James Cody Birkey
Trustee Area 3

Beginning in 2017, James Cody Birkey has represented Trustee Area 3, which encompasses the majority of Bellflower. He has since been elected twice, and served as President of the Cerritos College Board twice (2021 and 2022).

 

During his service on the Board, Birkey has focused on the College’s budgeting and financial health and expanding access for students in need. His work has included championing student housing projects and revenue-generating activities that help fund tuition waivers and tutoring.

 

Birkey holds a master's degree from Harvard University in real estate economics and finance, with distinction, and received the Mansfield-Colloredo Prize for achievement in the field. He earned bachelor’s degrees in architecture and international economics, both cum laude, from the University of Oregon. He also holds a professional certificate from the University of Oxford-Saïd Business School.

 

Birkey has lectured at several institutions in the fields of design and economics. He is active in several non-profits and social justice initiatives in Southeast Los Angeles County and elsewhere.

 

Professionally, Birkey works in the private sector advising universities on finance and major capital investments for their future. A proud Bellflower resident, he is married to Chrissy Birkey and they have two children who attend schools in the Bellflower Unified School District.