Alumni in the News

Cal Poly alumni make news every day, winning awards, impacting industry, improving their communities and changing the world for the better. Here, we present some of the highlights from our alumni in the news.

Cal Poly Alumna Named Public Works Director 

Cal Poly environmental engineering alumna Rosemarie Gaglione has been named public works director of Marin County. Marin Independent Journal 

Cal Poly Alumna Named Department Head 

Cal Poly city and regional planning alumna Alicia Giudice has been appointed to lead the community development department at the city of San Rafael. Marin Independent Journal 

Cal Poly Alumna Named Public Works Director 

Cal Poly agricultural engineering alumna Erica Ahmann Smithies has been named public works director of American Canyon.  Napa Valley Register 

Cal Poly Alumna Named Design Engineer 

Cal Poly mechanical engineering alumna Sara Passantino has been named design engineer at Ibis Cycles. Bicycle Retailer 

Cal Poly Alumna Appointed Associate Director 

Cal Poly agricultural communications alumna Chloé Fowler has been named associate director of youth marketing and education at The American Hereford Association. Aberdeen News 

Cal Poly Alumna Appointed Chief Academic Officer 

Cal Poly alumna Joanna Bauer has been named vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer at Claremont Lincoln University. Claremont Courier 

Cal Poly Alum Named Executive Vice President 

Cal Poly journalism alumnus named Jill Gregory named executive vice president and general manager at Sonoma Raceway. NASCAR 

Cal Poly Alum Named Interim Community Development Director 

Cal Poly urban planning alumnus Luke Sims has been named interim community development director for the city of Healdsburg. Sonoma West 

Cal Poly Alumnus Named Executive Vice President 

Cal Poly alumnus William “Bill” Sloan has been named executive vice president by Bank of Southern California. Yahoo Finance 

Cal Poly Alumnus Named President and CEO 

Cal Poly architecture alumnus David D. Moore has been named new president and CEO of WATG. Top Hotel News 

Cal Poly Alumnus Named Chairman 

Cal Poly agricultural engineering alumnus Suresh De Mel has been named chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. Colombopage 

Cal Poly Alumnus Named Chief Accounting Officer 

Cal Poly business alumnus Brent Simonich has been named chief accounting officer and Treasurer at LPL Financial. Globe News Wire 

Cal Poly Alumnus Appointed CEO 

Cal Poly architecture alumnus David D. Moore has been named president and chief executive officer of WATG, the world's leading travel and tourism design firm. The Press 

Cal Poly Alum Named Architectural Designer 

Cal Poly architecture alumnus Will Allen has been appointed an architectural designer at CollinsWoerman. Daily Journal of Commerce 

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Senior Engineer 

Cal Poly mechanical engineering alumnus Joe Huff has been named a senior engineer at CSHQA’s Boise office. Idaho Business Review 

Cal Poly Alum Named CEO 

Cal Poly food science alumnus Peter Brown has been named president and CEO of Seaboard Foods. Watt Ag Net 

Cal Poly Alum Named Chief Operating Officer 

Cal Poly industrial engineering alum Scott McGuire has been appointed chief operating officer at Laird Superfood, Inc. Business Wire

Cal Poly Alum Named Executive Director 

Cal Poly alum Michael Prater has been named Santa Barbara Local Agency Formation Commission executive director. Noozhawk 

Cal Poly Alum Named Director of Software Development 

Cal Poly art and design alum Michael Romey has been named director of pipeline and software development at FuseFX. Animation World Network 

Cal Poly Alum Named Sales Director 

Cal Poly agriculture business alum Brooke Becker has been promoted to sales director at Mission Produce. Fresh Plaza 

Cal Poly Alum Named Director of Community Engagement 

Cal Poly public policy alum Annie Aguiñiga has been named director of Community Engagement and Advocacy at Visit SLO CAL. Atascadero News 

Cal Poly Alum Appointed to Lead Research Division 

Cal Poly agribusiness alum Roland Fumasi has been appointed to lead a group of 20 research analysts at RaboResearch’s Food and Agribusiness division in North America. The Packer 

Cal Poly Alum Named Chief Operating Officer 

Cal Poly city and regional planning alum Menka Sethi has been named chief operating officer at American Battery Metals Corp. Stock Media Daily 

Cal Poly Alum Named Business Development Manager 

Cal Poly alum Justin Bruecker has been named business development manager at ProFume Gas Fumigant.  Pest Mangement Professional 

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Senior Vice President 

Cal Poly social science alum Michael McComish has been named senior vice president and relationship manager at River City Bank. North Bay Business Journal 

Cal Poly Alum Named Chamber of Commerce CEO 

Cal Poly city and regional planning alum Josh Cross has been named new Atascadero Chamber of Commerce CEO. Atascadero News 

Cal Poly Alum Named Development Services Director 

Cal Poly city and regional planning alum Hilary Roverud has been named development services director in South Lake Tahoe. South Tahoe Now 

Cal Poly Alum Promoted to President 

Cal Poly construction management alum Kyle T. Larkin has been promoted to president and principal executive officer at Granite Construction. Construction Dive 

Cal Poly Alum Promoted to Vice President  

Cal Poly industrial technology alum Ben LoBue has been promoted to Vice President of Digital at Warschawski, a full-service advertising and marketing firm. City Biz List 

Cal Poly Alum Named Finance Director 

Cal Poly business administration alum Keith DeMartini has been appointed finance director of the city of Santa Barbara. Edhat Santa Barbara 

Cal Poly Alum Named Ruminant Account Manager 

Cal Poly agriculture business alum Brian Simas has been appointed ruminant account manager for California and Arizona at Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production. Hoard’s Dairyman 

Cal Poly Alum Named Structural Engineer 

Cal Poly architectural engineering alum Jodie Buchholz has joined Coffman Engineers’ Portland office as a structural engineer.  DJC Oregon 

Cal Poly Alum Elected to Board of Directors 

Cal Poly finance alum Dennis DeSousa has been elected to Board of Directors at Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products. My Leader Paper 

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Chief Commercial Officer 

Cal Poly parks and recreation alum Kevin Bumen has been named the first chief commercial officer for the San Francisco International Airport. The Tribune 

Cal Poly Alum Named City Manager 

Cal Poly environmental engineering alum Loree Pryce has been named city manager/recorder by the city of Lakeside. The World 

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Assistant Engineer 

Cal Poly bioresource and agriculture engineering alum Matthew Caviglia has been hired as an assistant engineer at Provost & Pritchard. The Hanford Sentinel 

Cal Poly Alum Named Kindergarten Teacher 

Cal Poly liberal arts alum Courtney Johnson has been named transitional/kindergarten teacher at Sassarini Elementary. Sonoma News 

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Chief Operations Officer 

Cal Poly crop science alum Chris Drew has been named chief operations officer by Ocean Mist Farms. And Now U Know 

Cal Poly Alum Named Chief Communications Officer 

Cal Poly journalism/public relations alum Catherine Hernandez has been named senior vice president and chief communications officer of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals. PR Newswire 

Cal Poly Alum Named Vice President of Operations 

Cal Poly agriculture business alum Colby Pereira has been named vice president of operations at Braga Fresh Family Farms. The Packer 

Cal Poly Alum Named Executive Director 

Cal Poly agriculture business alum Jenny Bertagna Holtermann has been named executive director at Water Association of Kern County. The Bakersfield Californian 

Cal Poly Alum Appointed National Sales Manager 

Cal Poly enology/viticulture alum Cameron Reynolds has been named national sales manager by Reynolds Family Winery. Napa Valley Register 

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Head of Global Marketing  

Cal Poly business marketing alum Bill Hensley has joined RTI, a leading control and automation manufacturer, as head of global marketing. Twice 

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Soroptimist Leadership Position 

Cal Poly ornamental horticulture alum Kristin VanDeventer Chorbi has taken on a leadership role with Soroptimist International of the Americas, Founder Region, as the new governor. Times-Standard 

Cal Poly Alum Named Chief Financial Officer 

Cal Poly finance alum Erik Svensson has been named senior managing director and chief financial officer at BH Properties. Property Funds World 

Cal Poly Alum Named Executive Vice President, Chief Product and Technology Officer 

Cal Poly mathematics and computer science alum Joe Korngiebel joined Ceridian, a management software company, as executive vice president and chief product and technology officer. Globe Newswire 

Cal Poly Alum Named VP of Operations 

Cal Poly agriculture business alum Colby Pereira has been named vice president of operations at Braga Fresh, a food production company. The Produce News 

