Awards Presented by 4CS

The 4CS Classified Senate President Service Award has been established to recognize Classified Senate Presidents for outstanding service, who demonstrate the following characteristics:

Criteria:

• Confident and respectful of their classified colleagues and the college community
• Leads by example and recognizes the leadership and talent in others
• Possesses persistent vision of excellence helps their senate and colleagues shine in the governance process
• Actively promotes involvement by classified staff at the local and state level to further their leadership education and contributions to student success
• Inspires the senate to advance and accomplish special contributions for the benefit to the students, staff, and district’s overall direction
• Is involved in college and/or district activities
• Organizes others within the work environment
• Promotes open communication among work groups

4CS Outstanding Service Award Winners:

2026

Yesenia M. Ramirez

San Jose City College

2025

Chris Westbay

Butte College

2024

Aubrie Ross

Las Positas College

2023

Linda Resendiz

Moorpark College

2023

Katie Cabral

Cuyamaca College

2022

Susan Rodriguez

San Joaquin

Delta College

2021

Michael Monsour

College of the Canyons

2019

Justin Hunt

College of

the Canyons

2018

Noell Adams

Chabot College

2017

Therese Grand

Orange Coast College

2016

Neill Kovrig

San Diego Continuing Education

2016

Kathy Matthies

Santa Rosa Junior College

2016

Peder Nielsen

Ventura College

2016

Suzi Nitzel

Fresno City College

2015

Deborah Joy

Canada College

2015

Laurel Kinley

West Valley College

2015

Lori Schneider

MiraCosta College

2015

Debbie Weatherly

Santa Rosa Junior College

2015

Monica Souza

Sacramento City College

2014

Trisha Albertsen

Classified Senate

President 2006-2016

Chaffey College

Servant leadership is a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more just and caring environment.

Excellence in Servant Leadership Criteria exhibits the characteristics valued by 4CS as listed below:

• Supports and promotes Classified Professional involvement in participatory governance at all levels
• Recognizes and values the contributions of Classified Professionals
• Cooperates with other organizations to enrich the educational experience within the California Community Colleges
• Serve as a liaison between the California Community Colleges senates and State Organizations
• Support Classified Senates throughout the state of California
• Supports cross-functional collaboration

Excellence in Servant Leadership Winners:

2026

Dr. John Hernandez

President, Irvine Valley College

2025

Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh

Contra Costa CCD

2024

Dr. Oscar Cobian

2023

Dr. Tracey Coleman

Chabot College

2022

Institute for Evidence-Based Change

2021

Lisa Mandy De Anza College

De Anza College

Director, Financial Aid & Scholarships

2020

No Awardee

2019

Dr. Ragan F. Romali

Superintendent/President

Long Beach City College

2017

Dr. Greg Gillespie

Ventura College President

2018

Dr. Glenn Roquemore

Irvine Valley College President

2016

Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud

Skyling College President

2015

LeBaron Woodyard

Vice Chancellor

California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office

2014

Dr. Tod Burnett

President

Saddleback College

2013

Dr. Brice Harris

Chancellor

California Community Colleges

2012

Cherie Savage

Director

Community College League of California

2011

Jim Wilson

4CS President Emeritus

Sierra College

2010

Tanna Thomas

CCC Board of Governors

Yuba College

2009

Julie Martin Whiting

4CS President Emeritus

San Joaquin Delta College

2008

Senator Jack Scott

Chancellor

California Community Colleges

2007

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Governor, State of California

2006

Leslie Wang

CCC Board of Governors

San Joaquin Delta College

2005

Scott Lay

Executive Director

Community College League of California

2004

Bonnie Slosson

Director of Governmental Relations

Community College League of California

2003

Dr. Sandra Acebo

President, Butte College

2002

Dr. Kevin Ramirez

President, Sierra College

2001

David Viar

Executive Director

Community College League of California

The Outstanding Classified Professional Award recognizes a Classified Professional who demonstrates exceptional leadership, collaboration, innovation, and creativity—going above and beyond in their role. These “leaders from the middle” actively support and advocate for professional learning opportunities for their colleagues.

Outstanding Classified Professional Criteria

Nominees should demonstrate the following qualities:

• Exceptional leadership within their department or organization
• Collaboration and teamwork that enhance the work environment
• Innovation and creativity in improving processes or programs
• Advocacy for professional learning and development opportunities for colleagues
• Commitment to supporting and inspiring other Classified Professionals

Outstanding Classified Professional Winners

2026

Crystal Salas

Moorpark College

2025

Greg Harnage

Sierra College

2025

Heather Hernandez

Chabot College

Classified Senate websites are an integral communication tool for local classified employees.

The Outstanding Website Award recognizes classified senate websites based on criteria in the areas of resources, materials, photos, navigation ease, and appearance. All participating websites were recognized at the Classified Leadership Institute (CLI).

Past Outstanding Classified Senate Website Award Winners:

Recognition of Classified Senate organizations that exercise their role in shared governance with autonomy and professionalism is one way in which the California Community Colleges Classified Senate (4CS) can assist other colleges in developing their local senates or councils.

Model Classified Senates define the standard of staff participation within the learning environment for California community college students; encourage staff leaders to become stronger, and offer reference and experience for novice organizations and those seeking organizational revitalization.

A ‘Model Classified Senate’ is one that:

• Is a participatory governance body elected by its constituents
• Operates professionally under bylaws and/or a constitution approved by its constituency
• Has a copy of their current bylaws/constitution on file with 4CS
• Is recognized by the college administration as a governance participant
• Has an up to date website
• Encourages a cooperative working and professional relationship with a collective bargaining agents (if one exists) and considers input or concerns of such groups
• Is organized to actively engage in the shared governance process
• Communicates routinely with 4CS

Past Model Senate Award Winners: