20 California Association Leaders Shaping Work and People

Last updated: 12 August 2026.

California has a deep association economy. It includes HR bodies, workforce groups, professional communities, business organisations, hospitals, schools, counties and member-led networks. The people leading those organisations help shape how members learn, work, advocate and serve.

This list began with a narrow brief about HR and People associations. The public evidence showed a broader and more useful picture, so the final article includes association CEOs, presidents and executive directors whose work touches HR, workforce capability, professional development, organisational leadership or member experience. It is a practical starting point, not a claim that these are the only people worth knowing.

Why association leadership matters

An association leader has to hold several audiences at once. Members want useful services. Boards want clear stewardship. Staff need direction. Partners want a credible organisation to work with. The wider community expects the association to contribute something meaningful, not just issue statements.

The leaders to know

1. Rafael Rivera

Chief Executive Officer, PIHRA

PIHRA places chief executive officer at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California HR community. PIHRA describes its work as engaging, elevating and serving California's HR community, with chapters across the state. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://www.pihra.org/staging/about-pihra/).

2. Kim Gusman

President and CEO, California Employers Association

California Employers Association places president and ceo at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across Sacramento region and California. CEA says Kim has led the association since 2002 and has also served on workforce boards in California. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://employers.org/about/staff/).

3. Mark Wilbur

President and CEO, Employers Group

Employers Group places president and ceo at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across Southern California. Employers Group presents Mark as a leader of an association providing HR services and support to employers. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://www.employersgroup.com/team/mark-wilbur/).

4. Gene Boucher

President, CalGovHR

CalGovHR places president at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California public-sector HR. CalGovHR is built around California governmental HR professionals, giving the role a clear public-service focus. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://www.calgovhr.org/).

5. Gina Ayllon

Executive Director, Northern California, SHRM Northern California

SHRM Northern California places its Executive Director at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across Northern California. The chapter says it serves HR professionals across the Bay Area and identifies Gina as its Executive Director. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://www.shrm.org/mena/community/shrm-northern-california/about).

6. Will Hixson

Executive Director, Sacramento Area Human Resource Association

Sacramento Area Human Resource Association places executive director at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across Sacramento. SAHRA says its purpose is to inspire, engage and develop HR professionals in its community. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://www.sahra.org/page/Staff).

7. Adam Peck

Executive Director, California Workforce Association

California Workforce Association places executive director at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California workforce system. CWA says it represents all 45 Workforce Development Boards and more than 70 affiliate members across California. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://www.calworkforce.org/staff).

8. James Anderson

President and CEO, Associations West (formerly CalSAE)

Associations West, formerly CalSAE, places its President and CEO at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California, Nevada and Oregon association community. Associations West describes itself as a professional association for association executives and says it has more than 1,600 members. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://www.myassociationswest.org/staff).

9. Geoff Green

Chief Executive Officer, California Association of Nonprofits

California Association of Nonprofits places chief executive officer at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California nonprofit sector. CalNonprofits describes its work as policy advocacy, education and research for thousands of California nonprofits. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://calnonprofits.org/our-team/).

10. Jennifer Barrera

President and CEO, California Chamber of Commerce

California Chamber of Commerce places president and ceo at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California business community. The Chamber says Jennifer advises businesses on compliance, HR and employment law as part of its statewide advocacy work. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://advocacy.calchamber.com/bios/jennifer-barrera/).

11. Dan Dunmoyer

President and CEO, California Building Industry Association

California Building Industry Association places president and ceo at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California building industry. CBIA identifies Dan as its President and CEO and describes its work as advocacy for the building industry. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://cbia.org/staff/).

12. Carmela Coyle

President and CEO, California Hospital Association

California Hospital Association places president and ceo at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California hospitals. CHA says it represents nearly 400 hospitals. Carmela remains in the role while the association prepares for her announced retirement in early 2027. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://calhospital.org/people/carmela-coyle-0/).

13. Rachel Michelin

President, California Retailers Association

California Retailers Association places its President at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California retail sector. CRA says Rachel oversees a diverse statewide membership and leads its retail advocacy work. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://calretailers.com/staff/rachel-michelin/).

14. George Greene

President and CEO, Hospital Association of Southern California

Hospital Association of Southern California places president and ceo at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across Southern California hospitals. HASC identifies George as its President and CEO and positions the association around the interests of Southern California hospitals. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://hasc.org/people/george-w-greene-esq/).

15. Edgar Zazueta

Executive Director, Association of California School Administrators

Association of California School Administrators places executive director at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California schools. ACSA says it connects and develops California educational leaders and represents more than 18,000 leaders. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://acsa.org/acsa-staff/).

16. Vernon Billy

CEO and Executive Director, California School Boards Association

California School Boards Association places ceo and executive director at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California school boards. CSBA says it serves school district and county office boards across California, representing about 1,000 local education agencies. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://www.csba.org/en/About/Leadership/ExecutiveStaff).

17. Tatia Davenport

Chief Executive Officer, California Association of School Business Officials

California Association of School Business Officials places chief executive officer at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California school business officials. CASBO identifies Tatia as its CEO and builds its work around California school business officials. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://www.casbo.org/about/staff/).

18. Myrna Castejón

President and Chief Executive Officer, California Charter Schools Association

California Charter Schools Association places president and chief executive officer at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California charter schools. CCSA identifies Myrna as its President and CEO, linking the role to advocacy and support for California charter schools. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://www.ccsa.org/who-we-are).

19. Graham Knaus

Chief Executive Officer, California State Association of Counties

California State Association of Counties places chief executive officer at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California's 58 counties. CSAC says it advocates for all 58 counties and supports county leaders through policy, training and professional development. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://www.counties.org/).

20. Jessica Ochoa

Chief Executive Officer, California Latino School Boards Association

California Latino School Boards Association places chief executive officer at the centre of work that affects people, capability and member value across California education leadership. CALSA announced Jessica as its first CEO in July 2025, with a brief focused on equity, advocacy and leadership development. For anyone trying to understand better leadership in associations, this is the useful thread to follow: the role connects a clear purpose with the daily work of people and the communities they serve. Read the organisation's current leadership information (https://www.calsa.org/news-announcements/marking-a-new-era-of-leadership-calsa-appoints-jessica-ochoa-as-first-chief-executive-officer).

What these leaders have in common

The first pattern is translation. Association leaders translate a large mission into services members can feel, whether that means an event, a training programme, a policy position, a workforce partnership or a trusted professional network.

The second pattern is stewardship. These leaders are not only responsible for the next programme or campaign. They also protect the organisation's credibility, relationships and ability to serve members over time.

How to use this list

You can also use the companion post to discover more people working behind the scenes in these California networks. The second group is included for relevance and visibility, not as a claim that every person has the same level of public executive authority as the first group.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a list of only HR association CEOs?

No. The starting brief was narrower, but the current public evidence did not support a truthful list of 50 strict HR association CEOs in California. The final title makes the broader scope clear and includes leaders in adjacent people, workforce, professional development and member-serving organisations.

How were people selected?

The selection used current organisation-owned pages, staff directories, leadership pages, official announcements and a small number of public records where a current role needed extra support. Each person has an evidence record in the package, and the public article links to the organisation's own page.

Are all of these people based in the same city?

No. California is the scope. Some organisations are statewide, some serve a region and some represent a profession or public system across many locations. The copy names the organisation's scope instead of guessing where an individual lives.

What should I read next?

For a wider people and work lens, you can read 25 HR leaders worth following (/post/best-thought-leaders-in-human-resources). For association event context, see keynote speakers for association conferences in California (/post/keynote-speakers-association-conferences-california).

A practical closing thought

Good association leadership is easy to describe badly. It is not just visibility, a large title or a full calendar. It is the steady work of making a community more capable, more connected and more able to act.

If your organisation is working through a leadership, culture or people challenge, I help leaders build organisations people would move cities to work at. My approach is practical rather than motivational: something people can use on Monday morning, not a feeling that fades by Friday. If that is the kind of support you need, email jonno@consultclarity.org and tell me what is changing, what is stuck and what a useful result would look like.

About Jonno White

Jonno White is an Australian author, keynote speaker and leadership consultant. He is the founder of Consult Clarity and the author of Step Up or Step Out. He has sold more than 10,000 books and helps leaders turn good intentions into clearer choices, stronger cultures and better work.