Alumni Association
Alumni House
Board of Directors
The Cal State Fullerton Alumni Association Board of Directors is an involved group of alumni who volunteer to represent all our Titan graduates. The Board plans Alumni Association programs, events and benefits and serves as an advisory committee toward alumni activities with the university.
Executive Committee
Antonia Castro-Graham ’00, M.P.A. ’02
President
Vice President, Policy and Regulatory Affairs
Avantus
Antonia is the Vice President, Policy and Regulatory Affairs for Avantus, a clean energy company. She previously held the position of Director of Energy Policy and Strategy, Americas for BayWa, a leading renewable energy project developer. Prior to this position she served as Vice President of a Public Affairs firm and spent more than twenty years working in local government. She served as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Fullerton and as the Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Huntington Beach. She led regional efforts and created the Orange County Recycling Market Development Zone and created a working group of cities to study community choice energy, eventually forming the Orange County Power Authority. She holds a BA in Political Science and American Studies and an MPA with a concentration in Public Finance from CSUF as well as a master’s degree in Sustainability from Arizona State University. She was selected as the Arizona State University School of Sustainability Alumni of the Year (2018) and the 2022 CSUF MPA Alumni of the Year.
Nicholas Cabeza ’18
Immediate Past President
Regional Public Affairs Manager
League of California Cities
Nicholas Cabeza has served on the Alumni Association Board since July 2019, including as President, 2023-25. He graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in public administration from California State University, Fullerton, where he participated in the Sacramento Semester Program and interned at the State Capitol. Nicholas currently serves as the Regional Public Affairs Manager at the League of California Cities. In this capacity, Nicholas works with Gateway Cities and the City of Los Angeles to expand and protect local control through education and grassroots advocacy. He previously held the position of Government Affairs Analyst for the City of Long Beach, managing legislative and funding priorities. He previously worked in government relations in Long Beach and with the California School Boards Association. Nicholas also holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Certificate in Public Policy from the University of Southern California.
Vanessa Acuña ’02, T.C. ’03, M.S. ’07, Ed. D. ’23
Vice President, Student Alumni Engagement
Director of Human Resources
Chino Valley Unified School District
Dr. Vanessa Acuña began her career in education as a classroom teacher in the East Whittier City School District, where she dedicated 17 years to supporting students and families. She went on to serve as a school administrator for six years and currently holds the position of Director of Human Resources for the Chino Valley Unified School District. A proud first-generation college graduate, Dr. Acuña is a four-time alumna of California State University, Fullerton, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, a multiple subject teaching credential, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and a doctorate in educational leadership. She is currently serving her second term on the CSUF Alumni Association Board and is a former board president.
William Bryan ’02
Vice President, Community & Campus Outreach
Wealth Manager
LPL Financial Advisor
William Bryan has been in the financial service industry since 1989. In 2011 he became a financial adviser with Edward Jones and in 2013 transitioned his business to LPL Financial as an Independent Wealth Manager, where he founded WHB Financial (Wealth, Health & Business financial services.) Before becoming a financial adviser, he spent 23 years with the Capital Group/American Funds, one of the largest money management firms in the world. During his 23 years with the Capital Group, he served in various roles, including being The Endowment & Foundation Specialist, in the Institutional Investor Service Group, where he focused on helping “People that do good, to do good”. In 1985, he earned a full- ride scholarship to play football at Cal State Fullerton (1985-1989). He returned CSUF many years later and earned a BA degree in Business/Economics with emphasis in personal financial planning in (2002).
Chad Eimers, M.S. ’21
Vice President, Finance
Attorney
BakerHostetler
Eimers is an attorney at BakerHostetler in Orange County, practicing patent law. To increase his technical background, Eimers returned to school after law school and chose CSUF to obtain his master’s degree in electrical engineering. The evening (part-time) program allowed Eimers to attend Cal State Fullerton while working full-time. As an attorney at BakerHostetler, Chad focuses on drafting, preparing, and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications for portable electronic devices, wearable electronic devices, accessories, and infotainment, as well as medical/healthcare (artificial intelligence and machine learning), augmented reality, virtual reality, networking and video distribution and solid- state memory devices. He collaborates with client in-house counsel, engineers, and inventors and discusses cases with patent examiners as new applications move through the process.
Vince Fabrizio ’89
Vice President, Advocacy & Philanthropy
Chief Deputy District Attorney (retired)
Riverside County
Vince Fabrizio earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1989 from Cal State Fullerton. Vince was a President’s Scholar, ASI President and a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity. After graduating, Vince was a Jesse Marvin Unruh California State Assembly Fellow 1989-90. He graduated with a JD from UC Davis in 1993. He served in the Riverside County District Attorney’s office since 1994.
