The CCPA leadership elections for the 2023 calendar year are now open. Please review the candidate statements and biographies below before you vote!

President-Elect

Jose Medina III

Candidate Statement

Greetings CCPA Colleagues, it is with immense gratitude and honor that I accept this nomination for President-Elect with this great organization. I was introduced to CCPA back in 2020 when I was appointed as Graduate Student Representative. It was through this role on the leadership board along with the collaboration with numerous passionate student affairs professionals from the great state of California, that I realized that I had found my home. I decided to continue my service to the organization by applying for and being appointed the Director of Membership for the 2022-2023 year. This experience has allowed me to contribute to the continued growth of our association. Working alongside our board we have been able to accomplish many things as we slowly continue towards a post-pandemic world. Although our field is still heavily impacted by the pandemic, our organization continues to grow and provide space for student affairs professionals to learn, grow, and succeed. As the President-Elect for CCPA, my goal over my tenure will be to continue the growth of our organization by networking with our colleagues from across the state to see how our association can adapt to fit your needs both professionally and personally. Thank you in advance for your support.

Biography

Jose Medina III (he/him) is a California native born and raised in the Central Valley. He has roots in Merced, a city just north of Fresno, California. His commitment to the region and higher education helped to form his personal mission to promote college access for those who come from the surrounding communities. Jose currently serves as the Graduate Advisor for the School of Engineering at the University of California, Merced, and has over 5 years of experience working with students and families from diverse cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. He works in a collaborative environment with administrators, faculty, and support staff to empower students to become advocates for themselves and develop academic and career-related goals for success. Jose received his Bachelor of Arts in History and his Master of Science in Counseling – Student Affairs and College Counseling option from California State University, Fresno. Jose’s leadership has also been recognized in various ways, most recently as the Director of Membership for the California College Personnel Association (CCPA). He previously served as the Graduate Student Representative for CCPA. Jose is committed to serving California and the Central Valley region. He is proud that his academic and professional career has involved serving his community.

Director of Communications

Samantha Bautista

Candidate Statement

Samantha Bautista (she/her/hers) is seeking the opportunity to become the Director of Communications for the California College Personnel Association (CCPA). Through this role, she plans to provide effective communication as a liaison for the leadership officers and members of CCPA. Samantha has served in various leadership roles such as the Secretary of the Student Affairs and College Counseling Graduate Student Association, ASI Senator for the College of Social Sciences, and Assistant Coordinator for a Peer Mentor program. Through these roles she has assumed the responsibility of creating agendas, taking meeting minutes, managing social media pages and websites, writing newsletters, leading leadership trainings, and other responsibilities to support the team.

Samantha understands that communication is key for effective leadership, and will lead with passion and integrity.

Biography

Samantha Bautista (she/her/hers), is a first-generation college graduate student, and an aspiring higher education professional. Samantha received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Criminology in Spring 2021, and is anticipating to graduate with her Masters degree in Counseling- Student Affairs and College Counseling, in Spring 2023 at California State University, Fresno. She is currently serving as the AANAPISI (Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander- Serving Institution) Work-Based Learning Experiences Project Coordinator for the AANAPISI Initiative at Fresno State, which is a support program for Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Criminology students. She has dedicated over 5 years of experience of working with students from diverse backgrounds, and seeks to continue to provide support for students throughout their college journey. Samantha is passionate about serving students, seeking professional development opportunities, and making connections across campuses to increase equity-minded practices.

Election Timeline

October 12 – Nominations open
November 13 – Nomination period closes
December 7 – Voting opens online for all CCPA and California ACPA members
December 20 – Voting closes
As results are available – Elected candidates are contacted with the outcome.
January 11 – Election outcome announced to membership

If there are any questions regarding elections, please contact us at california@acpa.nche.edu. If you are interested in getting involved but perhaps not for one of the elected positions, we do have several appointed positions available!