.

Carole Currey, the President at Santa Monica College, directs strategic initiatives focused on institutional development and community impact. This executive leadership role involves overseeing the college's long-term planning and resource management to sustain its mission of providing affordable, world-class education. Currey's purview includes fostering strong relationships with external partners and stakeholders, crucial for maintaining the college's standing as a leading transfer institution. The President's responsibilities extend to ensuring the quality and relevance of academic programs, supporting both on-campus and online learning environments. Carole Currey drives efforts to enhance student support services and financial aid opportunities, making education accessible to a diverse student population. This position is vital for the continued success and innovation of the college.

Chui Tsang, the Superintendent and President at Santa Monica College, provides comprehensive leadership for the institution's academic and administrative operations. This dual role encompasses strategic oversight of educational programs, fiscal management, and institutional advancement, ensuring the college upholds its commitment to excellence and accessibility. Tsang directs efforts to maintain Santa Monica College's status as a premier transfer institution, fostering pathways to prestigious universities for a diverse student body. The Superintendent and President's responsibilities include championing innovation in teaching and learning, supporting both on-campus and online modalities, and ensuring robust student support services. Chui Tsang cultivates strong community partnerships and advocates for the college's mission, driving its impact and relevance in higher education. This leadership ensures sustained quality and affordability for all learners.

Michael Roberts, the CSEA President at Santa Monica College, represents the interests of classified school employees, advocating for their rights and professional development. This leadership position involves collaborating with college administration to ensure fair labor practices and supportive working conditions for CSEA members. Roberts plays a key role in negotiations and grievance procedures, aiming to foster a positive and productive employment environment. The CSEA President's focus includes promoting the vital contributions of classified staff to the college's overall mission of providing quality education. Michael Roberts works to enhance communication and understanding between CSEA members and the college leadership, ensuring that the needs of this essential employee group are addressed. This role is critical for maintaining employee morale and operational continuity.

Jeffery Shimizu, the President at Santa Monica College, drives the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the institution. This executive leadership focuses on enhancing the college's reputation for academic rigor and its success in facilitating student transfers to leading universities. Shimizu oversees the implementation of innovative educational strategies, ensuring that both on-campus and online learning environments meet the highest standards. The President's responsibilities include managing institutional resources and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Jeffery Shimizu is dedicated to making world-class education accessible and affordable, supporting a diverse student population through comprehensive financial aid and scholarship programs. This role is central to advancing the college's mission and its impact on student futures.

Brittany Beall, the President at Santa Monica College, leads initiatives aimed at strengthening the college's academic programs and student support systems. This executive role involves guiding the institution's efforts to provide relevant, affordable, and high-quality education to a diverse student body. Beall focuses on enhancing transfer pathways to prestigious universities, reinforcing Santa Monica College's position as a top-tier transfer institution. The President's responsibilities include fostering innovation in educational delivery, supporting both traditional and online learning modalities. Brittany Beall champions the expansion of financial aid and scholarship opportunities, ensuring educational access for all aspiring students. This leadership is crucial for maintaining academic excellence and operational integrity.

Rebecca Kennerly, the President at Santa Monica College, directs the strategic vision and operational execution of the institution's educational mission. This leadership role is focused on maintaining Santa Monica College's status as a premier transfer institution, facilitating student success in pathways to higher education. Kennerly oversees the development and enhancement of academic programs and student services, ensuring they are both relevant and accessible. The President's responsibilities include championing affordable, world-class education for a diverse student population, including international and out-of-state learners. Rebecca Kennerly drives initiatives to expand financial aid and scholarship opportunities, removing barriers to educational attainment. This position is critical for fostering innovation and ensuring the continued impact of the college.