SUSTAINABILITY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Sustainability Visibility Team
- Visibility Team Lead
My name is Allie Mortensen and I am a fourth year environmental management and protection major with a sustainable environments minor. I am from Orange County and grew up camping in nearby national and state parks across California. My time spent in the outdoors has led me to realize the great adventures that different environments offer, which is a big driver for my passion in respecting our natural resources. This summer, I interned at the City of Yorba Linda in the Stormwater and Engineering Divisions mapping water-related concerns and overseeing the implementation of water quality mitigation measures. I have enjoyed furthering my sustainability journey at Cal Poly through leading the Eco Reps x Sustainability Roundtables Club and attending campus wide environmental events. Outside of school and work, I enjoy hiking, climbing, trying local coffee shops, and fostering dogs through SLO Animal Services. I am excited for the opportunity to spark a desire within others to have a role in mending some of the leading anthropogenic environmental issues we are facing.
Job Titles:
- HR Generalist
- Lead HR Generalist
Job Titles:
- Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Associate Vice President / Financial Services
- Associate VP, Financial Services
Angela (Angie) Kraetsch joined Cal Poly University in September 2019 as the Associate Vice President for Financial Services. In her role at Cal Poly she oversees a variety of functions including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting and student accounting. She provides strategic leadership and oversight for long- and short-term financial planning, debt management, and oversight of the University's finances. These key functions are performed in conjunction with the mission and goals of the university.
Angelo LaCommare-Soto Campus Reuse Team Member Angelo is a fourth-year Marine Sciences major from San Francisco, CA. In his free time, Angelo enjoys traveling, playing baseball, going to the beach, listening to music, kayaking, hiking, cooking, and playing his flute and bass guitar. Traveling throughout the Americas and growing up along the California and Chile coasts fueled both his interest in marine sciences and his drive to understand the harmful environmental and social effects of climate change, both locally and globally. As a College Corps Fellow last year, Angelo helped Green Campus reestablish a graduation gown lending program and facilitate a partnership with Cal Poly Surplus to carry out periodic free item giveaways and auctions. Angelo will continue working on the Reuse team to help the campus community employ a more circular economy.
Carina is a third year Environmental Earth and Soil Science major from Berkeley, California. There, she was surrounded by various social movements that formed a crucial part of her core values. Combining her passion for the environment and music, she co-founded her high school's first Musicians Against Climate Change pep band with which she led several trips to San Francisco climate marches. Before living in Berkeley, Carina lived her first nine years in Bavaria, Germany, where proper waste sorting and alternative transportation were integrated in society and part of her family culture. Biking has been her main mode of transport for years, before which she scootered or walked to school having been lucky to live close enough. Before college Carina was in band, jazz band, orchestra, theatre and choir, and at Cal Poly has played for Women's Ultimate and been involved with Eco Reps and Zero Waste Club. As part of the Green Campus team, she's excited to continue her work on lasting projects that will make Cal Poly a more sustainable institution.
Job Titles:
- Energy and Sustainability Manager
Chad joined the Energy, Utilities and Sustainability team in 2021. Chad is a Cal Poly Alum (Industrial Engineering '09) and while on campus was involved in many sustainability efforts, including helping to bring the Green Campus program to Cal Poly in 2007. Chad has previously worked at a small solar company, Cuesta College, Energy Solutions (a nationwide clean energy consulting firm), and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Outside of work Chad enjoys playing the guitar and piano, working on cars, watching baseball (Go A's), skiing, hiking and keeping up with his young daughter.
Job Titles:
- Administration Bldg. Room 116
- Chief Executive Officer, Cal Poly Corporation
Cody VanDorn serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Cal Poly Corporation with over 15 years' experience as a strategic partner in higher education, a government innovator, and a private entrepreneur. In the CSU, Cody has led dynamic teams at Cal Poly and collaborated across the CSU; creating innovative strategies to streamline operations, drive cost savings and develop impactful revenue partnerships. He is a past President of the CSU Chief Procurement Officers Association and a key leader in the 23C Strategic Plan that has been acknowledged for generating more than $100 million in benefits since 2018.
