Providing Direction and Guidance
Comprised of a notable and representative group of 13 faculty, staff, students and community leaders, our board of directors are committed to supporting Cal Poly and its educational mission.
Allison Baird-James
Senior Vice President, Administration and Finance
Chair
“Cal Poly Partners is dedicated to fostering a vibrant educational community that supports student success. Their focus on innovation and collaboration aligns seamlessly with Cal Poly’s emphasis on enhancing the student experience through Learn by Doing. As a significant part of the Cal Poly story, I am honored to serve on the board of directors.“
Al Liddicoat
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Vice Chair
“Cal Poly Partners is essential in creating the environment where our students, faculty and staff can thrive. Their work strengthens our Learn by Doing mission and enhances the success of the entire Cal Poly community. I am honored to serve on the board and support this important partnership.”
Damon Fleming
Dean and Professor of Accounting, Orfalea College of Business
Secretary-Treasurer
“Cal Poly Partners is essential in our mission to educate career-ready future leaders in a polytechnic Learn by Doing environment and produce research that positively influences society.”
Terrance Harris
Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
I’m thrilled to serve on the Cal Poly Partners board and further support student success. As campus leaders and partners, it is our job to provide resources that enhance the Learn by Doing experience so every student can thrive. It’s both exciting and rewarding being part of a team that advances this work and helps enrich the Cal Poly journey for our students.”
Brian Horgan
Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Director
“For more than eight decades the support offered by Cal Poly Partners has directly impacted the success of our students. I am proud to contribute to this important work through my service as a board member.”
Joseph P. Cleary
Associate Professor, Construction Management Department
Director
“Cal Poly Partners is essential in delivering the Learn-by-Doing mission of Cal Poly and it is my privilege to play a part to help steward the organization that makes Cal Poly the enriching place delivering the great outcomes the institution has become recognized for worldwide in preparing students ready on day one.”
Cyrus Ramezani
Professor, Orfalea College of Business
Director
“As a member of the local business community, Cal Poly alumnus and Cal Poly parent, I have seen first-hand the terrific impact Cal Poly has on our community, region and state. Cal Poly Partners plays a critical role in supporting our students’ success. From dining, books and student support programs, Cal Poly Partners improves the lives of our students and of those in our neighboring communities.“
Jerusha Greenwood
Professor, Experience Industry Management Department & Chair, Cal Poly Academic Senate
Director
“I am excited to serve on the Cal Poly Partners Board as a faculty representative because it offers a meaningful opportunity to strengthen connections between faculty, students and the broader university community. I look forward to learning more about how the board shapes its investments and supports faculty and students, while contributing my perspective to ensure decisions reflect shared values, foster academic growth and enhance the Cal Poly experience.”
Patrick Mullen
Retired – Division Director, Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Director, Business and Finance Advisory Committee Chair
“As a member of the local business community, Cal Poly alumnus and Cal Poly parent, I have seen first-hand the terrific impact Cal Poly has on our community, region and state. Cal Poly Partners plays a critical role in supporting our students’ success. From dining, books and student support programs, Cal Poly Partners improves the lives of our students and of those in our neighboring communities.“
Cara Wright
CEO, Farm Supply Company
Director
“I am incredibly honored to serve on the Cal Poly Partners board as an alum and representative of our local business and agriculture communities. This organization’s commitment to Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy is an integral part of the university’s success and enhancement of each student’s educational experience.”
Ashleigh Spragins
Business Administration
Student Director
“It is an honor to serve on the Cal Poly Partners board. It allows me to bring student perspectives to the forefront, ensuring their voices are heard in critical decisions. Cal Poly Partners is instrumental in guiding students through times of significant transition and growth, playing a vital role in shaping their success and the future of our university community.”
Trey Bernard
Art & Design (Graphic Design Concentration), Minor in Entrepreneurship
Student Director
“As a student, I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact that Cal Poly Partners has on our campus and in the local San Luis Obispo community. From the range of commercial services offered to groundbreaking projects and initiatives, Cal Poly Partners is at the forefront of helping enhance the student experience, while also supporting our amazing staff and faculty.”
Committees
Audit Committee
Dean Wendt
Damon Flemming
Ashleigh Spragins
Investment Advisory Committee
Matt Wilson – Chair
Larry Lahr
Cyrus Ramezani
Carolyn Herzog
Mahdi Rastad
Budget and Finance Advisory Committee
Angie Kraetsch
Patrick Mullen
Marc F. Benadiba
Heather Zacker
David Valadez
Prema Windokun