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Chief Social and Cultural Correspondent 

Cal Poly alum Catherine Bigelow has joined Nob Hill Gazette as the chief social and cultural correspondent. Nob Hill Gazette 

Cal Poly Alum Named Director of Channel Sales 

Cal Poly industrial technology alum Sarah Lawler-Muzquiz has been named director of channel sales at Alcatraz AI. Security Informed 

Cal Poly Alum Named Bright Bank Vice President

Cal Poly agricultural science alum Angela Machado has joined Bright Bank as vice president and manager of the SBA office. Business Review

Harvard Appoints Cal Poly Architecture Alum Professor in Residence

Cal Poly architecture alum Ron Witte has been named professor in residence of architecture at Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD).  The Harvard Gazette

Cal Poly Alum Joins Calithera Board of Directors 

Cal Poly biological sciences alum Scott Garland has been appointed to the Calithera Biosciences Board of Directors. Globe Newswire

Cal Poly Alum Named Operation Manager

Cal Poly construction management alum Doug Marshall has been named operations manager at Wright Contracting. North Bay Business Journal

Cal Poly Alum Named Vice President of Operations

Cal Poly agriculture business alum Douglas R. Myers has been named vice president of operations at AeroFlexx, a sustainable packaging company. Valdosta Daily Times

Cal Poly Alum Named Chief Engineer

Cal Poly mechanical engineering alum Todd Carey has joined PCCI, Inc., a marine and environmental engineering firm, as a chief engineer. Marine Link

Cal Poly Alum Named Executive Vice President

Cal Poly social sciences alum Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins has been named executive vice president at Ancient Peaks Winery. Wine Industry Advisor

Cal Poly Alum Selected for Arts Group’s Board of Directors

Cal Poly business administration alum has been selected by YoloArts to serve as a UC Davis Fellow on their board of directors. Daily Democrat

Cal Poly Alum Named Director at Engineering Firm

Cal Poly chemical engineering alum Patti Wagner has been named director at Primoris Services Corporation. Globe Newswire

Cal Poly Alum Named Secretary at Real Estate Finance Company

Cal Poly business administration alum Roland Kelly has joined Velocity Financial’s Executive Leadership team as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Yahoo Finance

Cal Poly Alum Promoted to Partner

Cal Poly business administration alum Lisa Carrick has been promoted to partner at Windes, one of Southern California’s leading accounting firms. Business Wire

Cal Poly Alum Named Sales Account Manager

Cal Poly agriculture business alum Amanda Vietti has been named sales account manager at Homegrown Organic Garms. Produce Blue Book

Cal Poly Alum Named President at Private Equity Firm

Cal Poly agribusiness alum Tony Trevino has been promoted to Principal at Century Park Capital Partners. OA Online

Cal Poly Alum Named Teacher of the Year in Baltimore

Cal Poly history alum Wyatt Oroke has been named teacher of the year by Baltimore city school district. WBAL TV

Cal Poly Alum Named Academic Counselor

Cal Poly psychology alum Beas Ramirez has been welcomed as an academic counselor at LoyalTeach. Santa Ynez Valley News

Cal Poly Alum Named President of Frontera Produce

Cal Poly agriculture business alum Amy Gates has been promoted to president of Frontera Produce. And Now U Know

Cal Poly Alum Named Winemaker at Alta Colina

Cal Poly earth sciences alum Molly Lonborg has been named winemaker at Alta Colina, a Paso Robles-based producer of estate Rhone wines. Noozhawk

Cal Poly Alum Promoted to Cellar Master

Cal Poly wine and viticulture alum Travis Enholm has been promoted to cellar master at The Edna Valley’s Center of Effort Winery. Wine Business

Cal Poly Alum Named Senior Civil Engineer

Cal Poly civil engineering alum Kathleen Knight has been named senior civil engineer at Reno-based engineering firm. Northern Nevada Business Weekly

Cal Poly Alum Named New Culinary VP

Cal Poly nutrition alum Michelle Goncalves has been named culinary vice president by Luna Grill. QRS Magazine

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Director of Business Development

Cal Poly business administration alum Todd Trevillian has been hired as director of business development at Everywhere Wireless, an internet service provider. USA Today

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Project Manager

Cal Poly electrical engineering alum Cesar Hernandez has been appointed as project manager at Derivative Path, Inc. Yahoo Finance

Cal Poly Alum Promoted at Engineering Firm

Cal Poly civil engineering alum Marissa Rauthause has been promoted to project engineer at GRI. DJC Oregon

Cal Poly Alum Named Winemaker

Cal Poly earth sciences alum Molly Lonborg has been hired as winemaker at Alta Colina. Wine Industry Advisor

Cal Poly Alum Promoted at K. Sutherland Public Relations

Cal Poly nutrition alum Jill Akers has been promoted to senior account executive. Pet Business

Cal Poly Alum Promoted at Public Relations & Media Firm

Cal Poly journalism alum Mikaela Duhs has been promoted to junior accountant exec at Shore Fire Media. Celebrity Access

Cal Poly Alum Joins Litigation Firm as Partner

Cal Poly political science alum Shawn Kennedy has joined boutique complex litigation firm Herrera Purdy LLP as a partner. Cision PR Web

Cal Poly Alum Promoted to President of Architectural Firm

Cal Poly architecture alum Mark Langan has been promoted to president of SCA Architecture. San Diego Union Tribune

Cal Poly Alum Named Head Winemaker

Cal Poly wine and viticulture alum Sierra Zeiter has been named new head winemaker at Oak Farm Vineyards. Wine Industry Advisor

Cal Poly Alum Named Executive V.P. and Chief Operation Officer

Cal Poly construction management alum Kyle T. Larkin has been named executive vice president and chief operation officer of Granite Construction. Yahoo Finance

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Executive Vice President

Cal Poly broadcast journalism alum Eddie León has been named executive vice president of Estrella Media. Radio Online

Cal Poly Alum Named Creative Director

Cal Poly journalism alum Greg Manifold has been promoted to creative director of the Washington Post. The Washington Post

Cal Poly Alum Named Partner of Accounting Firm

Cal Poly business administration alum Heather Gauld has been named parter in C&D llp, Santa Ynez Valley’s largest accounting firm. Noozhawk

Cal Poly Alum Appointed New Research Director, Network Security

Cal Poly computer engineering alum Mauricio Sanchez has been named new research director, network security of Dell’Oro Group. Yahoo Finance

Cal Poly Alum Named Director of Electric Company

Cal Poly mechanical engineering alum Victor Grizzle has been named director of Franklin Electric CO., Inc. Yahoo Finance

Cal Poly Alum Promoted at Public Shipping Company

Cal Poly industrial engineering alum Richard Kinney has been promoted to senior vice president of network operations at Matson, Inc. Benzinga

Cal Poly Alum Appointed County Executive Officer

Cal Poly forestry and natural resource management alum Matthew P. Pontes has been named County Executive Officer of Shasta County. Action News Now

Cal Poly Alum Promoted to Partner at True Wind Capital

Cal Poly finance and accounting alum Brandon Van Buren has been promoted to partner at True Wind Capital, a San Francisco based private equity firm. PR Newswire

Cal Poly Alum Joins Kaweah Delta Health Care District Board

Cal Poly business administration alum Garth Gipson was appointed unanimously by the board. Our Valley Voice

Cal Poly Alum Named Director of Business Development

Cal Poly agriculture business alum Joe Ange will join Eagle Eye, a top tier produce growing and shipping company, as director of business development. The Produce News

Cal Poly Alum Starts Luxury Eyeware Company

Cal Poly journalism alum Garrett Leight founded popular eyewear brand Garrett Leight California Optical (GLCO). Business Insider

Cal Poly Alum Named Director of Manufacturing

Cal Poly mechanical engineering alum Steve Mayse has been hired by North American Tool Corp. as director of manufacturing. CTE Mag

Cal Poly Alum Joins Bremik Construction

Cal Poly architecture alum Noah Warren has been hired by Bremik Construction as a project engineer. DJC Oregon

Cal Poly Alum Recognized for Contributions to Graphic Arts Industry

Cal Poly graphic communication alum Laura Lawton has been named 2019 Lewis Memorial Lifetime Achievement Recipient. Printing Impressions

Cal Poly Alum Promoted to Accounting Firm Partner

Cal Poly business administration alum Scott Norquist has been promoted to partner of ACM accounting firm. Cision PR Web

