Glen Nelson, CSU Monterey Bay’s new chief financial officer and vice president of administration and finance, recently applied for and gained a spot in the influential Leadership Monterey County 2022 program. 

The 10-month track educates a diverse cohort of local leaders across a range of industries—from healthcare to agriculture to government—to cultivate a better future for Monterey County businesses and the community in general. 

Some of the 30 in the class who will be joining Nelson include new KSBW President and General Manager Laura Williamson, Salinas Police Commander John Murray and Seaside Assistant City Manager Trevin Barber.

“We're excited that Glen is in good company!” said Kimbley Craig, executive director for Leadership Monterey County, mayor of Salinas and president and CEO of the Monterey County Business Council. “The focus of our program is to bring management-level individuals through the program to immerse them in the economic drivers of Monterey County.”

Craig further elaborated.

“Understanding different industries within the county is a critical element to advocacy and educated discussion around jobs, economic development, and workforce in our community,” she said. “We embrace the cross-sector partnerships between public, private, and nonprofit organizations to ensure we're creating a thriving county.” 

The business council’s chief operating officer and board chair of Leadership Monterey County, Paul Farmer, suggested Nelson seek a spot in the 2022 program to learn about the region’s complexity—and better navigate how its various leaders can collaborate.

“When [Nelson] was newer to the community, he really wanted to get more involved,” Farmer said. “If you really want to get connected and understand the area, Leadership Monterey County is a great way to do it.”

Nelson’s place in the program speaks to a desire to connect in depth with the many facets of the region as possible, as both an individual and a representative of the university. It also fits with his vision for CSUMB, which prioritizes access and social mobility.

“The university is at an inflection point,” he said late last year. “Transitioning from the early years of birth and formation to a period of growth and expansion.”

The Leadership Monterey County team says it is happy to have the Otters represented as it embarks on an ambitious class schedule that enlists top experts to expound on their fields including hospitality, nonprofits, and art—not to mention education, a session which CSUMB President Dr. Eduardo Ochoa helps host.

“We love our partnership with [CSUMB],” Craig said, “and have enjoyed Dr. Ochoa giving our cohort a comprehensive look at the plans the college has for their students.”

Glen Nelson has earned a master’s in international management and a doctorate in educational leadership and higher education. He has manned key posts with Fortune 500 companies and esteemed universities, and garnered praise for his research on underrepresented students.