Throughout his career, the clients he serves have recognized his strategic perspectives in solving problems; earning him the opportunity to work with Fortune 500 companies, speak nationally, and consult with leading public institutions.
Cody holds degrees from CSU Cal Poly and Stanford University.
Job Titles:
- Finance
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Senior Vice President, Administration
- Senior Vice President / Administration & Finance
Cynthia Vizcaíno Villa serves as the Senior Vice President for Administration and oversees a broad portfolio that includes budget and fiscal management, facilities management, construction and planning, procurement, risk management, public safety, internal audit, and oversight of the Cal Poly Corporation.
Villa previously served as the Vice President for Business Affairs at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), a position she held since 2001. Prior to her appointment as vice president, Ms. Vizcaíno Villa served UTEP as both associate and assistant vice president for finance and administration, comptroller, director of financial services, and assistant director of budget and payroll.
In addition to her duties, Ms. Vizcaíno Villa has served on a number of governing boards including the San Luis Obispo County YMCA, San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, El Paso Children 's Hospital, Texas Department of Information Resources (gubernatorial appointment), Texas Association of College and University Business Officers as well as currently serving as the Chair of the Cal Poly Corporation.
She earned a master 's of education - in higher education administration and a bachelor 's degree in business administration at UTEP and is a Certified Public Accountant for the State of Texas.
Job Titles:
- Administration Bldg. Room 116
- Assistant Vice President / Audit and Consulting Services
Dan DiPaola joined Cal Poly in 2019 as the inaugural Executive Director of Internal Audit. During his tenure he established the initial Audit and Consulting Services (ACS) function, including the University-wide Audit Committee. Audit and Consulting Services acts as a liaison for all external and internal audits, as well as performing special investigations and services as needed.
Prior to Cal Poly, DiPaola spent eight years as Global Director of Internal Audit at Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, where he established the initial function and was responsible for staff that oversaw entities in 15 global locations. He has also worked at both Ernst & Young and KPMG, LLP, the latter of which he spent time with the National office developing electronic workpapers and various go-to-market products. He brings expertise in data analytics, risk assessments, global oversight, fraud/forensic investigations, and strategic alignment, as well as years of experience with operational, financial and compliance audits.
DiPaola graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
Job Titles:
- Learning and Development Specialist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Sustainable Transportation Team
- Transportation Team Member
Hello everybody, I am a 3rd year Agribusiness major from Los Angeles. My pronouns are he/him. I enjoy watching movies and doing outdoor activities such as off-roading and fishing. One of the reasons I was interested in working for sustainability was to create a cleaner environment and establish good habits for our future.
Job Titles:
- President
- Associate Director of University Budget & Fiscal Planning
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of University Budget & Fiscal Planning
Job Titles:
- University Budget & Fiscal Planning
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Facilities Operations
Apart from managing the University's energy, utilities, and sustainability efforts, Dennis enjoys helping students with energy information for various class and senior projects. Dennis is a Cal Poly alum (ME '93) and taught HVAC design part time in the Mechanical Engineering Department. Outside of work, Dennis is an avid golfer, drummer, motorcyclist, and loves traveling and camping.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President
- Assistant Vice President of Strategic Business Services at Cal Poly
- Assistant VP, Strategic Business Services
Dru Zachmeyer is Assistant Vice President of Strategic Business Services at Cal Poly where he leads a variety of campus functions and initiatives focused around cost management, revenue generation, operational innovation and strategic advising. Drawing on private sector and class-leading business models, he has helped transform core business operations at Cal Poly resulting in improved efficiency, enhanced service levels and cost savings. Zachmeyer has emerged as a trusted advisor to the executive team and front-line management alike in areas including public-private partnerships, risk management, real estate and campus policy.
Prior to joining the Cal Poly business team, he practiced law with McCormick Barstow's national insurance coverage practice group and then transitioned into commercial real estate leasing and sales, most recently with CB Richard Ellis in Fresno.
Dru is a graduate of the UCLA School of Law and holds a California Real Estate Broker license.
