Community College League of California Expands Professional Development Offerings with Executive Assistants Professional Impact Program

The Community College League of California (the League) has launched the Executive Assistants Professional Impact Program (EAPIP), a comprehensive initiative designed to provide vital support and resources to executive assistants serving California community colleges. This program emerged as a response to the resounding success of the Annual Spring Executive Assistants Workshop.

“These enhancements to program offerings for executive assistants reflect the League’s commitment to professional development and mission to empower those working for California community colleges,” said Larry Galizio, Ph.D., League President & CEO. “Jane listened to feedback from many stakeholders and created a series that blends personal learning and skill advancement.”

The program series prepares executive assistants with the resources, knowledge, skills, and support network needed to maximize their effectiveness in their critical roles. The League aims to provide these workshops at an affordable cost so, that participating colleges receive a very high return on their investments in the training for these essential staff members.

“The League sought to create a unique program that recognizes the important role of executive assistants in supporting and ensuring the effectiveness of CEOs, Trustees, and other community college leaders,” Dr. Jane Wright, the League’s Director of Policy & Procedure Services, explained. “This innovative curriculum features three crucial components and is designed to have an impact that continues throughout one’s career.”

Dr. Wright has served California community colleges for more than 37 years. Of those, she spent 17 years at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), including the role as the Director of Marketing, Public Information, and Community Relations in the CEO/President’s Office. While serving at Mt. SAC, she recognized the significant role that high-quality service and support play in the effectiveness of community college administration, introducing customer service training for key college staff and highlighting the important role of executive assistants as critical linchpins integral to the success of the college.

The program is comprised of three components, the Executive Assistants Leadership Workshop, the Executive Assistants Legal Issues Workshop, and accessible online resources pages that will debut with the League’s new website.

The Executive Assistants Leadership Workshop debuted in conjunction with the League’s 2023 Annual Convention held in November. It provided 120 executive assistants from districts across the state with opportunities to enhance their skills, broaden their knowledge base, and strengthen their capabilities.  Workshop sessions included The History of California Community Colleges, The Art of Writing, Navigating Leadership Turnover/Transitions, Time Management & Effectiveness, Managing Up, and How to Bend Without Breaking. Sessions provided a platform for these professionals to learn best practices, exchange ideas, and build a support network to bolster their effectiveness in supporting CEOs, trustees, and other organizational leaders.

Participants found this new workshop to be most worthwhile. “The emphasis on the executive assistant’s role within the governance team was empowering and motivational,” said one Northern California executive assistant. “The networking with counterparts from across the State was priceless. Your team did an amazing job putting it together, and I am looking forward to attending many more!”

The program's second component, the Spring Executive Assistants Legal Issues Workshop, will concentrate on compliance with recent law and ensure executive assistants are informed of key governance-related topics pertinent to California community college districts. It will cover essential legal matters, including Brown Act compliance, Conflict of Interest Form 700 filings, the Public Records Act, parliamentary procedure, and much more. This event takes place April 30 – May 1, 2024, in La Jolla. Registration is currently open, and space is limited.

As the third component, the League is developing resource webpages with beneficial materials and information-sharing resources, further equipping executive assistants with practical tools for excelling in their roles. These webpages will be introduced as the League launches its new website later this spring.

Lisa Mealoy, League Chief Operating Officer, said, “The Executive Assistants Professional Impact Program represents a significant commitment by the League to empower and enrich the professional and personal growth of these invaluable organizational leaders, who play a crucial role in the success of California's community colleges.” 

For more information about programming for executive assistants or the Policy & Procedures program, visit the League’s website or contact Dr. Jane B. Wright at jwright@ccleague.org.