Vanessa Pinzon ’09
Vice President, Communications & Marketing
Media Director
Exverus Media
Vanessa Pinzón is a seasoned marketing and media professional with over 18 years of experience driving results for leading national and global brands. A proud Orange County native and graduate of California State University, Fullerton, Vanessa earned her degree in Communications with an emphasis in Advertising. During her time at CSUF, she was an active member of Sigma Kappa Sorority and the Advertising Club, and she continues to stay engaged as an alumna. She spent more than 12 years at Casanova//McCann, where she led the digital media team and played a key role in the agency’s strategic growth. Currently, she serves as Media Director at Exverus Media, where she oversees integrated media strategies for high-profile clients. In addition to her corporate achievements, Vanessa is also an entrepreneur. She is the founder of Soulcial Butterfly, an event planning company specializing in curated experiences for picnics, showers, and celebrations, blending creativity with personalized design.
Directors at Large
Joe Ahn ’93
Director
Senior Manager and Director of Governmental Affairs
Lockheed Martin
Joe is currently Director of Government Relations and Senior Business Development Manager with Advanced Development Programs (Skunk Works) at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. Joe joined Lockheed Martin from Northrop Grumman Corporation following more than a two-decade tenure, where he served most recently served as senior manager of state and local government affairs on the corporate strategy and development team. During his career at Northrop Grumman, Joe also held positions as the aerospace systems sector division manager. He began his career as a government relations representative at the corporate office headquarters. Prior to his tenure in the aerospace and defense industry, Joe held key leadership positions of increasing responsibility in the state of California, including executive leadership in the Office of Governor Gray Davis, State Board of Equalization Vice Chair John Chiang, Los Angeles County District Attorney Gil Garcetti, Los Angeles Board of Education, and the California Assembly’s Minority Ways and Means Committee.
Kevin Bui ’02
Director
CEO/President
Kevin Bui Real Estate
As a seasoned real estate expert with more than two decades of experience in banking, finance, real estate, and mortgage loans, Kevin take pride in serving the Orange County and Los Angeles area. His passion for real estate is evident in his ability to employ innovative and creative strategies to achieve the best possible results. As of January 2024, he has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce, embracing the opportunity to make a significant impact on the Fountain Valley community, its businesses, and the city he calls home.
Bob Crellin ’90
Director
Director of Sales
Avidex
Bob Crellin earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications in 1990. He is currently the Director of Sales at Avidex Industries, where he channels his passion for audio-visual integration. Over his distinguished career, Bob has significantly contributed to the industry by developing new markets and standardizing products. Bob has been happily married to his wife, Kristin, also a CSUF alumna, for 32 years. They have two children: their daughter, a graduate of ASU-FIDM, and their son, a proud Titan who graduated in 2021.
CHArity Ellis ’02
Director
Owner/CEO
Capili Ellis Design
Charity Capili Ellis (she/her) graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2002 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design. In 2007, she received her Master of Fine Arts in Visual Art from Azusa Pacific University. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer for Loren Myers & Associates, a design company specializing in employee benefits communication. Throughout her career, Charity has enjoyed teaching design classes and creating designs for clients in a variety of industries. She has worked with Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Loyola Marymount University and Loyola High School of Los Angeles. Thankful for the opportunities that stemmed from her time at CSUF, she is excited to serve on the Alumni Association Board and looks forward to engaging with the greater CSUF community.
Luis Estevez ’99
Director
Director of Public Works & Sustainability
City of Irvine
Luis is a proud Titan alumnus where he earned a B.A. in Political Science. During his time at CSUF he was also an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. in 2001, he earned an MPA from Long Beach State. Over the past 26 years, Luis has served in various local government management capacities most recently serving as the Deputy City Administrator for the City of Placentia. He is currently the Director of the Great Park for the City of Irvine. Luis has led numerous award-winning local government programs and services and has overseen the delivery of more than $100 million in public works capital improvement projects during his career. In his current capacity he is the executive responsible for the construction and operation of the $1.2 billion Great Park located at the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. Luis was appointed in 2021 to represent the Orange County Fourth District on the Emergency Medical Care Committee providing County Supervisors with policy advice on emergency medical services and was a CSUF Management Fellow for the School of Political Science/Public Administration in 2023-24.