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Vice President of Finance

Cal Poly business accounting alum Andrea Haviley has been hired as vice president of finance of AEye, an artificial perception pioneer company. Business Wire

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Senior Vice President, Regional Manager

Cal Poly business finance alum Richard Aiello joined Santa Cruz County Bank as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager. Yahoo Finance

Cal Poly Alum Promoted at Accounting Firm

Cal Poly business administration alum Chelsea Castillo has been promoted at the accounting firm Lavine, Lofgren, Morris & Engelberg, LLP. Patch

Cal Poly Alum Appointed to Board of Directors

Cal Poly business administration alum Matthew Barlett has been added to the Board of Directors for GABY, a consumer-packaged goods company. Yahoo Finance

Cal Poly Alum Appointed General Manager of Wholesale Water Agency

Cal Poly political science alum Sandra L. Kerl has been hired by The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors to be the new general manager of the region’s wholesale water agency. The Bakersfield Californian

Cal Poly Alum Joins Global Executive Search Firm

Cal Poly industrial technology alum Michael Taft has been hired by Odgers Berndtson in San Francisco. WFMZ

Cal Poly Alum Named Manager of Irrigation District

Cal Poly agriculture engineering alum Jarrett Martin has been appointed general manager of the Central California Irrigation district. Westside Connect

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Manager of Architecture Studio

Cal Poly architecture alum Ric Abramsom named manager of West Hollywood’s new Urban Design and Architecture studio. Wehoville

Cal Poly Alums Join Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc. Engineering Firm

Cal Poly aerospace engineering alums James Wyatt and Joshua Smith have joined Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc. as civil designers.
More about Wyatt: DJC Oregon
More about South: DJC Oregon

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Portola City Manager

Cal Poly city and regional planning alum Lauren Knox has returned to her hometown, Portola, CA, to be the new city manager. Plumas News

Cal Poly Alum Joins Infrastructure Design Firm 

Cal Poly alum Charles Beauvoir has joined HNTB Corporation as senior project manager and vice president of the firm’s Houston office. Yahoo Finance

Cal Poly Alum Joins California Produce Distributor’s Sales Team

Cal Poly agribusiness management alum Maya Capurro has been hired at D’Arrigo California as a sales assistant. Perishable News

Cal Poly Alum Joins Lake Oswego School District

Cal Poly journalism alum Mary Kay Larson has been selected to serve as director of communications for the Lake Oswego School District. Pamplin Media

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Chief Operating Officer

Cal Poly microbiology and biochemistry alum Timothy Mayer has been promoted to chief operating officer at NextCure, Inc.  Market Watch

Cal Poly Alum Hired as Program Manager

Cal Poly business administration alum Chase Janvrin is joining Tahoe Prosperity Center as their program manager. Tahoe Daily Tribune  

Cal Poly Alum Joins Premier Citrus Growers 

Cal Poly alum Brent Young is joining Seven Seas as manager of sales. Produce News

Cal Poly Alum Hired by Construction Engineering Company

Cal Poly civil/environmental engineering alum Jolie Higgins has been hired by Hart Crowser as an environmental engineer. Daily Journal of Commerce

Cal Poly Alum Joins Architecture and Engineering Firm

Cal Poly architecture alum Jeff Berrios has been hired by SIM-PBK Architects as principle of the Fresno office. School Construction News

Cal Poly Alum Joins San Francisco Law Firm

Cal Poly political science and communications alum Sarah F. Glendon joins Shook, Hardy & Bacon’s class action and complex litigation group as a law clerk. SE Texas Record

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Marketing Director of California Produce Commission

Cal Poly agribusiness alum David Dudley has been hired by California Table Grape Commission as the Marketing Director of Category Management. Produce Blue Book

Cal Poly Alum Joins California Asparagus Importer

Cal Poly international business alum James Paul has been hired by California Asparagus Importer to work in sales. Fresh Plaza

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Career Development Coordinator

Cal Poly crop science alum Leila Graves is joining Oregon FFA as the career development coordinator. Capital Press

Cal Poly Alums Receive Business Journal’s CFO Awards

Cal Poly business administration alum Christopher Lynch and agricultural business management alum Kathy DeVillers receied two of North Bay Business Journal’s CFO recognition awards for 2019. North Bay Business Journal

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Chief People Officer at Glassdoor Inc.

Cal Poly business administration alum Carina Cortez has been hired as chief people officer at Glassdoor, one of the world’s largest job recruiting sites. PR Newswire

Cal Poly Alum Appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern California Bank

Cal Poly business administration alum Brad R. Disnmore has been named president and chief executive officer of Pacific Mercantile Bancorp. Global NewsWire

Milk Producers Group Names Cal Poly Alum 2019 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator

Cal Poly dairy science alum James Weber was selected as the state winning 2019 Michigan Milk Producers Association outstanding young dairy cooperator. Hoards Dairyman

Cal Poly Alum’s Wine Honored as Wine of the Week

Cal Poly agriculture business alum Chris Eberle, who is the winemaker of Eberly Winery in Paso Robles,is recognized for Eberle Estate Chardonnay. The Press Democrat

Cal Poly Alum Named Chairman for U.S. Apple Association

Cal Poly fruit science alum Jeff Colombini will lead the board of directors for the U.S. Apple Association. Growing Produce

Cal Poly Alum Focuses on Jobs for Autistic People

Cal Poly alum and venture capitalist Brian Jacobs announced his departure from the firm he co-founded in order to start Moai Capital — a self-described autism-friendly workplace that also aims to invest in start-ups that will hire people with autism. Jacobs’ 24-year-old son has an autism spectrum disorder. CNBC

Cal Poly Alum Honored By Wine Enthusiast Magazine 

Cal Poly social sciences alum Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins made the cover of Wine Enthusiast’s 2019 “Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers” issue. The Tribune

Cal Poly Alum Promoted to Senior Director of Solutions

Cal Poly industrial engineering alum Lauren Ziccardi has been promoted to senior director of solutions at inVia Robotics, Inc. Finanzen.Net

Cal Poly Alum Named Director of Technical Marketing

Cal Poly computer science alum Josh Eastburn has been hired as director of technical marketing by Opto 22. Packaging World

Cal Poly Alum is New Quality Engineer with Nike, Inc.

Cal Poly mechanical engineering alum Caroline Swanson takes job at Nike, Inc. as a quality engineer. The Oregonian

Cal Poly Alum Recognized for Co-Founding Webflow, Inc.

Cal Poly computer science alum Vlad Magdalin is experiencing success with Webflow, a no-code website builder. Forbes

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Chief Revenue Officer

Cal Poly business administration alum Ryan Azus was appointed Chief Revenue Officer at Zoom Video Communications, Inc. Business Insider

Cal Poly Alum Hired with Ocean Mist Farms

Cal Poly crop science alum Paul Scheid has been hired as vice president of production for Ocean Mist Farms. Produce News

Cal Poly Alum Will Receive Citizen Architect Award

Cal Poly architecture alum Ric Abramson will receive American Institute of Architects Los Angeles’ citizen architect award.  Wehoville

Cal Poly Alum Named Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Cal Poly computer science alum David Perdue will serve as chief technology officer for Vertify Inc.  PR.com

Cal Poly Alum Hired at Discovery Behavioral Health, Inc. 

Cal Poly business administration and marketing alum Christina Hammett joined Discovery Behavioral Health, Inc. as regional director of clinical outreach for the substance use division.  Cision PR NewsWire

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Senior Brand Manager

Cal Poly journalism alum Aly Wente will fill the role of senior brand manager at Went Family Estates. Wine Industry Advisor

Cal Poly Alum Joins Tamarack Grove Engineering as Team Manager

Cal Poly architectural engineer alum Alicia Eikenberry has joined Tamarack Grove Engineering as a team manager. Idaho Business Review

Cal Poly Alum Recognized for Real Estate and Charity Work

Cal Poly business administration alum Joshua Burroughs is recognized for real estate projects and worldwide volunteer projects. Silicon Valley Business Journal

Cal Poly Alum Working as Design Director

Cal Poly architecture alum Ben Meade working as design director of real estate firm Alloy Development. Dezeen

Cal Poly Alum Hired at T-O Engineers

Cal Poly bioresource and agricultural engineering alum Joseba Criswell joined T-O Boise office as staff engineer. Idaho Business Review

Cal Poly Alum CEO of Thriving Central Coast Winery

Cal Poly horticulture alum Craig Stoller working as CEO of Sextant Wines and Sunridge Nurseries. Bakersfield Californian

