Cerritos College Board of Trustees Continues Stable Leadership
FOR IMMEDIATEL RELEASE: September 20, 2018
Media Contact: Miya Walker, Public Affairs; 562-860-2451 ext. 2292
NORWALK, Calif. - September 20, 2018 - The Cerritos College Board of Trustees will continue its stable and successful leadership as the District’s three open seats are unchallenged for the November 6 General Election. Three incumbents, James Cody Birkey (area 3), Dr. Shin Liu (area 5), and Zurich Lewis (area 7) will serve a four-year term from 2018 to 2022.
For the first time in the College’s history, all board incumbents are uncontested. Elections are held biennially in November of each even-numbered year. There is no limit on the number of terms that College board members may serve.
The Board ensures that Cerritos College adds value to the communities it serves. Through stable leadership and collaboration, the College continues to make substantial progress toward student success and community engagement. The Board instituted Cerritos Complete before it became the College’s official California Promise Program, dedicating $250,000 annually to provide students in the District with their first year of college free. Additionally, the Board approved the College’s first off-campus classroom site in partnership with the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District. Located in the City of La Mirada, residents across the Eastern portion of the District have more access to high-demand English, speech, and math classes. The Board also developed a Community Task Force to foster community engagement and give residents an opportunity to provide input. Additionally, the Board authorized the District to enter into a community workforce agreement emphasizing a commitment to increase local hires. The College’s accreditation was also renewed in 2015.
Members of the Cerritos College Board include:
Zurich Lewis was elected to the Cerritos College Board in 2014 to Trustee Area 7. With his board seat uncontested, Lewis was re-elected this year to serve his second term. He is currently serving his second year as president of the Board. Lewis is a lifelong resident of La Mirada who has faithfully served his community. He also serves as president of the Rotary Club. Lewis works as a law clerk for the Law Office of Lewis & Lewis in La Mirada.
Dr. Shin Liu was first elected to the Board in 2009, and is currently the board vice president, representing Trustee Area 5. Liu was re-elected uncontested in 2018 to serve her ninth year on the Board. She has also served as board secretary and clerk in her trustee role. Liu is a tenured professor of computer science at Rio Hondo College with extensive field expertise as a Microsoft Certified Software Engineer, Cisco Certified Network Engineer, and Blackboard Certified Trainer.
Martha Camacho-Rodriguez was elected to represent Trustee Area 1 in 2016, and is currently the board clerk. As a special education teacher at Dominguez High School in Compton, she teaches biology and environmental science to special-day class students on the diploma track. Camacho-Rodriguez is active in several educational and youth justice organizations.
Carmen Avalos represents Trustee Area 2, and was reelected in 2016. Avalos has served as city clerk for the City of South Gate since 2001. She is a member of the Latino Caucus and National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). Avalos also serves as the presidential appointee to the Administrative Services Committee of the League of California Cities.
James Cody Birkey was appointed to represent Trustee Area 3 in June 2017, and was elected uncontested to serve a full board term in 2018. Birkey is a resident of Bellflower, and is currently vice president at JLL, where he advises public institutions regarding strategic capital investments. He is active in several non-profits and community initiatives across Southeast Los Angeles County.
Marisa Perez was elected to represent Trustee Area 4 in November 2012, and was reelected in 2016. Perez has held the positions of board president and vice president. She currently serves as a board consultant to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Perez is active in an elementary school PTA, school site committee, and community organizations.
Dr. Sandra Salazar was elected to represent Trustee Area 6 in November 2012, and was reelected in 2016. Salazar’s record of public service includes serving on the medical advisory board of the California Community Foundation, volunteering with various community based organizations while also being a member of the local Kiwanis and the Norwalk Community Coalition.
-END-
Stay Connected