Nick Jones-Liang ’06
Director
Global PR Director, Diablo
Activision Blizzard
With almost 20 years of experience in entertainment communications, Jones- Liang is the global PR director for Diablo at Activision Blizzard. Before his current position, he was the director of series publicity at Netflix, focusing on young adult and drama series and overseeing such shows as “Shadow and Bone,” “Locke and Key” and “Cobra Kai.” Previously, his work on the nonfiction team at Netflix had him leading the launch of several notable unscripted television series, including Emmy-award winner “Queer Eye,” Emmy-nominated “Nailed It” and “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo.” Prior to Netflix, Jones-Liang worked in both agency and studio settings, with a focus on reality and talk shows. Jones-Liang served as a volunteer for the nonprofit Reading to Kids, where he organized weekend reading clubs for local K-5 elementary school students.
Gleanne Kienzler, Ed.d. ’23
Director
Belonging, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (BDEI) Engagement Manager
Children’s Hospital of Orange County
Dr. Gleanne Kienzler is a proud first-generation college graduate and alumna of CSUF’s Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership. She spent 15 years advancing the student experience at institutions including CSUF, Claremont McKenna College, and Brown University. She later transitioned to healthcare and now serves as the Belonging, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Engagement Manager at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, where she fosters a culture in which every patient, family, and team member feels supported, valued, and empowered. Dr. Kienzler earned her bachelor’s in Hospitality & Tourism Management and an MBA from Hawai‘i Pacific University.
Christopher Lamberth ’94
Director
Project Manager
E2 Contracting, Inc.
Christopher is the project manager for E2 Contracting, Inc. as the PM and CM for commercial earthwork contracting. Prior to his current position, he was the principal of venues global business strategy for HKS, Inc. He previously was principal of sports architecture at TVS Designs. In that role, he led the sports design practice for a national architectural firm. Responsibilities include setting the marketing strategy for the sports practice, establishing and maintaining client relationships, and targeting new project opportunities nationally. He currently volunteers at his children’s schools and has previously served on the Titan Athletics Board.
Linda Lara ’02
Director
Managing Partner
Lara & Luna APC
Linda Luna Lara is the Managing Partner and co-founder of Lara & Luna APC, a law firm dedicated to advocating for employee rights in the workplace. As an Employment Law litigator, Ms. Lara has devoted her career to representing employees in matters involving illegal discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour violations. Her advocacy and results have earned her recognition, including being featured on the cover of Orange County Lawyer Magazine as the “Employee’s Advocate.” She has also been consistently named a “Super Lawyer”. Ms. Lara is a proud alumna of California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), where she earned her B.A. in Political Science. During her time at CSUF, she demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and civic engagement, serving as Vice President of the Associated Students, a Board Member of the Titan Student Union, and participating in the prestigious Leon & Sylvia Panetta Institute for Public Policy. She was also a member of Delta Zeta Sorority and continues to honor her alma mater through active involvement and community support.
Edith Marcel ’03
Director
Migrant Education Assistant
Los Angeles County Office of Education
Edith Marcel is a training and development specialist focusing on early childhood education. She values public education and is passionate about service and advocacy for students and families in her community of West Whittier Los Nietos. She currently serves on the Los Nietos Elementary School Board and has had more than ten years of experience in volunteering and working alongside different committees within her community. She previously served as Plaza de La Raza Child Development Services board chairperson. She was a former community representative for Promotoras, Healthy Los Nietos Collaborative, and served as a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force for Child360.
Nylinne Nguyen ’12, MBA ’19
Director
Senior Transportation Funding Analyst
Orange County Transportation Authority
Nguyen has more than 12 years of experience specializing in various industries such as banking, utilities, and transportation. Currently, she is a transportation funding analyst for the Orange County Transportation Authority. Nguyen is dedicated to using her experience to strengthen alumni advocacy and financial support to the university. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in business administration from Cal State Fullerton. Nguyen enjoys traveling to explore and try out local cuisines in her free time. She also loves to bake because it allows her to share and connect with her family and loved ones.
Kim Smith-Grime ’85
Director
Chief Financial Officer
Bejac Corporation
Kimberlee Smith-Grime completed her bachelor’s degree in business administration (accounting) at Cal State Fullerton in 1985 and obtained her CPA license in 1988. She is currently the Chief Financial Officer for Bejac Corporation which is a preeminent specialty equipment dealer with locations across the western United States. She has experience in an array of businesses including closely held, municipalities, non-profit, manufacturing, and distribution. Kimberlee has been involved with the Cal State Fullerton Alpha Chi Omega House Corporation chapter serving as treasurer for over a decade. She was recognized for her exceptional service in 2018 as the National Local House Corporation volunteer of the year.