Cal Poly Alum Receives 2019 Young Jersey Breeder Award

Cal Poly dairy science alum Brent Wickstrom received one of the six young jersey breeder awards given out by the American jersey cattle association. Hoard’s Dairyman 

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Associate and Interiors Practice Project Manager

Cal Poly architecture alum Denise Rocha hired at Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC) as an associate and interiors practice project manager.Crain’s Chicago Business 

Cal Poly Alum Convertible Shoe Available for Sale

Cal Poly business administration alum Haley Pavone created a convertible high heel that is now available for purchase. Forbes

Cal Poly Alum Named Chief Operating Officer

Advanced Battery Concepts LLC names Cal Poly mechanical engineering alum Michael Everett as chief operating officer. MI Tech News

Cal Poly Alums Among Photography Contest Winners

Cal Poly journalism alum Peggy Mesler and art and design alum Kaori Peters were honored in a winning images contest. Santa Maria Sun

Cal Poly Alum Appointed General Counsel Vice President

Space rental services company WillScot Corp hires Cal Poly city and regional planning alum Hezron Timothy Lopez as vice president general counsel corporate secretary. Corporate Counsel

Cal Poly Alum Hired as Director of Nuclear Services Business Development

Cal Poly economics alum Chris Reno was hired by Perma-Fix Environmental Services as director of nuclear services business development. AccessWire

Cal Poly Alum Hired as Chief Operating Officer 

Cal Poly mechanical engineering alum Michael Everett has been hired as chief operating officer for Advanced Concepts, LLC. Market Insider

California Bank of Commerce Recruits Cal Poly Alum

California Bank of Commerce has added Cal Poly business finance alum Denny Rudd as senior vice president to drive north state growth. GlobeNewsWire

Cal Poly Alum is a Viticulturist by Day, Jazz Banjo Player by Night

Cal Poly agriculture business alum Daniel Charles is recognized for being a viticulturist by day and a jazz band musician by night. Argus Courier

Cal Poly Alum Hired with Google as Finance Associate

Cal Poly business alum Jorge Valdez will start his career with Apple as a finance associate and hopes to one day start a nonprofit organization. KSBY

Cal Poly Alum Hosts Several TV Shows on DIY Network

Cal Poly landscape architecture alum Sara Bendrick shares her experience hosting several DIY Network TV shows. Total Landscape Care

Cal Poly Alum wins 2019 North Bay Women in Business Award

Tracy Condron Weitzenberg, a Cal Poly journalism alum and communications and PR manager at Redwood Credit Union, has been awarded the 2019 North Bay Women in Business award.  North Bay Business Journal

Cal Poly Alum Hired As Public Works Engineer

Cal Poly civil engineering alum Sharon Chan joined Moraga’s Public Works Department as assistant engineer. Lamorinda Weekly

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Midwest Sales Manager

Cal Poly graphic communications alum Richard Black was hired as the Midwest sales manager for Techkon USA, a leader in high-precision color measurement solutions for global print and packaging. What They Think

Cal Poly Alum Kirk Gilkey Wins National Ginner Award

Cal Poly agricultural business management alum Kirk Gilkey received the 2018 Horace Hayden National Cotton Ginner of the Year award at the National Cotton Ginners Association’s annual meeting. Gilkey is the manager of Cross-Creek II Gin in Corcoran, CA. The Hanford Sentinel

Cal Poly Alum ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic Wins Fifth Grammy

Cal Poly alum and Mustang Media Hall of Fame inductee “Weird Al” Yankovic won his fifth Grammy Award. Yankovic won the award for the best boxed or limited-edition package for “Squeeze Box: the Complete Works of ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic.” The Tribune

Cal Poly Alum Named EVP of Montage International

Cal Poly architecture alum Mike Paneri was named the executive vice president of design and construction for Montage International. Inspire Design

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Public Works Director of Santa Maria

Cal Poly civil engineering alum Kevin McCune was hired as the director of Public Works and city engineering for Santa Maria. McCune has worked in the public works department in Lompoc for 18 years. Santa Maria Times

Cal Poly Alum Dan Hedstrom Appointed VP and CIO

Cal Poly computer science alum Dan Hedstrom was appointed vice president and chief information officer for Cubic Corporation. Hedstrom will manage the company’s global information technology team. PR Newswire

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Vice Chancellor for Capital Strategies

UC Berkeley appointed Cal Poly civil engineering alum John Arvin as the new vice chancellor for Capital Strategies. UC Berkeley noted that Arvin is a critical addition to improve financial outlook and capacity for capital projects. Berkeley News

Cal Poly Alum Named Deputy City Manager

Cal Poly city and regional planning alum Helen Ramirez was appointed deputy city manager for Brownsville, Texas. Ramirez brings over 20 years of municipal planning experience. Brownsville Herald

Chipotle Hires Cal Poly Alum as Vice President of Food Safety

Chipotle hired Cal Poly food science alum Kerry Bridges as its new vice president of food safety. Bridges has experience in multiple food safety roles, including the director of supplier food safety for Walmart and laboratory and quality assurance for Jack in the Box. Food Safety Magazine

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Director for CAPSLO

Cal Poly alum Yvette Sanchez-Fuentes was appointed director of the Children, Youth, and Family Services division of Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO). Sanchez-Fuentes began her career with CAPSLO in 1998 and has gained extensive experience in children and family services. A-Town Daily News

Cal Poly Alum Appointed Chief Institutional Advancement Officer

Normandale Community College appointed Cal Poly alum Jody Skenderian as chief institutional advancement officer. Skenderian was previously the chief executive officer for Girl Scouts’ California’s Central Coast Council. Sun Current

Cal Poly Alum Albion Bowers Retires as NASA Chief Scientist

Cal Poly aeronautical engineering alum Albion Bowers is retiring as NASA Chief Scientist. Bowers has been with NASA since 1982 when he began in the Graduate Student Research Program. Bowers hopes to continue mentoring engineering students and interns. Aerotech News

Cal Poly Alum Named Paso Robles Wine Person of the Year

Cal Poly alum Austin Hope was named the 2018 Paso Robles Wine Person of the Year. Hope is the president of Hope Family Wines and is a first-generation winemaker. The Tribune

Cal Poly Alum Appointed as Director for Bureau of Reclamation

Cal Poly alum Ernest A. Conant was appointed as the director of the Mid-Pacific Region for the Bureau of Reclamation. Conant has 40 years of water law experience to serve him in this new role. Herald and News

Cal Poly Alum Renominated as Director of GPO

Cal Poly graphic communication alum Robert C. Tapella was renominated by President Trump to be the director of the U.S. Government Publishing Office. Tapella is a chairman of the Dean’s Council  on the library and a member of the graphic communication advisory board at Cal Poly. WhatTheyThink

Cal Poly Alum Chris Lowe Announced as Chief Financial Officer

Cortexyme, a pharmaceutical company working to alter the course of Alzheimer’s disease, named Cal Poly alum Chris Lowe as the chief financial officer. Lowe brings more than 15 years of senior management experience. Odessa American Online

Cal Poly Alum Keith Barnard Appointed to Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors

Cal Poly agribusiness alum Keith Barnard joined the Ventura College Foundation board of directors. Barnard represents the agriculture industry on the board. He is currently the vice-president of sourcing for Mission Produce. Ventura Breeze

Cal Poly Alum Appointed County Agricultural Commissioner

Cal Poly agribusiness alum Kelle Schroeder was appointed as Tuolumne County’s agricultural commissioner. Schroeder has several years of public sector experience and was formerly the deputy agricultural commissioner in Stanislaus County. The Union Democrat

Cal Poly Alum Honored as Organic Grower of the Year

Cal Poly agricultural engineering alum Thaddeus Barsotti was announced as Grower of the Year by the Organic Produce Network. Barsotti is the co-CEO of Farm Fresh to You, an organic produce home delivery service. Produce News

Cal Poly Alum Elected as First African-American Member of SLO City Council

Former Cal Poly student body president Erica Stewart has been elected to the San Luis Obispo City Council and will serve as the first African-American member. Stewart is currently the director of Parent and Student Philanthropy at Cal Poly. The Tribune 

Cal Poly Alum Appointed as Coconino County Deputy Manager

Cal Poly natural resources management alum Lucinda Andreani was appointed to the Coconino County deputy manager. Andreani has served in leadership positions for Coconino County for over 13 years. Williams News

Cal Pol Alum Elected Chairman of USA Rice Federation

Cal Poly alum Charley Mathews, Jr., was elected to serve as chairman of the USA Rice Federation, the national advocate for the U.S. rice industry. Western Farm Press