Job Titles:
- Energy and Sustainability Analyst
Edgar is a Cal Poly alum (Electrical Engineer ' 16) and joined the Energy, Utilities, and Sustainability team in 2022. Edgar previously worked as a consultant to Cal Poly and other CSU's where he provided engineering support in implementing a software-based energy information system (EIS). During his undergraduate, he devoted much of his time to the ASI Craft Center as a student instructor and manager. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, working on cars and motorcycles, and continuously improving his home through various DIY projects.
Job Titles:
- Administration
- Budget Planning Manager
- Dean of Students
- Facilities
- Research
- Student Academic Services ( SAS )
- University Budget & Fiscal Planning
Job Titles:
- College of Science & Math
Job Titles:
- Member of the Energy and Water Conservation Team
- Energy and Water Conservation Team Member
My name is Esther Chou (she/her/hers) and I am a fifth-year mechanical engineering student concentrating in mechatronics. I'm from Temple City, CA, which gives me convenient access to museums and arboretums in Los Angeles and the aquarium in Long Beach. At home, I find myself immerse in the incredible and diverse Asian food varieties the 626 offers. In my free time, I enjoy baking, reading, playing video games, and watching long YouTube videos. As a new member of the Green Campus team, I'm excited to expand my knowledge about energy and water conservation as well as actively contribute to sustainability initiatives.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Sustainable Transportation Team
- Transportation Team Lead
My name is Felici. I am a fourth-year Business Administration major concentrating in Information Systems from Fremont, California. I am a Transfer Peer Mentor at Orfalea College of Business, a Mustang Mentor for underrepresented minority groups, and a member of OCOB Transfer Students. Also, I am passionate about project management. In my free time, I love hiking, exploring art museums on random days, and going on long bike rides, especially when I visit home. Looking at the photos I took, I would often have thoughts of "what-ifs" about our nature and the environment and how it is going to look in the future if we humans exist unmindfully. These thoughts led to my interest in sustainability. I am grateful to be part of the Sustainable Transportation Team in making Cal Poly a greener campus.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Energy and Water Conservation Team
- Energy and Water Conservation Team Lead
Fiona Reyes is a fourth year Environmental Management and Protection major with a minor in Sustainable Environments. This is her third and final year being a part of Green Campus. At home in Santa Clara, she loves hanging out with her family in their backyard with their two rescue dogs, one grumpy cat, and a flock of chickens. In her free time, Fiona likes going on hikes and spending time at the beach. She also enjoys cooking and baking, especially when she can use fresh ingredients from her backyard at home or from the farmers market. Fiona is interested in social justice and the intersectionality of many issues with environmentalism and sustainability. In the past she has explored some of these topics by interning at Santa Clara County's Water District or volunteering with a sea turtle research program in Costa Rica!
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police Which Encompasses the Departments of Police
- Assistant VP for Public Safety / Chief of Police
- Assistant VP for Public Safety / Chief of Police, University Police
George Hughes serves as Assistant Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police which encompasses the departments of Police, Emergency Management, and Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS).
George came to Cal Poly in August of 2012 after serving as Chief of Police at the School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. He began his career in law enforcement in Dayton, Ohio. Since, George has served communities in both municipal and campus policing in Durango, Colorado; Breckenridge, Colorado; and Golden, Colorado. He has served in various roles such as Detective, Training Officer, Undercover Narcotics and Vice, SWAT, Sergeant, Commander, and Chief of Police. During his career, George strives to build trust while fostering a holistic approach to public safety/community partnership to address crime and quality of life at each community to create a safe living, working, and learning environment for everyone.
George holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Ohio University, a master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University, and attended the Northwestern University's school of Police Supervision and Command.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Sustainable Transportation Team
- Transportation Team Lead
Haley Duran (she/her/hers) is a third-year City and Regional Planning major with a minor in Environmental Studies and Ethnic Studies from Santa Ana, California. She is an animal lover and has two Sulcata tortoises, a chicken, and two dogs. Haley enjoys baking and implementing plant-based ingredients into her recipes. She is involved in several clubs and organizations on campus including Eco Reps, Disability Alliance, ASP, and TRIO Achievers. She has the pleasure of serving as the ASI Secretary of Sustainability. Being a part of Green Campus and College Corps is an opportunity for her to learn more about sustainable transportation and infrastructure, a career field she is considering entering. She is excited to be involved in creating a greener Cal Poly.
