The purpose of the Valley Leadership Institute is to promote interest in the formation of public policy, to provide meaningful access to decision makers, and to help facilitate a working network of leaders in the 30th Assembly District. The VLI class will learn about the democratic process, meet local government officials, and learn about key issues facing the Central Valley.
“The Valley Leadership Institute brings together a number of community leaders who are positively impacting the Central Valley today and for years to come,” said Assemblywoman Parra. “This is going to be our most outstanding year ever. I am extremely excited about the caliber of both the members of this year’s class and the incredible speakers who have agreed to participate.”
The following community leaders will comprise this year’s class. In alphabetical order:
Paul Boyer, Community Development Specialist – Farmersville
Carla Calhoun, Resource Development Director – Visalia
Victor Castillo, Police Officer – Corcoran
Dameane Douglas, Community Activist – Hanford
Amanda Gaona, Social Worker – Bakersfield
Leslie Gardner, Executive Director – Visalia
Harry Gill, Insurance Agency Owner – Caruthers
Steven Godlin, Beekeeper – Visalia
Karen Goh, Executive Director – Bakersfield
Edward Herrera, Insurance Agency Owner – Bakersfield
Seanna Herring, Special Projects Officer – Fresno
Ryan Jacobsen, Executive Officer – Fresno
Randall Leach, Retired Police Officer – Hanford
Deborah Riordan, Health Policy Analyst – Clovis
Gene Tackett, Consultant – Bakersfield
Scheduled speakers include Secretary of State Debra Bowen, a Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Schwarzenegger, Senator Negrete-McLeod, Assemblymembers Arambula, Bass, Berryhill, Parra, and Torrico, and State Legislative Analyst Elizabeth Hill to name a few. Supporters of the event include Sempra Utilities, Renovo (Del Valle Homes), and Wells Fargo.