Cal Poly Alum Lilly Acuña Hired as Environmental Planner

HNTB, an infrastructure solutions firm, hired Cal Poly business administration alum Lilly Acuña as the environmental planner. Acuña has more than 12 years of transportation experience. Markets Insider

Cal Poly Alum Arnoldo Rodriguez Chosen for City Manager

Cal Poly city and regional planning alum Arnoldo Rodriguez was chosen as the new Madera city manager. Rodriguez brings more than 13 years of experience working for the cities of Fresno and Yuba City and more than 16 years of government administrative experience. The Madera Tribune

Cal Poly Alum Appointed as Chief Financial Officer of Procept BioRobotics

Cal Poly business administration alum Kevin Waters was appointed as the chief financial officer of Procept BioRobotics. San Francisco Business Times

Cal Poly Alum Michael Stewart Hired as Fire Protection Engineer

Cal Poly fire protection engineering alum has been hired by Morrison-Maierle, a multi-disciplinary firm specializing in engineering, surveying, planning, and science, as a fire protection engineer. Bozeman Daily Chronicle

Cal Poly political science alum Scott C. Black was appointed to chief legal officer for Globe Photos, Inc. Black served as the chief financial officer for two years and has experience as a former U.S. Army Judge Advocate General. Nasdaq

Cal Poly Alum Named Senior Principal of Populous Holdings Board

Populous, a global architectural design firm, has named Cal Poly architecture alum Michael Lockwood as a senior principal of the firm’s Holdings Board. Lockwood has worked for Populous for 16 years and has taken on numerous projects around the world. Archinect

Cal Poly Alum Grant Davids Appointed to Yolo Land Trust Board

The Yolo Land Trust has appointed Cal Poly agricultural engineering alum Grant Davids as a new board member. The trust helps to conserve productive farmland and rangeland in Yolo County. Daily Democrat

Cal Poly Alum Emma Chow Named USDA District Conservationist

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has named Cal Poly environmental management alum Emma Chow as the district conservationist for Santa Barbara County. Chow has worked with the NRCS since 2009. Noozhawk

Cal Poly Alum Appointed to Director of Sales and Marketing at Allegretto Vineyard Resort

The Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles has named Cal Poly alum Lee McGregor as the director of sales and marketing. McGregor has more than 20 years of hospitality and management experience. eTurbo News

Cal Poly alum Mike Allan Promoted to Executive Vice President of Certis USA

Certis USA, a leader in the biopesticide industry, promoted Cal Poly natural resources and environmental management alum Mike Allan to executive vice president. Ag Professional

Cal Poly Alum Appointed to Oversee Wisconsin Public Media

Cal Poly alum Marta Bechtol was appointed to deputy executive director of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board, which owns most of the broadcasting licenses for Wisconsin Public Radio and Television. Bechtol has 14 years of experience with board. Wisconsin State Journal

Cal Poly Alum Lauren Milbourne Appointed to Hancock College Management Position

Cal Poly alum Lauren Milbourne was appointed to public information officer and media relations coordinator for Hancock College. Santa Maria Times

Cal Poly alum Erica Boomer Named California Teacher of the Year

Cal Poly agricultural education alum and Upper Lake High School agriculture teacher Erica Boomer was named a California Teacher of the Year. Lake County News

Cal Poly Agribusiness Alum Brian Harris Hired as Sales Manager

Pacific AgPak hired Cal Poly agribusiness alum Brian Harris as its new Sales Manager. The Produce News

Cal Poly Alum Doug Blankenship Appointed as Chief Financial Officer

Humacyte, an innovator in biotechnology and regenerative medicine, announced Cal Poly accounting alum as chief financial officer. The Courier Express

Cal Poly Alum Brian J. Johnson Appointed as Chief Commercial Officer

Nautilus International Holding Corp. appointed Cal Poly engineering alum Brian J. Johnson as the chief commercial officer. American Journal of Transportation

Cal Poly Grad Victor Glover to be Among First on SpaceX Mission

Cal Poly engineering alum Victor Glover will be one of nine astronauts on the first commercial SpaceX mission. After leaving Cal Poly, Glover was a Naval Aviator and test pilot. He has just under 3,000 hours of flying time in 40 different aircrafts and 24 combat missions. The Tribune

Cal Poly Grad Weird Al Yankovic Gets Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Cal Poly architecture grad and Journalism Hall of Fame inductee “Weird Al” Yankovic is getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Aug. 27, 2018. KSBY

Cal Poly Alum Jim Thompson Joins Agrinos as CEO

Cal Poly business administration alumni Jim Thompson was announced as the new chief executive officer for Agrinos, a leading biological crop input provider.
PR Newswire

Portola Pharmaceuticals Promotes Cal Poly Alum to President and CEO

Cal Poly biological sciences graduate Scott Garland was appointed to president and chief executive officer of Portola Pharmaceuticals. Garland has more than 20 years of  executive leadership experience. Globe Newswire

Cal Poly Alumni Bart Giordano Appointed to Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales

Ruckus Networks announced Cal Poly computer science alum Bart Giordano as the vice president of worldwide sales. Giordano has 20 years of career experience in networking, wireless, and cloud companies. PR Newswire

Cal Poly Alum Pam DeMond Promoted to Senior Vice President of Human Resources

Mavenlink, a leading provider of cloud-based software, announced Cal Poly alum Pam DeMond as the senior vice president of human resources. PR Newswire

Cal Poly Graduate Hikes Pacific Crest Trail

Cal Poly alum Zach Wilms hiked from Mexico to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail. The trip lasted 113 days, and Wilms averaged 26.5 miles per day. The Signal

Cal Poly Alum Sworn in as Anaheim Police Chief

Cal Poly alum Jorge Cisneros was sworn in as Anaheim's police chief. Cisneros earned a degree in architecture and worked part-time with campus police at Cal Poly.
OC Register

Cal Poly Alum John Bird Appointed to Executive Vice President, Client Development

Infotools, a global leader in market research analysis solutions, hired Cal Poly alum John Bird as executive vice president of client development. PR Newswire

 

Cal Poly Alum Kendra Keenan Appointed to Assistant Marketing Manager

Potatoes USA, the nation’s potato marketing and research organization, hired Cal Poly agricultural business alum Kendra Keenan as the assistant marketing manager. PerishableNews

Farm Bureau Appoints Cal Poly Alum Ariana Joven to Executive Director

The Kern County Farm Bureau appointed Cal Poly agricultural communications alum Ariana Joven as the executive director. Joven gained experience in federal and state policy while previously managing the Bakersfield office for Rep. David Valadao. Bakersfield.com

Cal Poly Alum Leslie Garcia Joins People Helping People Board of Directors

The Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People appointed Cal Poly business administration alum Leslie Garcia to the board of directors. Garcia also currently serves as a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Santa Maria Times

Cal Poly Alum Don Marsh Hired to Tehachapi Public Works Director

The City of Tehachapi has hired Cal Poly mechanical engineering alum Don Marsh as the public works director. Tehachapi News

Cal Poly Alum Renée Balducci Appointed to Art Director

Moxxy Marketing hired Cal Poly graphic communications alum Renée Balducci as the new art director. Balducci has experience creating packaging and marketing for multiple agricultural brands. AndNowUKnow

Silver Dollar Fair Appoints Cal Poly Alum Nick DiGrazia to CEO

Cal Poly ag business alum Nick DiGrazia was named the new chief executive officer for the Silve Dollar Fair in Chico. Chico Enterprise-Record

City of Buellton Names Cal Poly Alum Andrea Keefer to Planning Director

Cal Poly city and regional planning alum Andrea Keefer was named the planning director for the City of Buellton. Keefer has worked for the city as an assistant planner for three years. Santa Maria Times

Cal Poly Alum David DeSilva Inducted into Ag Teacher Hall of Fame

The California Agricultural Teachers’ Association inducted Cal Poly alum David DeSilva into its hall of fame. DeSilva retired after a 38-year teaching career. Hanford Sentinel

Cal Poly Alum Nick Sgheiza Promoted to Vice President of Harvest

Tanimura & Antle, a California-based produce company, has promoted Cal Poly crop science alum Nick Sgheiza to vice president of harvest. Sgheiza stared with Tanimura & Antle as an intern in 1999. The Packer

Cal Poly Grad Trevor Keith Appointed to SLO County Planning Director

The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors appointed Cal Poly grad Trevor Keith to county planning director. Keith has worked in the county planning department since 2007. New Times

