20 Industry Association CEOs in California Today
Last updated: August 2026
Why these association leaders matter
California’s education system is held together by more than schools, districts and government departments. It also depends on associations that represent educators, school boards, school business professionals, specialist practitioners, independent schools, charter schools, libraries and education partners. The people leading those bodies often sit close to the issues that shape professional practice, public policy, member support and sector collaboration.
This directory brings together twenty current chief executives, executive directors and equivalent association leaders connected with California education. The working scope is deliberately practical. It includes statewide bodies, professional organisations and member networks whose current leadership pages or official publications identify the person and make the organisation’s education connection clear.
The names are not presented as a league table. They are a recognition directory for anyone who needs to understand the association landscape before planning a conference, building a partnership, inviting a speaker, researching a sector or finding a useful professional connection. Each entry gives the leader’s current role, the organisation’s remit and one distinctive reason to know the work.
Some organisations use chief executive language. Others use executive director or executive secretary. Those titles are kept as the organisations publish them, because association structures differ and the title alone does not tell the whole story. The useful common thread is responsibility for leading a member based body that affects education in California.
Why this topic matters
Association CEOs and executive directors are often the people translating member needs into practical programmes, public positions, professional learning and sector relationships. In education, that work can reach far beyond one campus. A state association may support thousands of members, represent a specialist profession, coordinate a network of schools or connect practice with policy.
That makes association leadership useful context for more than people who work inside associations. A school system leader may need a credible partner for professional learning. A conference organiser may need someone who understands the real concerns of a member group. A board may be looking for an independent view of a sector. A researcher may need to distinguish between an advocacy body, a professional association, an accrediting organisation and a cooperative service network.
The leaders in this directory show the range of that work. Some lead large statewide organisations. Some work in specialist fields such as mathematics, science, school psychology, bilingual education or community college faculty. Others connect schools with libraries, environmental learning, career education or independent school governance. Reading across the list gives a clearer picture of the relationships around California education.
What the leaders have in common
Three patterns stand out across the organisations. First, the job is usually broader than public representation. Executive leaders are responsible for staff, operations, member value, advocacy, professional learning, partnerships and the long term health of the organisation. The title may be short, but the work is wide.
Second, education association leadership is highly specialised. School business officials need a different network from mathematics educators. School psychologists, bilingual education leaders, independent school heads and community college faculty each need language, services and policy attention that make sense in their own setting. That specialisation is one reason a general education contact is not always the right first contact.
Third, the strongest starting point is usually the organisation’s remit rather than the individual’s profile. Before reaching out, read the current leadership page, understand who the members are and identify the issue that connects your work to the association’s purpose. That small amount of preparation makes an introduction more relevant and protects the leader’s time.
The practical lesson is simple: use the list to find the right doorway, then do the careful work of matching your idea to the body’s members, current priorities and published role.
How to use this directory
If you are planning an education conference, start by grouping the names by audience. A school board audience may connect with CSBA. School administrators may connect with ACSA. Specialist audiences may find a better fit through CASP, CASE, CMC, CABE or FACCC. The organisation’s published remit should guide the next step.
If you are building a partnership, write one short paragraph that names the member problem, the reason the association is relevant and the useful outcome you can offer. Avoid sending a broad introduction that makes the leader do the sorting. A clear connection to the association’s work is more respectful and more likely to be understood.
If you are researching a sector, group the organisations by the kind of connection you need. Then use each body’s contact and leadership pages to shape a specific question. Association roles can change, and some bodies use titles that do not map neatly onto a corporate CEO structure.
If you are looking for a speaker or facilitator, remember that association leadership is not the same as professional speaking. The value may be sector insight, member perspective, policy context or a network connection. Ask for the outcome you need, and let the organisation decide whether the named leader or another person is the better fit.
The leaders
CEO and Executive Director, California School Boards Association
Vernon M. Billy is the CEO and Executive Director at the California School Boards Association. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CSBA represents governing boards of about 1,000 school districts and county offices in California.
