50 California Professional Association CEOs in Focus

Last updated: 11 August 2026.

California has a large network of professional associations, member bodies and industry groups. The people leading those organisations help members navigate change, build capability and make their sectors easier to understand.

This directory brings together 50 current chief executives and executive directors connected with professional associations in California. It covers education, business, health, construction, community and public-interest bodies in one practical starting point.

Why association leadership matters in California

Association CEOs sit at the point where member needs, public policy and day-to-day delivery meet. Their work can include advocacy, professional learning, standards, events, services and the steady work of keeping a member community useful.

The list is alphabetical by leader. It is designed for people who want to understand the association landscape, find a relevant organisation or see the range of leadership work happening across California.

50 California professional association CEOs

1. Alexander Smith

CEO, California JPIA.

Alexander Smith serves as CEO at California JPIA. California JPIA's staff page identifies him as CEO.

That role places Alexander close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

2. Amy O'Gorman Jenkins

Executive Director, California Cannabis Operators Association.

Amy O'Gorman Jenkins serves as Executive Director at California Cannabis Operators Association. CCOA's team page identifies her as executive director.

That role places Amy close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

3. Barb Newton

President and CEO, California Travel Association.

Barb Newton serves as President and CEO at California Travel Association. The California Travel Association staff page identifies her as president and CEO.

That role places Barb close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

4. Beth Vaughan

CEO, California Community Choice Association.

Beth Vaughan serves as CEO at California Community Choice Association. CalCCA's staff page identifies her as CEO.

That role places Beth close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

5. Brian Rutledge

Executive Director, California Association for Adult Day Services.

Brian Rutledge serves as Executive Director at California Association for Adult Day Services. CAADS's staff page identifies him as executive director.

That role places Brian close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

6. Carmela Coyle

President and CEO, California Hospital Association.

Carmela Coyle serves as President and CEO at California Hospital Association. CHA's profile identifies her as president and CEO.

That role places Carmela close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

7. Cassie Dunham

CEO and President, California Association of Health Facilities.

Cassie Dunham serves as CEO and President at California Association of Health Facilities. CAHF's announcement names her as CEO and president.

That role places Cassie close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

8. Cathy Martin

CEO, Association of California Healthcare Districts.

Cathy Martin serves as CEO at Association of California Healthcare Districts. ACHD's team page identifies her as CEO.

That role places Cathy close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

9. Charles Bacchi

President and CEO, California Association of Health Plans.

Charles Bacchi serves as President and CEO at California Association of Health Plans. CAHP's staff directory identifies him as president and CEO.

That role places Charles close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

10. Chris Nguyen

CEO, California Lawyers Association.

Chris Nguyen serves as CEO at California Lawyers Association. The California Lawyers Association staff information identifies him as CEO.

That role places Chris close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

11. Cynthia Vásquez Petitt

Interim CEO, California Association for Bilingual Education.

Cynthia Vásquez Petitt serves as Interim CEO at California Association for Bilingual Education. CABE's staff page identifies her as interim CEO.

That role places Cynthia close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

12. Dan Dunmoyer

President and CEO, California Building Industry Association.

Dan Dunmoyer serves as President and CEO at California Building Industry Association. CBIA's staff page identifies him as president and CEO.

That role places Dan close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

13. Denise LeDuc Froemming

President and CEO, California Society of CPAs.

Denise LeDuc Froemming serves as President and CEO at California Society of CPAs. CalCPA's governance biographies identify her as president and CEO.

That role places Denise close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

14. Dustin Corcoran

CEO, California Medical Association.

Dustin Corcoran serves as CEO at California Medical Association. CMA's profile identifies him as CEO.

That role places Dustin close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

15. Edgar Zazueta

Executive Director, Association of California School Administrators.

Edgar Zazueta serves as Executive Director at Association of California School Administrators. ACSA's staff page places him in the executive director role for the statewide school leadership association.