Cal Poly Alum Jenna Hannan Hired as Tasting Room Manager

Eberle Winery hired Cal Poly ag business alum Jenna Hannan as the tasting room manager. Hannan has 15 years of experience working in the wine industry in California and Washington. Wine Business

Cal Poly Alum Marilyn Britton Named SLO County’s Agriculturalist of the Year

Cal Poly alum Marilyn Britton was honored at the Mid-State Fair as the Agriculturalist of the Year. KSBY

Cal Poly Alum Raymond Macareno Joins ImagineU Children's Museum Board of Directors

Cal Poly business administration alum Raymond Macareno joined the board of directors at ImagineU Children’s Museum in Visalia. Macareno is also the senior communications specialist, public affairs and marketing for Kaweah Delta Health Care District. Visalia Times Delta

Cal Poly Alum Joel Conary Appointed as Director of Information and Technology

The Moorpark Unified School District appointed Cal Poly english alum Joel Conary as the director of information and technology. Ventura County Star

Cal Poly Alum Jill Stearns Appointed as Cuesta College President

Cal Poly alum Jill Stearns was sworn in as Cuesta College’s seventh president. Stearns served as the president of Modesto Junior College since 2012. The Tribune

Cal Poly Alum Dave Elcon Promoted to General Manager at Vista Collina Resort

Cal Poly Business Management alum Dave Elcon has been promoted to general manager of Vista Collina Resort in Napa Valley. Elcon has 15 years of hospitality experience. Hospitality Net

Cal Poly Alum Joe Tarica Named Editor of San Luis Obispo Tribune

Cal Poly Alum Joe Tarica was promoted to editor of The Tribune and SanLuisObispo.com. Tarica has worked at the Tribune for 25 years. He started at The Tribune as a newsroom intern while still a student at Cal Poly.  The Tribune

Cal Poly Journalism Alum Ryan Miller Publishes First Book

Cal Poly Journalism alum Ryan Miller wrote his first book titled, How to Feed Your Parents. His work is a children’s book with the goal of getting children excited about cooking and eating healthy. Formerly, Miller was an editor for SLO New Times and the Santa Maria Sun. Santa Maria Sun

Cal Poly Alum Melissa MacGown, LMFT Joins Serenity Addiction Treatment Center

Serenity Addiction Treatment Center hired Cal Poly Psychology alum and LMFT Melissa MacGown to their clinical team. MacGown will provide individualized and group therapy, as well as insight to substance abuse and dual diagnosis treatment. PR Newswire

Cal Poly Alum Judy James Wins North Bay Women in Business Award

Cal Poly alum Judy James won the North Bay Women in Business Award for her work as the director of government affairs at Comcast in the North Bay region. Previously, James worked in public, government, and community relations for Farm Bureau for 17 years. North Bay Business Journal

Cal Poly Alum Kaci Peterson Hired as Perkins Coie Attorney

Perkins Coie, a leading international law firm, has hired Cal Poly alum Kaci Peterson as an attorney to advise clients on private equity, mergers, and acquisitions matters. Idaho Press

Cal Poly Alum Erica Boomer Named Lake County Teacher of the Year

Cal Poly Ag Education alum Erica Boomer was named teacher of the year for Lake County. Boomer is an agriculture teacher and Future Farmers of America adviser at Upper Lake High School. Lake County News

Cal Poly Alum Jorge Cisneros Appointed to Anaheim Police Chief

Cal Poly Architecture alum Jorge Cisneros has been appointed to police chief for Anaheim. Previously, Cisneros was the chief of police of UC Irvine. Voice of OC

Cal Poly Alum Clark Conover Appointed to Vice Principal

Cal Poly alum Clark Conover was promoted to vice principal at Granada High School in the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District. Conover has worked at the high school for 19 years and was formerly the athletic director for 11 years. Livermore Patch

Archery Summit Announces Cal Poly Alum Ian Burch As New Winemaker

Archery Summit, a benchmark producer of estate-grown Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, announced Cal Poly Wine & Viticulture alum Ian Burch as the new winemaker. Burch will be responsible for overseeing all winemaking operations. PR Newswire

Santa Barbara City College Appoints Cal Poly Alum Priscilla Mora As Dean of Educational Programs

Cal Poly English alum Priscilla Mora has been appointed as the dean of educational programs (arts, humanities, social sciences) for Santa Barbara City College. Mora has been teaching for more than 25 years. Noozhawk

Cal Poly Alum Kristoffer Antigua Promoted to In-House Counsel for Optio Solutions

Cal Poly Political Science alum Kristoffer Antigua has been promoted to in-house counsel of the legal department at Optio Solutions, a national debt collection agency in Petaluma. Antigua has been with Optio Solutions since 2015 as a collections attorney. North Bay Business Journal

Cal Poly Alum Todd Exley Hired as Senior Account Manager for Elevate Brand Marketing

Elevate Brand Marketing, a leading branded merchandise and custom packing provider, announced Cal Poly Economics alum Todd Exley as the senior account manager. Exhibitor

Cal Poly Crop Science Alum Rachel Land Announced as Territory Sales Manager

Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc., a leading provider of bio-based pest management and plant health products for agriculture, announced Cal Poly Crop Science alum Rachel Land as the territory sales manager for Idaho. She has previous experience with Dow AgroSciences and the Cal Poly Fruit Science Operation. Globe Newswire

Cal Poly Alum Melisa Augusto Joins Agricultural Retailers Association

Cal Poly Agricultural Business alum Melisa Augusto joined the Agricultural Retailers Association as director of communications and marketing. AgWired

Cal Poly Alum Kendra Niedziejko Promoted to xMatters Chief Financial Officer

xMatters, the integration-driven collaboration platform that accelerates incident response and resolution, has promoted Cal Poly Business Administration alum Kendra Niedziejko to chief financial officer. Niedziejko had been the vice president of xMatters since 2014. Globe Newswire

Cal Poly Alum Bob Francis Named Chief Marketing Officer for QiO Technologies

Cal Poly alum Bob Francis has joined the executive leadership team for QiO Technologies as the chief marketing officer. Francis was previously the vice president of marketing at Meridium. PRWeb

Cal Poly Alum Eric C. Wagner Joins Van Ness Feldman as Senior Policy Advisor

Van Ness Feldman LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has hired Cal Poly alum Eric C. Wagner as the senior policy advisor. Wagner has many years of experience advising clients on government relations matters. Business Wire

Cal Poly Alum Tom Atmore Named Senior Vice President and Director of Loan Administration for Luther Burbank Corp.

Luther Burbank Corporation, the holding company for Luther Burbank Savings, has named Cal Poly architectural engineering alum Tom Atmore as the senior vice president and director of construction loan administration.  North Bay Business Journal

Cal Poly Alum Randy Simonson Elected to University of Minnesota Board of Regents

Cal Poly Biology alum Randy Simonson has been elected to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. Simonson is also the chief executive of Cambridge Technologies. Twin Cities Pioneer Press

Cal Poly Alum Jon-Paul Ewing Named ‘Teacher of the Year’ for Paso Robles Joint Unified School District

PRJUSD named Cal Poly biological sciences alum Jon-Paul Ewing the 2018 Teacher of the Year. Ewing has been a science teacher at Paso Robles High School for 13 years. Paso Robles Press

Cal Poly Alum Jim Olmsted Elected to Redwood Credit Union Board

Cal Poly alum Jim Olmsted was elected to the Redwood Credit Union’s board of directors. He has served as a volunteer official for the credit union since 1993. CUInsight

Cal Poly Business Alum Troy Bettner Appointed to Head of Sales and Marketing for OHP

OHP Inc., a provider of pest control products and services for the greenhouse and nursery production industry, has appointed Cal Poly Business graduate Troy Bettner as the head of sales and marketing. Greenhouse Grower

Reactful Appoints Cal Poly Alum Meagan Eisenberg to Board of Directors

Reactful, an AI-driven engagement, guidance and conversion platform, announced that Cal Poly alum Meagan Eisenberg has been appointed to its board of directors. Eisenberg has a list of accomplishments, working in marketing for the high-tech industry for over 20 years. PRWeb

Cal Poly Alum Chad Sessions Appointed to Identify Clark County Board

Identify Clark County, an organization comprised of business leaders who want to build a stronger community, has appointed Cal Poly alum Chad Sessions to the board. Sessions is also the co-owner of Real Living The Real Estate Group. Clark County Today

