Leadership Overview
Santa Monica College has 9 executives leading key functions including academic strategy, institutional governance, student advocacy, and administrative oversight.
Committed to academic excellence, Santa Monica College delivers affordable, world-class education through diverse degree programs while maintaining a premier status for university transfers across California.
Committed to academic excellence, Santa Monica College delivers affordable, world-class education through diverse degree programs while maintaining a premier status for university transfers across California.
Leadership Roles at Santa Monica College
Ailsa Ortiz - President
Ailsa Ortiz, the President at Santa Monica College, directs the overarching academic vision and institutional growth strategies. Overseeing the expansion of transfer pathways to prestigious universities, the President ensures alignment between curriculum development and evolving market demands. Ailsa Ortiz manages high-level partnerships with UC and USC systems to maintain the institution's status as a top transfer destination. By optimizing resource allocation across the 200 available degree programs, the President drives operational efficiency and student success outcomes. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine long-term educational goals. Through rigorous oversight of faculty development and student support services, the President secures the college's reputation for excellence. The President also monitors regional educational trends to ensure the institution remains competitive for both domestic and international learners seeking high-quality, affordable academic opportunities.
Chui Tsang - Superintendent and President
Chui Tsang, the Superintendent and President at Santa Monica College, governs the administrative and fiscal health of the entire campus ecosystem. Managing the complex intersection of state-level educational policy and local operational requirements, the Superintendent and President architects sustainable financial frameworks that support robust scholarship programs. Chui Tsang oversees the integration of online and on-campus learning modalities to maximize accessibility for a diverse student body. By coordinating with executive leadership, the Superintendent and President ensures that institutional infrastructure supports the college's mission of providing affordable, world-class education. This role involves navigating regulatory landscapes to protect the interests of out-of-state and international learners. Through strategic planning and fiscal discipline, the Superintendent and President maintains the college's financial stability while fostering an environment conducive to academic achievement and career readiness for every student enrolled.

Rebecca Kennerly - President
Rebecca Kennerly, the President at Santa Monica College, leads initiatives focused on community engagement and external stakeholder relations. Overseeing the development of outreach programs, the President strengthens the college's presence within the broader California educational landscape. Rebecca Kennerly drives efforts to enhance the visibility of the institution's 200+ degree and certificate offerings among prospective students. By fostering connections with industry partners and university recruiters, the President ensures that graduates possess the skills necessary for seamless transitions into higher education. This leadership role requires constant evaluation of student support services to guarantee that financial aid and scholarship opportunities reach the intended populations. Through active participation in regional educational forums, the President promotes the college's mission of accessibility and academic rigor. The President also coordinates with internal departments to align community-facing activities with the core strategic objectives of the institution.

Jeffery Shimizu - President
Jeffery Shimizu, the President at Santa Monica College, focuses on the optimization of student services and campus-wide academic support systems. Overseeing the implementation of comprehensive student success programs, the President ensures that learners receive the guidance necessary to navigate complex transfer requirements. Jeffery Shimizu directs the refinement of academic advising and career counseling services to improve graduation rates across all degree programs. By analyzing student performance data, the President identifies areas for improvement in both online and on-campus learning environments. This leadership role involves close coordination with faculty to maintain high standards of instruction and curriculum relevance. Through the strategic management of student-facing resources, the President supports the college's goal of providing an affordable, world-class education. The President also monitors the effectiveness of support initiatives to ensure that every student has the tools required to achieve educational and career goals.
Carole Currey - President
Carole Currey, the President at Santa Monica College, manages the strategic development of the college's diverse certificate and vocational training portfolios. Overseeing the alignment of technical programs with current labor market needs, the President ensures that students gain practical skills for immediate career entry. Carole Currey drives the expansion of specialized training modules that complement the institution's transfer-focused mission. By collaborating with department heads, the President facilitates the creation of industry-relevant curricula that attract a wide array of learners. This leadership role involves assessing the efficacy of vocational programs and adjusting resources to meet shifting economic demands. Through the promotion of high-impact learning experiences, the President enhances the college's reputation for career-ready education. The President also works to integrate these vocational pathways with broader academic goals, ensuring that all students benefit from a comprehensive and well-rounded educational experience at the institution.
Brittany Beall - President
Brittany Beall, the President at Santa Monica College, directs the digital transformation and online learning strategy for the institution. Overseeing the deployment of advanced educational technologies, the President ensures that remote learning options remain as rigorous and accessible as traditional on-campus instruction. Brittany Beall drives the adoption of digital platforms that facilitate seamless interaction between faculty and students across various geographic locations. By managing the infrastructure for online degree programs, the President supports the college's commitment to serving a global student population. This leadership role involves coordinating with IT and academic departments to maintain high standards of digital pedagogy. Through the continuous improvement of virtual learning environments, the President expands the reach of the college's world-class education. The President also evaluates the impact of digital initiatives on student engagement and retention, ensuring that online learners receive the same level of support as their on-campus counterparts.
Gabriel Hernandez - Club President
Gabriel Hernandez, the Club President at Santa Monica College, leads student-driven initiatives that foster campus culture and extracurricular engagement. Overseeing the coordination of student organizations, the Club President ensures that diverse interests are represented within the college community. Gabriel Hernandez drives the planning of events and workshops that complement the academic experience, providing students with opportunities for leadership development and networking. By facilitating communication between student groups and the administration, the Club President advocates for the needs and interests of the student body. This leadership role involves managing organizational budgets and ensuring compliance with college policies. Through the promotion of active student participation, the Club President contributes to a vibrant campus environment that supports the institution's mission of holistic education. The Club President also works to align student activities with the college's broader goals of inclusivity and academic excellence.
Michael Roberts - CSEA President
Michael Roberts, the CSEA President at Santa Monica College, represents the interests of classified staff and ensures operational alignment with the college's mission. Overseeing labor relations and staff development programs, the CSEA President fosters a collaborative work environment that supports the institution's educational goals. Michael Roberts drives initiatives aimed at improving workplace efficiency and staff morale, which directly impacts the quality of services provided to students. By participating in governance committees, the CSEA President ensures that the perspectives of classified employees are integrated into institutional decision-making processes. This leadership role involves negotiating agreements and resolving workplace issues to maintain organizational stability. Through the promotion of professional growth and staff engagement, the CSEA President supports the college's commitment to excellence. The CSEA President also works to ensure that all staff members are equipped to contribute effectively to the success of the college's diverse student population.
Diane Chen - President
Diane Chen, the President at Santa Monica College, oversees the strategic management of international student programs and global partnerships. Directing the recruitment and support services for learners from outside the United States, the President ensures that the college remains a premier destination for international education. Diane Chen drives the development of cultural integration programs that enrich the campus experience for all students. By coordinating with admissions and student services, the President facilitates a smooth transition for international learners into the college's academic environment. This leadership role involves navigating global educational standards to ensure that the institution's degrees and certificates are recognized internationally. Through the expansion of global outreach, the President enhances the college's reputation as a world-class educational provider. The President also monitors the success of international students, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to achieve their academic and career goals while studying at the institution.
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