Across California’s network of 116 community colleges, the administrators and managers keeping the doors open and the lights on work tirelessly to support their faculty and 1.8 million students striving for a better life for themselves and their families.

Since its inception in 1975, the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA) has supported thousands of students with career-building programs, advocacy and resources to help them be successful.

The Association’s Executive Director, Susan Bray, has served the member elected Board of Directors for over 35 years, working to make its mission to  — “… develop and support current and future administrators of the California Community Colleges through professional development, networking and advocacy” — a reality.

As a nonprofit organization, ACCCA has devoted its resources to assisting members with legal and insurance benefits, professional development opportunities, business partnerships, advocacy and mentoring.

This summer, ACCCA is launching its 22nd Annual Bootcamp for administrators to help build essential technical and leadership skills. Earlier this year, ACCCA hosted its annual conference in Palm Springs, “United Leadership: Endless Opportunities,’’ drawing over 500 to spread a message of unity, collaboration and inclusion within the system.

“ACCCA is constantly moving forward and evolving to serve its members. We are doubling down on our efforts to prepare and sustain California’s community college management teams.” Susan Bray, ACCCA Executive Director

The community college system in California was hit particularly hard during the pandemic, but the colleges responded by continuing to be an integral part of supporting their communities, serving as COVID testing sites, building food pantries and even expanding housing resources for students.

“For these management professionals, more training is needed than there are programs to meet that need,” Bray says. “We are fortunate that so many of our members are also talented professionals, thought leaders and subject matter experts who are willing to give back to their profession by training the next generation of leaders.”

“I am so incredibly proud of my members and everything they have done,” she continues. “Community colleges continue to change lives.”