Cal Poly Ag Science Alum Jim Barbee Appointed to Churchill County Manager

The Churchill County Commission has announced Cal Poly Ag Science graduate Jim Barbee as the new county manager. He is formerly the director of the Nevada Department of Agriculture. Nevada Appeal

Sacramento County Farm Bureau Appoints Cal Poly Alum Lindsey Liebig to Executive Director

Agribusiness Alum Lindsey Liebig has been appointed to be the executive director of the Sacramento County Farm Bureau. Liebig is currently pursuing her master’s degree in agribusiness from Cal Poly. Elk Grove Citizen

Cal Poly Ag Business Alum Neal Job Named USA Business Manager for STK Bio-Ag Technologies

STK Bio-Ag Technologies, a leader in biopesticides, has announced Neal Job as the new USA Business Manager. He will be responsible for introducing and promoting new biofungicides in the US. Fresh Plaza

Cal Poly Alum Ashley Hunter Promoted to Vice President of Business Development for Avoya Travel

Avoya Travel, an innovative travel brand, has promoted Ashley Hunter to vice president of business development. The Journalism and Public Relations graduate has over 11 years of leadership experience with the company. Globe Newswire

Downtown Association of Yakima Hires Cal Poly Alum Yvette Lippert as Manager for Downtown Farmers’ Market

Cal Poly Dairy Science graduate Yvette Lippert was hired by the Downtown Association of Yakima to be the manager of the Downtown Yakima Farmers’ Market. Lippert has run booths for farmers’ markets since 2012. Yakima Herald

Cal Poly Alum Jenny Luciano Appointed as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County

Cal Poly Journalism grad Jenny Luciano was named the new CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County. Luciano has spent her career in nonprofit management and is excited to support children in our community. Paso Robles Daily News

QSC Appoints Cal Poly Alum Jay Wyatt as Sales Engineer

QSC, LLC, a leader in global manufacturing of cinema solutions, has announced that Jay Wyatt, a Cal Poly in Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies graduate, has joined the company as a Sales Engineer. DCinema Today

Cal Poly Grads Maxwell Fong and Elan Timmons Win $100,000 for Sexual Assault Prevention App

Maxwell Fong and Elan Timmons won $100,000 at the Central California Angel Conference on March 29 for their sexual assault prevention app, Ulzi. The competition was held at the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship where the app impressed investors. The Tribune

Cal Poly Architecture Alum, Kent Aden, Inducted Into The San Diego Building Industry Association's Hall of Fame

After receiving his BA degree in architecture from Cal Poly and MBA degree from Cal State Fullerton, community developer Kent Aden has now been inducted into the BIA's Hall of Fame which is the highest honor bestowed by the organization made of 800 member companies in San Diego County. Coronado News

Cal Poly Alum, Elise Warren, Recognized as Contra Costa County's First and Only Female Police Chief

Elise Warren graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in physical education and recently swore in as Clayton City Council's ceremony as its first female police chief. She is also the only woman chief in Contra Costa County. East Bay Times

Lockheed Martin names Cal Poly Alum, Greg Ulmer, as Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 Program

Cal Poly graduate, Greg Ulmer, has been named vice president and general manager of the F-35 Program succeeding Babione. These changes are effective March 19… For the past two years, Ulmer served as vice president, F-35 Aircraft PBU. He was responsible for executing all production contracts and set the priorities and strategy for the F-35 PBU as the enterprise approaches global full rate production. Ulmer’s leadership was instrumental in the team meeting its delivery milestone of 66 aircraft in 2017 – the highest number on record. Aero Tech News

Maui County appoints Cal Poly Alum, Don Medeiros, as New Deputy Transportation Director

Transportation Director Don Medeiros announced he has appointed John Buck as the new Deputy Transportation Director. For the last seven years, Buck has served as an executive assistant to the mayor and served as the Deputy Director of the Department of Parks & Recreation from 2003 to 2007. Maui Now

Cal Poly Alum, Carina Cortez, Joins Ellie Mae as Executive Vice President of Human Resources

Ellie Mae®, the leading cloud-based platform provider for the mortgage finance industry, announced that Cal Poly Business Administration graduate,Carina Cortez, has joined the company as Executive Vice President of Human Resources. CU Insight

Talley Farms Names Cal Poly Alum, Derek Sass, as New Sales Manager

Talley Farms, a fourth generation family farming operation located in California’s Arroyo Grande Valley, today announced that it has named produce industry veteran Derek Sass as sales manager for the company, which this year celebrates 70 years of farming in the fertile region near the central Pacific coast. “We are pleased to welcome Derek to the Talley Farms family,” said Todd Talley, chief financial officer and co-owner of Talley Farms.  “He is a consummate professional who has spent his entire career working and building relationships within the produce industry.  His successful track record in sales and commodities management will serve him well as part of our team.” Perishable News

Cal Poly Alum, Chris Dahms, Promoted to Creative Director at SCOTTeVEST

Chris Dahms has been promoted to creative director at SCOTTeVEST, a travel and technology-friendly clothing designer. In his new role, Dahms will develop and manage the artistic direction for all SCOTTeVEST advertising campaigns, including national television commercials, social media and online display. Idaho Business Review

Talend appoints Cal Poly Alum, Eric Johnson, as New CIO

Cal Poly alumni and IT industry veteran Eric Johnson has been appointed as the new Talend CIO, bring more than two decades of experience to the role. Specifically, Johnson brings deep expertise in scaling IT infrastructure, leading digital transformation initiatives and supporting strategic sales. IT Brief

Ventura County Promotes Cal Poly Alum, Mike Pettit, as Assistant CEO

Information technology chief Mike Pettit has been promoted to assistant executive officer in the top office overseeing Ventura County government. County Executive Officer Mike Powers said he selected Pettit after a nationwide search that drew almost 200 applicants. Tech Wire

Cal Poly Alum, Richard Gearhart, Lands Co-Anchor Position for KSBY News

Long-time anchor and Central Coast native Richard Gearhart will co-anchor KSBY News at 6, 10 and 11 p.m. alongside his former co-anchor, Carina Corral. Gearhart joined KSBY News in 1990 as a reporter and weather anchor. He has been co-anchoring Daybreak since 1991. He is a Central Coast native, born and raised in San Luis Obispo County. Gearhart graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. He also holds a master’s degree in agriculture from Cal Poly and attended the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UCSB. Noozhawk

Cal Poly Alum, Roark Lanning, appointed to Director of Wind Energy at WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff

Roark Lanning earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Cal Poly and is now being named the Director of Wind Energy at WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff. The global engineering and professional services organization provides technical, management, and advisory services for projects relating to power. Lanning will specifically focus on the development of onshore wind energy. Penn Energy

Birmingham Botanical Garderns names Cal poly Alum, Tom Underwood, Executive Director

After graduating with a degree in horticulture from Cal Poly, Tom Underwood first found work with Walt Disney World, Orlando and has since been named the Executive Director of Birmingham Botanical Garderns. Over The Mountain Journal

Civil Engineering Alum, John Presleigh, named president of County Engineers Association of California

Public Works Director for the County of Santa Cruz and Cal Poly Alum, John Presleigh, has been named president of the County Engineers Association of California. Presleigh has 33 years experience in management and engineering as well as bachelor's degrees in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly, Water and Soil Science from UC Davis, and a master's degree in Civil Engineering from San Jose State Univeristy. Times Publishing Group

Orfalea College of Business grad Rob Hagen promoted to CFO

The tech accessory company Incipio promoted Cal Poly alum Rob Hagen to CFO. Previously Hagen served similiar roles in BRB/SHERLINe Inc., an environmental services technology company in Rancho Santa Margarita, and at the Hill Corp Inc. in Anaheim. Hagen graduated from Cal Poly with a bachelor's degree in finance and accounting from the Orfalea College of Business. Orange County Business Journal

Siuyin Ko appointed Corporate Director of Sales at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

Cal Poly alumni Siuyin Ko has been appointed as Rosewood Hotels & Resorts' Corporate Director of Sales. Ko graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Managerial Economics. In her new role, Ko will make strategic decisions for the Rosewood North American Regional Sales organization as well as establish the new regional office in San Francisco. Hospitality Net

Cal Poly Alum, Nada Duna, Named COO of Gothic Landscape

Nada Duna, a horticulture graduate from Cal Poly, has been hired as the chief operating officer for Gothic Landscape. Duna previously worked as senior vice president of ValleyCrest Companies where she boosted revenue growth and promoted sustainable practices. “I am thrilled to be joining Gothic, a company that shares my passion for the industry, focus on customers and people and doing what’s right,” said Duna. “I am confident Gothic is well positioned to take advantage of the growth opportunities ahead and that we can collectively create the next generation, innovative landscape maintenance company.” Lawn & Landscape