That role places Edgar close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

16. Eric Sauer

CEO, California Trucking Association.

Eric Sauer serves as CEO at California Trucking Association. CTA's staff page identifies him as CEO.

That role places Eric close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

17. Geoff Green

CEO, CalNonprofits.

Geoff Green serves as CEO at CalNonprofits. CalNonprofits' team page identifies him as CEO.

That role places Geoff close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

18. Jenn Jones

Executive Director and CEO, California Water Environment Association.

Jenn Jones serves as Executive Director and CEO at California Water Environment Association. CWEA's staff page identifies her as executive director and CEO.

That role places Jenn close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

19. Jennifer Barrera

President and CEO, California Chamber of Commerce.

Jennifer Barrera serves as President and CEO at California Chamber of Commerce. CalChamber's biography page identifies her as president and CEO.

That role places Jennifer close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

20. Jessica Ochoa

CEO, California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators.

Jessica Ochoa serves as CEO at California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators. CALSA's announcement names her as its first chief executive officer.

That role places Jessica close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

21. Josiah Kitonga

Executive Director, California State PTA.

Josiah Kitonga serves as Executive Director at California State PTA. The California State PTA staff page identifies him as executive director.

That role places Josiah close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

22. Jot Condie

President and CEO, California Restaurant Association.

Jot Condie serves as President and CEO at California Restaurant Association. The association's about information identifies him as president and CEO.

That role places Jot close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

23. Katie Rodriguez

Interim President and CEO, California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems.

Katie Rodriguez serves as Interim President and CEO at California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems. CAPH's staff page identifies her as interim president and CEO.

That role places Katie close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

24. Keetha Mills

President and CEO, Foundation for California Community Colleges.

Keetha Mills serves as President and CEO at Foundation for California Community Colleges. The Foundation's leadership page identifies her as president and CEO.

That role places Keetha close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

25. Kim Gusman

President and CEO, California Employers Association.

Kim Gusman serves as President and CEO at California Employers Association. CEA's team page identifies her as president and CEO and notes that she has led the association since 2002.

That role places Kim close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

26. Kristen Soares

President, Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities.

Kristen Soares serves as President at Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. AICCU's organisation information identifies her as its president.

That role places Kristen close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

27. Lance Hastings

President and CEO, California Manufacturers and Technology Association.

Lance Hastings serves as President and CEO at California Manufacturers and Technology Association. CMTA's organisation page identifies him as president and CEO.

That role places Lance close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

28. Larry Galizio

President and CEO, Community College League of California.

Larry Galizio serves as President and CEO at Community College League of California. The League's profile identifies him as president and CEO of the statewide community college association.

That role places Larry close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

29. Lynn Mohrfeld

President and CEO, California Hotel and Lodging Association.

Lynn Mohrfeld serves as President and CEO at California Hotel and Lodging Association. CHLA's team page identifies him as president and CEO.

That role places Lynn close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

30. Marshall Tuck

CEO, EdVoice.

Marshall Tuck serves as CEO at EdVoice. EdVoice's profile identifies him as CEO of the education advocacy organisation.

That role places Marshall close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

31. Mike Guerra

President and CEO, California Life Sciences.

Mike Guerra serves as President and CEO at California Life Sciences. California Life Sciences' team page identifies him as president and CEO.

That role places Mike close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

32. Myrna Castrejón

President and CEO, California Charter Schools Association.

Myrna Castrejón serves as President and CEO at California Charter Schools Association. CCSA's team information identifies her as president and CEO.

That role places Myrna close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

33. Paul Cauchi

Executive Director, California Association of School Psychologists.

Paul Cauchi serves as Executive Director at California Association of School Psychologists. CASP's team page identifies him as executive director.

That role places Paul close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

34. Peter Tateishi

CEO, Associated General Contractors of California.

Peter Tateishi serves as CEO at Associated General Contractors of California. AGC of California's team page identifies him as CEO.