Job Titles:
- Learning Technology Specialist
Job Titles:
- Assigned Payroll Areas
- Director of Payroll Services
Job Titles:
- Information Technology Services
Job Titles:
- Energy and Water Conservation Team Member
- Matul / Energy and Water Conservation Team Member
Jhon Chavez-Matul is a fourth-year Environmental Engineering major and a Photography and Video minor from Los Angeles, CA. He particularly loves landscape and street photography and hopes to raise environmental awareness one picture at a time. He also enjoys listening to music, eating good food, and playing video games. As someone who regularly geeks out over and appreciates cool tech, he is determined to work toward a balance between innovation and sustainability. He is excited to work with the Green Campus Team to develop valuable skills and experience to build a healthier relationship between people and their environment. In the past, Jhon has also been involved with the Water-Energy Sustainability Training Team (WESTT).
Job Titles:
- University Communications & Marketing
Job Titles:
- Lead Talent Acquisition Specialist
Job Titles:
- Director
- Administration Bldg. Room 106A
Kailey Latin (she/her) is a Graphic Communication major with a concentration in Graphics for Packaging. She discovered her love for graphic design while acquiring her associate degree in Communications at the College of San Mateo. Outside of Green Campus, Kailey is also on the student advisory board for her major and is the communication coordinator of the TAGA club chapter. Having grown up near San Francisco, she's always loved to hike, go to the beach, and exercise. In her free time, she also likes to cook, play tennis, and rewatch her favorite movies. She's been looking for ways to get more involved in sustainability efforts, and loves working for Green Campus because she feels like she's constantly absorbing more information on climate activism from the amazing staff while putting her talents toward tangible change.
Hello! My name is Kalea Conrad and I use she/hers pronouns. I am a (Spring '22) graduate of Cal Poly's Environmental Management and Protection program and am beginning the second year of my master's program in Environmental Sciences & Management. I am from Hermosa Beach, California, a truly beautiful beach town that inspired my desire to pursue an environmental science education. I am intrigued and preoccupied by inadequate plastic & organic waste management systems, and will undoubtedly dedicate my career to improving state-wide waste management. I am working on my graduate thesis with Dr. Nicholas Williams, conducting ethnographic research on plastic mulch utility and waste in strawberry production. Ultimately, I plan to pursue a career in agricultural waste management, regenerative agricultural extension, or work in the Organic Standards realm.
Job Titles:
- Energy and Water Conservation Team Member
Karen Morales De Leon is a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering major with a concentration in Mechatronics. Originally from Guatemala, Karen is a first-generation student from the Bay Area. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, drinking coffee, reading, and baking. She also has fun building in the machine shops and getting to understand how things work. She is excited to return to the Green Campus team and hopes to expand and learn about more sustainable solutions on campus.
Kylee is a Cal Poly graduate with her Masters in Public Policy (MPP '13). Prior to receiving her masters she studied Environmental Science at Humboldt State University (HSU), where she was actively involved in the Take Back the Tap campaign. Working with the Take Back the Tap team, Kylee began to develop her skills as a community organizer and saw her first big victory when HSU became the first public university in the nation to ban bottled water sales on campus. She has a passion for living a sustainable lifestyle and being active outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Director, Employee Experience and Organization Development
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Generalist
- HR Generalist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Sustainability Visibility Team
- Visibility Team Member
My name is Lilly Fulton (she/her/hers), I am a third-year Environmental Management and Protection major, and I am from San Diego, California. In my free time, I enjoy being active and outdoors as much as possible. I love to go to the beach, surf, hike, read, and hang out with friends and family. I love to travel to new places and experience new cultures, which allows me to appreciate the environment surrounding me even more. I am very passionate about volunteering whenever I can to give back to the community, especially regarding helping the environment. I am excited to work with the Visibility team for Green Campus this year and assist in implementing sustainable actions on campus.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Sustainability Visibility Team
- Visibility Team Member
My name is Lily Silverstein (She/They). I am a sophomore Biology major with a passion for wildlife conservation. My involvement with community service opportunities in San Luis Obispo pushed me to want to do more on my campus. In addition to volunteering with Pacific Wildlife Care, I am eager to broaden my horizons in all areas of science. I am passionate about sustainability as it calls attention to everyday actions and their effect on long-term goals. A susceptibility to boredom has resulted in several hobbies including gymnastics, acting, debate, etc. With many of my interests involving photography and media literacy, I am excited to bring further awareness to the Green Campus Team's impacts on a more sustainable campus.