Vernon M. Billy is also a useful name to know because The role combines executive leadership, staff direction, policy work and the association’s statewide voice for school board governance. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
Executive Director, Association of California School Administrators
Dr. Edgar Zazueta is the Executive Director at the Association of California School Administrators. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: ACSA supports California school leaders through professional learning, advocacy and services.
Dr. Edgar Zazueta is also a useful name to know because The executive director oversees strategic direction, public policy and operations for a professional body serving school administrators. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
Chief Executive Officer, California Association of School Business Officials
Tatia Davenport is the Chief Executive Officer at the California Association of School Business Officials. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CASBO supports school business professionals across California through a network that includes ten sections.
Tatia Davenport is also a useful name to know because The role sits at the intersection of association leadership and practical school finance, operations and business services. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
Chief Executive Officer, California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators
Jessica Ochoa is the Chief Executive Officer at the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CALSA is a statewide voice for equity, representation and educational leadership.
Jessica Ochoa is also a useful name to know because Ochoa was appointed as CALSA’s first chief executive officer, with the remit to guide operations, partnerships and long term planning. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
Executive Director, California Association of Independent Schools
Phil Gutierrez is the Executive Director at the California Association of Independent Schools. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CAIS accredits and supports independent school heads and trains trustees across California.
Phil Gutierrez is also a useful name to know because Gutierrez served on the CAIS board from 2020 to 2024 and has worked in leadership roles at three CAIS schools. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
Executive Director, California Association for Leading Innovation in Education
Christine Feenstra is the Executive Director at the California Association for Leading Innovation in Education. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CALIE supports innovation across every level of education and has roots reaching back more than 45 years.
Christine Feenstra is also a useful name to know because The organisation has evolved from CUE into a broader education innovation body, giving the executive director a wide cross sector brief. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
Executive Director, California DECA
Ryan Underwood is the Executive Director at the California DECA. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: California DECA manages the state charter and works with students, alumni, industry partners, schools and the California Department of Education.
Ryan Underwood is also a useful name to know because The role links student leadership, career education and a member supported association model. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
Executive Director, Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education
Estrella Risinger is the Executive Director at the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: AEOE brings together environmental and outdoor educators across California.
Estrella Risinger is also a useful name to know because Risinger became AEOE’s first executive director in 2019 and also contributes to national and statewide environmental literacy work. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
9. Paul Cauchi
Executive Director, California Association of School Psychologists
Paul Cauchi is the Executive Director at the California Association of School Psychologists. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CASP provides programmes, education, advocacy and services to about 2,000 members.
Paul Cauchi is also a useful name to know because Cauchi brings twenty years of senior association experience to a professional body focused on school psychology practice. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
Executive Director, Faculty Association of California Community Colleges
Stephanie Goldman is the Executive Director at the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: FACCC represents and advocates for faculty across California community colleges.
Stephanie Goldman is also a useful name to know because Goldman is a registered lobbyist whose work has included part time faculty equity, undocumented students, retirement security and community college funding. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
Chief Executive Officer, California Association for Bilingual Education
Dr. Edgar Lampkin is the Chief Executive Officer at the California Association for Bilingual Education. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CABE advances multilingual education and bilingual education advocacy in California.
Dr. Edgar Lampkin is also a useful name to know because Lampkin’s CEO role appears in CABE’s Multilingual Educator publication during the organisation’s 50th anniversary period. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
12. Jeff Good
Executive Director, California Teachers Association
Jeff Good is the Executive Director at the California Teachers Association. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CTA is a major statewide professional association and union for California educators.
Jeff Good is also a useful name to know because Good became CTA executive director in March 2024 after more than thirty years with the association and earlier leadership at UTLA. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
13. Myrna Castrejón
President and Chief Executive Officer, California Charter Schools Association
Myrna Castrejón is the President and Chief Executive Officer at the California Charter Schools Association. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CCSA supports and advocates for high quality nonprofit charter schools in California.
Myrna Castrejón is also a useful name to know because The association’s annual conference has drawn nearly 3,000 charter teachers, leaders and advocates, showing the scale of the network around the CEO role. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
14. Dr. Tara Rolle
Executive Director, California Association of Private School Organizations
Dr. Tara Rolle is the Executive Director at the California Association of Private School Organizations. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CAPSO is a statewide voice for private K to 12 education in California.