Kathy Yu-Scanlon ’10
Director
Corporate Social Responsibility Representative
Pixar Animation Studios
Kathy Ting-Ting Yu-Scanlon (she/her) graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Communications. She spent the first 10 years of her career in media and advertising sales, working at Saatchi & Saatchi LA, Wavemaker, Hulu, and TikTok. She then decided to pursue a career pivot, and received her Masters in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from Northeastern University in 2023. She currently works at Pixar Animation Studios and Disney Entertainment on their CSR teams. She grew up in El Monte, CA and moved to the SF Bay Area in 2013.
Ex-Officio
Kimberly Shiner
Vice President, University Advancement
Kimberly Shiner has spent more than two decades in higher educational advancement, communications, and government and community relations. She has worked in key leadership roles in advancement and communications for Pitzer College, Cal State University, San Bernardino and the University of Southern California (USC). Prior, Kim worked for top public relations firms including Lages & Associates, Ruder Finn and Carl Byoir and Associates (part of Hill and Knowlton). She is also an alum of LC's California Issues and Trends program, the African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI), and the Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP) Regional Leadership Academy. Kim received her bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s in public administration from California State University Northridge.
Bill Cole ’90
CEO/Executive Director
Assistant Vice President, Alumni Engagement
Bill Cole joined Cal State Fullerton as the Assistant Vice President and CEO/ Executive Director in 2020. In this role, Cole provides visionary leadership to the Office of Alumni Engagement and the CSUF Alumni Association, a California non- profit organization. He leads a dedicated team in developing and implementing strategies designed to engage, cultivate, serve, and steward alumni relationships, enhancing support for Cal State Fullerton's vision, mission, and priorities. Additionally, he oversees the management of the Alumni Association's funds and spearheads fundraising initiatives that support both the alumni association and student engagement programs, serving a global network of over 334,000 alumni. Before his tenure at Cal State Fullerton, Cole spent over eighteen years at UC Riverside in alumni relations. As Associate Executive Director, he managed legislative advocacy, alumni constituency groups, regional events, and international alumni relations. He also provided oversight for student relations programs, scholarships, career resources, alumni awards programs, and the UCR Parents Association.
Ken Hagihara ’99
Faculty Representative
President, Integrity Public Relations, Inc.
Lecturer, California State University, Fullerton
Ken Hagihara is a full-time lecturer in the CSUF College of Communications and is the president of Integrity Public Relations, Inc., a public relations agency serving technology companies and nonprofit organizations. A member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) College of Fellows, Ken contributes to the global public relations profession through several leadership roles which include the Universal Accreditation Board, PRSA Educators Academy, and National Faculty Adviser for the Public Relations Student Society of America. A retired Navy lieutenant commander, he also serves on the board of the Pacific Battleship Center and is the outreach committee lead for the annual LA Fleet Week. Ken holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from California State University, Fullerton, and a master’s in communication management from the University of Southern California.
Standing Representative
Verne Wagner ’77
CSU Alumni Council Representative
Verne D. Wagner is a long-time supporter of Cal State Fullerton as a volunteer, leader and donor and is the recipient of the CSUF Vision & Visionaries Distinguished Alumna award. She currently represents the Alumni Association on the CSU Alumni Council. She has given of her time and talents to the university serving as a member of the President’s Associates, including as chair, for more than 20 years, the President’s Scholars selection committee for twelve years and is a founding member of the Guardian Scholars board of directors. Additionally, she served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, including a term as president in 2009-2010.
Wagner’s extensive contributions also include serving on the Philanthropic Foundation Board of Governors, being a founding member of the Women in Philanthropy support organization, and being named one of the university’s 50 Women of Distinction. She participated in the CSUF 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee, the Gala Committee for the opening of the Joseph A.W. Clayes III Performing Arts Center, and the Blue Ribbon Committee for Front & Center. Her commitment extends to several scholarship selection committees and fundraising efforts for the College of the Arts. In recognition of her unwavering dedication, the Fullerton resident has received the university’s Volunteer of the Year Award four times.
Jordan Tonsay
President, Student Alumni Ambassadors
Jordan Tonsay is a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student at California State University, Fullerton. She is pursuing a career in HVAC engineering, building on her experience as an intern with Critchfield Mechanical Inc. She is actively involved in campus organizations, including Titan Rover and Women in Computer Science and Engineering, and currently serves as President of the Student Alumni Ambassadors. A dedicated leader, Jordan fosters connections between students and alumni, strengthens Titan Pride, and advocates for mentorship opportunities to empower women in STEM.