That role places Peter close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

35. Phil Gutierrez

Executive Director, California Association of Independent Schools.

Phil Gutierrez serves as Executive Director at California Association of Independent Schools. The association's announcement names him as its executive director.

That role places Phil close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

36. Phil Hawkins

CEO, California Association of REALTORS.

Phil Hawkins serves as CEO at California Association of REALTORS. The California Association of REALTORS leadership release identifies him as CEO.

That role places Phil close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

37. Rachel Michelin

President and CEO, California Retailers Association.

Rachel Michelin serves as President and CEO at California Retailers Association. The association's leadership page identifies her as president and CEO.

That role places Rachel close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

38. Robert Dugan

President and CEO, California Construction and Industrial Materials Association.

Robert Dugan serves as President and CEO at California Construction and Industrial Materials Association. CalCIMA's staff page identifies him as president and CEO.

That role places Robert close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

39. Rodney K. Pierini

President and CEO, CAWA.

Rodney K. Pierini serves as President and CEO at CAWA. CAWA's contact information identifies him as president and CEO.

That role places Rodney close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

40. Ronald Fong

President and CEO, California Grocers Association.

Ronald Fong serves as President and CEO at California Grocers Association. CGA's staff page identifies him as president and CEO.

That role places Ronald close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

41. Roy Flahive

Executive Director, California Sign Association.

Roy Flahive serves as Executive Director at California Sign Association. The California Sign Association staff page identifies him as executive director.

That role places Roy close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

42. Scott Borba

Executive Director, Small School Districts' Association.

Scott Borba serves as Executive Director at Small School Districts' Association. The association's announcement names him as its next executive director, effective 1 July 2026.

That role places Scott close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

43. Soua Vang

President and CEO, California Association for Health Services at Home.

Soua Vang serves as President and CEO at California Association for Health Services at Home. CAHSAH's leadership update identifies him as president and CEO.

That role places Soua close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

44. Tara Rolle

Executive Director, California Association of Private School Organizations.

Tara Rolle serves as Executive Director at California Association of Private School Organizations. CAPSO's leadership page identifies her as executive director.

That role places Tara close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

45. Tatia Davenport

CEO, California Association of School Business Officials.

Tatia Davenport serves as CEO at California Association of School Business Officials. CASBO's leadership information identifies her as its CEO.

That role places Tatia close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

46. Thomas K. Bannon

CEO, California Apartment Association.

Thomas K. Bannon serves as CEO at California Apartment Association. CAA's staff page identifies him as CEO.

That role places Thomas close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

47. Tyler Munzing

Executive Director, ACEC California.

Tyler Munzing serves as Executive Director at ACEC California. ACEC California's staff page identifies him as executive director.

That role places Tyler close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

48. Vernon M. Billy

CEO and Executive Director, California School Boards Association.

Vernon M. Billy serves as CEO and Executive Director at California School Boards Association. CSBA identifies him as the association's CEO and executive director.

That role places Vernon close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

49. Vince Hall

CEO, California CASA Association.

Vince Hall serves as CEO at California CASA Association. The California CASA Association people page identifies him as CEO.

That role places Vince close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

50. Whitney Squire

Chief Executive Officer, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of California.

Whitney Squire serves as Chief Executive Officer at Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of California. PHCC of California's about page identifies her as chief executive officer.

That role places Whitney close to the practical questions members bring to a professional association: how to stay informed, build capability and work with others across California.

Conclusion

The titles vary, but the underlying job is often similar. Strong association leadership turns a broad member community into clear priorities, useful services and a credible voice in the wider conversation.

For prospective members, the best fit depends on the work you need done. Look at the organisation's member offer, events, resources, advocacy work and leadership team, then decide whether its priorities match yours.

About the author

Jonno White helps leaders build organisations people would move cities to work at. He writes and speaks about practical leadership, team culture and the everyday choices that make work better.

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If your association needs its leaders aligned around a practical message, email jonno@consultclarity.org.