Dr. Tara Rolle is also a useful name to know because Rolle’s executive director role sits within an organisation that represents private school interests across policy and education conversations. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
15. Alan Jones
Executive Secretary, California Council on Teacher Education
Alan Jones is the Executive Secretary at the California Council on Teacher Education. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CCTE connects teacher education research, practice and advocacy in California.
Alan Jones is also a useful name to know because The executive secretary role supports a council focused on the preparation and professional learning of educators. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
16. Erin Fraser
Executive Secretary, California Mathematics Council
Erin Fraser is the Executive Secretary at the California Mathematics Council. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CMC is dedicated to high quality and equitable mathematics education in California.
Erin Fraser is also a useful name to know because Fraser is listed as the council’s executive secretary, alongside a state board and a publication programme for mathematics educators. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
17. Michele Holcomb
Executive Director, California Association of Science Educators
Michele Holcomb is the Executive Director at the California Association of Science Educators. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CASE supports science educators with resources, advocacy and professional opportunities.
Michele Holcomb is also a useful name to know because Holcomb has served as CASE executive director since 2019, giving the role a sustained focus on science teaching and educator connection. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
18. Paula MacKinnon
Executive Director, Califa Group
Paula MacKinnon is the Executive Director at the Califa Group. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: Califa membership includes school, academic, public and other libraries across California.
Paula MacKinnon is also a useful name to know because The executive director leads a cooperative that brokers library products, administers grants and operates the Infopeople professional learning service. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
19. Daniel Prescott
Executive Director, California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators
Daniel Prescott is the Executive Director at the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CAADE promotes addiction studies, professional development, standards and policy education.
Daniel Prescott is also a useful name to know because The association estimates that its work reaches about 5,000 students each year through community colleges and WASC universities. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
20. Brent Powell
Executive Director, California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
Brent Powell is the Executive Director at the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. The association’s work is connected to California education through a clear member, professional or sector purpose: CAHPERD promotes healthy lifestyles through quality education and statewide programmes.
Brent Powell is also a useful name to know because Powell’s role connects a professional association with school health, physical education, recreation and dance networks. For boards, conference organisers and education leaders, that combination of role and remit gives a practical starting point for understanding where the association can add value.
Frequently asked questions
What does an education association CEO do?
The exact remit varies, but the role commonly includes staff leadership, operations, member value, public policy, partnerships and long term organisational direction. Some organisations use executive director or executive secretary instead of CEO, so the published title matters.
Are all of these organisations the same kind of body?
No. The directory includes professional associations, advocacy bodies, school networks, specialist education organisations, a library cooperative and organisations connected to independent, charter and community college education. Their member groups and services differ.
How should I contact one of these leaders?
Start with the organisation’s current website and contact process. Explain who you are, why the association’s members matter to your request and what useful outcome you can offer. Keep the first note short and specific.
How current is the information?
Leadership roles can change. Before sending an invitation, making a public claim or starting a partnership conversation, confirm the current contact route with the organisation.
Conclusion
California education is supported by a dense network of member organisations. The leaders in this directory show how much of the work happens between institutions: through professional learning, advocacy, standards, community, specialist practice and shared services.
The right association can make a partnership more useful, a conference more relevant and a sector conversation more grounded. Start with the organisation’s purpose, respect the leader’s time and make the connection specific. That is usually enough to turn a long list of names into a helpful next step.
Related Reading
You may also find association conference keynote speakers in California useful when thinking about member events. For a shared language around team contribution, read Working Genius Glossary: 50 Terms Every Leader Should Know. The guide to 21 Practical Steps After Working Genius With Your Team may help with the next conversation.
Get a written proposal
If your organisation needs a keynote or practical leadership session for an education association audience, email jonno@consultclarity.org with the audience, date and outcome you want. I will reply in writing with a clear proposal and next step.
About the Author
Jonno White is a keynote speaker, leadership consultant and author. He helps leaders build organisations people would move cities to work at. His work is practical rather than motivational: something people can use on Monday morning, not a feeling that fades by Friday.