Job Titles:
- Strategic Enrollment Management
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Coordinator
- HR Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Employee
- Services Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Energy and Water Conservation Team Member
My name is Madi Bennett-Wells and I am a third-year Environmental Management and Protection major with a minor in Indigenous Studies in Natural Resources. I am from Sacramento, CA, and when at home, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going on walks, and attending Sacramento Kings basketball games. Growing up, I had opportunities to experience new places and cultures, which gave me an immense love for our environment. Now, I am eager to give back so people can learn to love the world as I was able to. I am also passionate about helping preserve the environment, coming up with ways to lessen human impacts, and making a more equitable world for all. I studied abroad in Iceland this past fall to study climate change and the Arctic, but I am excited to be back with Green Campus and continue to work towards a more sustainable future!
Job Titles:
- Director HR Information Systems & Bus. Reengineering
Job Titles:
- Recruiter
- Senior Executive
Job Titles:
- Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
Job Titles:
- Infrastructure Program Fellow
Maya Sandhofer AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Program Fellow Maya (she/her) is a recent graduate from the University of California, Berkeley where she obtained a Bachelors degree in Public Health. Her interests lie in the intersection of human health and the environment and believes a healthy planet is important for healthy people. She has a particular passion for healthy, sustainable food systems. As an AmeriCorps Fellow, Maya has pledged 11 months of service supporting the development and oversight of volunteer programs that improve sustainability at Cal Poly. During her free time, she enjoys gardening, sewing, and soccer.
Job Titles:
- Cal Poly in 2021 As the Vice President for Facilities Management and Development
- Vice President / Facilities Management and Development
- VP, Facilities Management and Development
Mike McCormick joined Cal Poly in 2021 as the Vice President for Facilities Management and Development. He comes to Cal Poly with 35 years of experience, the last three serving as the vice president of Asset Management and University Architect for the University of Washington. In that role, he developed and implemented strategy planning for a facilities team of 1,000 employees who oversaw three campuses comprising 27 million square feet, and directly supervised professionals in sustainability, real estate, capital planning and delivery, campus planning, portfolio management, space management, engineering, energy conservation, preventive maintenance, and customer care.
Job Titles:
- Fiscal Planning Manager
- University Budget & Fiscal Planning
Job Titles:
- Talent Acquisition Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Corporation Administration Bldg. Room 115
- Director, Performing Arts Center
Ryan Gruss was appointed Managing Director in March of 2023. Gruss started at Cal Poly as the box office manager for the Performing Arts Center in 2013, before leading the unification process and creation of the Cal Poly Ticket Office in 2014. Gruss previously worked for four years at Azusa Pacific University as a ticket manager and assistant manager of the on-campus 3500-seat Felix Event Center. In 2017, Gruss added oversight of Performing Arts Center patron services including the volunteer usher program. Gruss is a Certified Venue Professional through the Internation Association of Venue Managers and is a proud member of Leadership SLO Class 30.
Gruss graduated from Azusa Pacific in 2008 with a degree in communication studies and later earned his master's degree in business management.
Job Titles:
- Programs Analyst - Specialist
Job Titles:
- HR Administrative Support Assistant
Steven Sturkie is a fourth-year Civil Engineering major originally from Portland, OR. As someone who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, Steven has a strong appreciation for the value and beauty of nature. He has had internship experience in solar panel roof installations and designing sustainable stormwater drainage systems. In his free time, he loves to hike, travel, and play sports.