Alum Larry & Lisa Balestra celebrate 3 decades of farm-fresh produce

Larry's Produce, started by Cal Poly crop science grad Larry Balestra and agricultural business grad Lisa Balestra, has been providing the Suisun Valley fresh produce for over 30 years. The husband-wife duo pride themselves in fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables that help keep customers healthy and their tastebuds happy. Since Larry's Produce's opening three decades ago, the business has grown to employ 80 workers to offer 120-plus different varieties of produce to the local community. Daily Republic

Cal Poly Architecture alum, Marc Mondor, and his wife Christine start evolveEA

Graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cal Poly, Marc Mondor and his wife Christine have started a sustainable design firm focused on the interaction between the built enviornment and the natural environment. EvolveEA (short for environment and architecture) won the Pittsburgh Certificate of Merit in Regional and Urban Design in 2016 for their work on the Centre Avenue Corridor Redevelopment and Design Plan. Pittsburgh Magazine

Cal Poly alum, NathalieTaylor, honored with Press Club award

Cal Poly alum, Nathalie Taylor, won three first place, and two second place awards at the San Diego Press Club’s 43rd Annual Excellence in Journalism Awards Banquet held Oct. 25 at Jacobs Center Market Creek. In the highly competitive “Travel” category Taylor took first place with her story, “A Tale of Two Chinatowns: San Francisco and Toronto,” published in the Village News, Sept. 24, 2015. The story was written from a personal perspective as Taylor recalled her experiences in both cities. The two-page layout included her own photographs and many vivid descriptions. Village News

Phil Christianson, Cal Poly alum, Appointed Chief Executive Officer of HealthSmart

HealthSmart, a leading independent provider of managed care solutions for self-funded employers across the country, today announced that Phil Christianson has been named the Company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Tom Kelly, who has resigned from the Company to pursue other interests. Mr. Christianson, who brings more than 30 years of experience in health benefits administration, technology and operations to HealthSmart, will become CEO effective November 14, 2016. Broadway World

Cal Poly alum, John Chandler, appointed to Fresno County Farm Bureu board of directors

John Chandler, a fourth generation Fowler and Selma farmer, has been elected as a new officer on the 2016-17 board of directors for Fresno County Farm Bureau. “There is a great respect for each generation,” Chandler said of his family’s farm. “There is more of a legacy, or duty, to maintain and continue this great gift.” Chandler graduated Cal Poly with a degree in fruit science. The Selma Enterprise

2016 CattleWoman of the Year award goes to Cal Poly alum, Melanie Fowle

Siskiyou County CattleWomen proudly awarded the 2016 CattleWoman of the Year honor to Melanie Fowle of Etna. Melanie grew up on her family's 5000 acre cattle ranch in a remote area of Siskiyou County, riding her horse about 8 miles to a one-room schoolhouse. She graduated from high school in Etna, attended Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo and majored in History with an English minor. She was one of a few women at that time competing on the Livestock Judging Team for Cal Poly, and brought home the 1st place individual award from the national competition at the Denver show. Siskiyou Daily News

Victor Glover, NASA astronaut and Cal Poly alum, speaks at Las Positas College

Victor Glover, NASA astronaut and Cal Poly alum, speaks at Las PositasThe Las Positas College President's Speaker Series featured NASA astronaut Commander and Cal Poly alum Victor Glover Wednesday, November 16th. Glover is one of eight to be selected as NASA's new group of astronauts in four years. He received an undergraduate degree in engineering from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo and holds advanced degrees from the Air University and Naval Postgraduate School. He is an F/A-18 pilot and a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. The Independent
 

 

 

Cal Poly Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration graduate, Jamie Tejeda, takes ownership of Grover Beach's Lickety Split Bakery

Already known for its cupcakes, Grover Beach’s Lickety Split Bakery is quickly becoming recognized for a wider array of delectable delights — ranging from croissants to cookies to creative custom cakes. The new approach is thanks to new ownership from newlyweds Lalo and Jamie Tejeda. Five months into their marriage, the Tejedas took over the business in May from Jan Evans. She purchased it in 2011, the same year the Tejedas met.Owning a bakery “was both of our dreams, individually — even before we met,” Jamie Tejeda said. “But it was part of our five-year plan after getting married, not our five-month plan!” SLO Tribune

Cal Poly alum, Judy Lee, starts new position as Senior Vice President of Square 1 Bank

Senior vice president Judy Lee comes to Square 1 from Silicon Valley Bank where she most recently served as vice president in the Venture Capital and Private Equity Services practice, and brings over a decade of experience in financial services and relationship management in Silicon Valley. Her prior experience also includes a senior advisory role in Silicon Valley Bank’s Fixed Income Asset Management group and banker positions within its technology and life sciences practices. Judy received an MS in Financial Analysis from the University of San Francisco and a BS from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. “I am excited to work with a group of energized and knowledgeable bankers and look forward to continuing to build partnerships within the investor community,” said Lee. Financial Content

NBC Boston hires Cal Poly alum, Nick Emmons

Nick Emmons, a 2008 graduate of Cal Poly's broadcast journalism and public relations program, has joined New England Cable News and NBC Boston. Before the offer, Nick worked as a weekend anchor and weekday reporter at WHDH7 where he reported on hitting news stories throughout Boston. "Exciting day!" Nick said in a post to his Instagram account. "I'm very happy to join the team at NBC Boston/NECN! I'm looking forward to a bright future alongside a lot of hard working people! Stay tuned for more details." New England 1

Cal Poly Engineering alum, Scot Sawyer, wins Washington State's American Public Works Association's prestigious awardCal Poly Engineering alum, Scot Sawyer, wins Washington State's American

Scott, a principal at SCJ Alliance and Cal Poly alum, was presented the Roy Morse Award for outstanding technical and professional accomplishments in public works by the Washington state chapter of APWA. As the APWA state winner, he will now be considered in the National Top 10 Public Works Leaders of the Year Award. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, Scott moved to Washington 17 years ago and has been in the industry for more than 25 years. “The opportunity to serve is what drives me,” Scott shared. “In my profession, I get to serve people, communities and my colleagues, all in the context of solving problems.” 
Thurston Talk

Cal Poly alum, Randy A. Record, reelected Chairman of Metropolitan's Board of Directors

Randy A. Record, under whose leadership the region's primary water import agency has navigated supply and resource challenges during the state's ongoing historic drought, was reelected as chairman of the board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. During his first term, the district confronted unmatched drought conditions after the state recorded the hottest year on record in 2014 and the driest year ever recorded in 2013. In response, for the fourth time in the district's history, Metropolitan restricted wholesale deliveries to its 26 member public agencies to help save water and stretch available supplies, while also establishing the nation's largest turf removal and water conservation program. Benzinga

Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast name Cal Poly alum Jody Skenderian as Interim CEO 

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast (GSCCC) today announced Jody Skenderian as the council’s interim CEO. Skenderian, who most recently served as GSCCC’s Chief Development Officer, has been responsible for the council’s fund development, product sales and marketing and communications efforts. With over two decades of experience building and leading business development and community relations teams for Fortune 1000 companies, Skenderian brings a wealth of experience into the new position. She succeeds Gina Jaeger, who served as CEO since 2013. 

Cal Poly alum, Steven Adams, selected to lead King City as new city manager

After an extensive recruitment process, the City Council of King City has selected Steven Adams to be its next City Manager. Based on the excellent results of the process, the City Council has unanimously concluded that Adams is the best candidate to serve in this important position. Adams has over 32 years of experience in local government administration and a consistent track record of success with a number of agencies. Adams’ education includes a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. KSBW

Cal Poly alum to open second Sushi restaurant in downtown San Jose

Cal Poly alum and former cancer researcher, Randy Musterer, has made the transition to successful sushi restaurateur. Three years after opening his first restaurant — called Sushi [Confidential] — in downtown Campbell, Musterer is bringing his operation to downtown San Jose. The new store is slated for 31 N. Market St., the former Sonoma Chicken Coop at San Pedro Square. And it comes about a year after Musterer, who is known to customers and friends as Sushi Randy, first started to hunt for a second location, buoyed by the phenomenal response to his first spot on East Campbell Avenue.
Silicon Valley Business Journal

 

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