During its Annual Trustees Conference, the Community College League of California recognizes the enduring dedication and service of California’s community college trustees with the Fulfilling the Trust Award. This year, the League honored nine trustees who have achieved two or more decades of service.
Kathleen Brugger
30 Years, Chaffey Community College District
Kathleen Brugger has served on the Chaffey College Governing Board since 1993. Previously, she was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ontario-Montclair School District for 16 years.
Kathleen earned an associate in arts degree from Chaffey College and a bachelor of science degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She worked alongside her late husband leading a local construction business. Her former employment was in the field of social work with the County of San Bernardino.
Kathleen’s civic activities have included: San Bernardino County Committee on School District Organization, San Bernardino County School Boards Association, Montclair Chamber of Commerce, Montclair Kiwanis, Ontario YMCA, Assistance League, American Association of University Women, San Bernardino County Lincoln Club, Friends of the Ontario Museum. Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Kathleen to the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) Board in 2005. Chaffey College honored her with the "Alumni of the Year" award in 2002.
Joan MacGregor
30 Years, Santa Clarita Community College District 
A long-time resident of the Santa Clarita Valley, Joan began her career in public service on the Sulphur Springs Union School District Board, where she served for 20 years. Since her election to the Santa Clarita Community College District’s Board of Trustees, she has served in various roles from Clerk to President in her 30 years of service. She has also served as the Board liaison to the College of the Canyons Foundation Board of Directors and the Scholarly Presentation Committee. She is a Founding Patron of the Performing Arts Center and has generously donated to the College Foundation—funding student scholarships, as well as the Library Associates, the building fund for the University Center and the iCue building. She takes pride in celebrating the accomplishments of the college, supporting employees and students by attending various college meetings, events and celebrations.
Joan resides in Canyon Country, with her two treasured rescue puppies (Millie and Mandy) and her two lovebirds named Gladys and Frank. Her beloved husband Douglas passed away eight years ago. She has eight great-grandchildren ranging in age from 3 to 10 years old. She is also an avid gardener and takes pride in her rose garden and collection of birdhouses.
“As someone who has over 50 years of selfless service as a board member in K-6 and our community college district, Joan MacGregor’s leadership in advancing professional development, communication and advocacy among trustees has set a standard for all to aspire to, and made a tremendous difference in the educational system in the Santa Clarita Valley,” said Santa Clarita Community College District Chancellor Dr. Dianne Van Hook. “Passionate about enhancing access for all, Joan played a critical role in developing our 2nd campus – College of the Canyons, Canyon Country Campus and in advancing our workforce training for emerging business and the ever-changing workforce population. She is thoughtful, organized, focused, and invests herself in all she does. She sets a clear vision and aims for excellence in all fronts.”
Lori Cardoza
20 years, Sequoias Community College District
Lori Cardoza, a lifelong resident of Tipton and Tulare, was appointed in 2003 to represent Ward 4. Lori is a product of local K-12 schools, a graduate of COS and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she earned a BS in Agriculture. Her knowledge of the dynamics that influence all aspects of the Valley – economics, agriculture, social concerns, education -- made her the logical choice to serve on the Board of Trustees.
Lori has been an anchor on our Board for two decades and we are so grateful for her commitment to students, faculty, and staff at the College of the Sequoias,” said Brent Calvin, Superintendent/President, College of the Sequoias. “We are lucky to have her representing this region!”
Phil Kranenburg
20 Years, Marin Community College District
Philip J. Kranenburg is the Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at EarthGrid PBC. He has 25 years of experience advising and providing executive leadership for venture-backed technology and financial services companies. Phil was first elected to the College of Marin Board in 2003. He has served as Board President and his Board service has included serving on committees such as CEO Evaluation/ Compensation, Board Evaluation, Fund Development, Board Policy, Sustainability, and Indian Valley Campus.
“In his 20 years as a Trustee, Phil Kranenburg has championed our continued innovations to increase student success, and he has always been a strong voice for fiscal prudence, and sustainable policies to address climate change,” said Diana Conti, Marin Community College District Board member. “His long service to the College of Marin has helped it thrive and continue to serve our students in ever-increasing ways.”
Kay Meek
20 Years, Kern Community College District
Kay Meek represents the southwest Bakersfield service area, Area VII and was provisionally appointed in January 2003 to fill a vacant seat. She served an earlier two-year term after being elected in a special election to fill a vacated seat. Kay's previous employment was with California Republic Bank as a Senior Vice President and is a former Executive Director of the Bakersfield College Foundation. She was elected Board President in December 2006 and 2017. She is the current Chair of the Board Finance & Audit Committee and serves on the Board Evaluation Committee.
“Kay Meek has been recognized as a leader throughout her professional career and years of public service,” said Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Kern CCD Board Vice President. “She has worked as Senior Vice President of a local bank and as Executive Director of the Bakersfield College Foundation. She has served multiple terms as President of the Kern CCD Board of Trustees and is currently the chair of the Kern CCD Board Finance and Audit Committee and Board Evaluation Committee. She is thoughtful in her leadership and does not hesitate to speak up for students. She is a strong advocate for student veterans and the resources they need to succeed. It is an honor to serve with her on the Kern CCD Board of Trustees. This recognition is a long time coming for a woman who has shown true leadership and dedication to serving over her lifetime.”
Robert Owens
20 Years, West Valley – Mission Community College District
Robert T. Owens is a retired attorney who served as a deputy Santa Clara County counsel for 19 years. A graduate of Santa Clara University with degrees in law and civil engineering, he is a lecturer in the SCU graduate education administration program.
“For over two decades, Bob Owens has stewarded the district's resources with unparalleled precision and a profound sense of public service,” said West Valley – Mission Community College District Chancellor Bradley Davis. “His tenure is defined by a steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility, ensuring the board's decisions reflect the highest standards of ethics and accountability. Bravo, Bob—your continued diligent service to education has left a profound impact on the West Valley-Mission Community College District community.”
Dick Rogers
20 Years, Copper Mountain Community College District
Dick Rogers started on the board after retiring from Cooper Mountain College and has seen the college go from vacant land to the wonderful campus that it is today. He is very proud to have made a contribution to the college's success and to be a part of it.
Rachael Spencer
20 Years, Cabrillo Community College District
Rachael Spencer has served on the Cabrillo College Board of Trustees since 1994. In that time, she co-founded and contributed to the Women’s Educational Success Program at the Cabrillo College Foundation. Starting with a pledge of small amounts from just a few donors, the fund has now grown to an annual campaign that raises more than $250,000 a year to support students in need of emergency funding to stay in college. With little to no questions asked, WES grants can be delivered just 24 to 48 hours after a student of need is identified. The fund’s endowment has provided more than $1 million in grants over the 20-year history of the program. Rachael is an active donor to the WES Fund and the Cabrillo College Foundation.
Loren Steck
20 Years, Monterey Peninsula Community College District
Loren Steck has been an MPC Trustee since 2003. During his tenure, Loren has chaired Presidential searches and expanded the number of endowed student scholarships. He demonstrates his commitment to the Monterey community by having served as a liaison for Community Human Services, MPC's Foundation, as well as the Governing Board Policies and Board Self-Evaluation Committees. Loren is a member of the statewide California Community Colleges Trustees board, where he focuses on funding and student success.
“Loren is a delight to work alongside and I have learned a great deal from him,” said Libby Downey, Monterey Peninsula Community College District Governing Board Trustee for Area 3 - Monterey.
