Linked Learning Alliance Leadership Transition: President Christopher Cabaldon Announces Plan to Step Down
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2017
Hilary McLean, Executive Vice President | E: hilary@linkedlearning.org | T: 916.248.4848
Linked Learning Alliance President Christopher Cabaldon has informed the Alliance Board of Directors that he will step down from his role as president later this year. The Linked Learning Alliance Board of Directors today launches a search for a successor to replace Cabaldon, who has headed the Alliance since 2010.
“What began as a compelling idea in scattered pilots has now become a primary education and economic opportunity strategy for California,” said Cabaldon. “By redesigning state policies to support college and career readiness, investing more than $1 billion in Linked Learning approaches, and rallying employers, colleges, policymakers, school leaders, teachers, students, and the public to the cause, we’ve created a powerfully transformative, sustainable movement. Over the past decade the number of Linked Learning pathways has exponentially increased, and the Linked Learning Alliance has evolved from an informal coalition to an official organization with deep capacity for improving equity and expanding high quality pathways that prepare all students for success in college and career.”
“I have been supremely privileged to steward and energize this success with many leaders who advance the Linked Learning movement through their own work and within the Alliance. I am also grateful for collaboration with the talented team that provides staff support to the Alliance. The Linked Learning movement will continue to thrive because of the ongoing exceptional efforts of field leaders and staff.”
Cabaldon was the founding president of the Alliance, following a diverse career as vice chancellor of the California Community Colleges, president of EdVoice, higher education committee director for the California State Assembly, and current service as the State of California’s interstate higher education commissioner and as mayor of West Sacramento. Under his leadership, the Linked Learning Alliance established itself as an official non-profit organization governed by representatives from the Linked Learning field though a board of directors, councils, and panels. Cabaldon helped develop a strategic plan for the field that aims to significantly increase the number of underrepresented students who attain a career ready postsecondary certificate or degree. And, he oversaw efforts to develop Linked Learning Certification, Linked Learning Analytics, and LaunchPath – tools that support and incentivize high quality pathways.
“Christopher has been a catalytic force for the Linked Learning movement,” said David Rattray, Executive Vice President of the Center for Education Excellence and Talent Development at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, and Chair of the Linked Learning Alliance Board of Directors. “Thanks to his creativity and steady leadership, the Linked Learning field has set audacious goals to benefit thousands of more students, has a smart strategy for accomplishing this ambitious plan, and has systematically achieved key milestones along the way. Christopher’s record of innovation fused with a steadfast commitment to increase equity and improve the futures of young people is a legacy that will always inspire the Linked Learning field.”
Cabaldon has agreed with the Board to continue as President through the search process, which is expected to conclude this summer.
About Linked Learning Alliance
The Linked Learning Alliance is a statewide coalition of education, industry, and community organizations dedicated to improving California’s high schools and preparing students for success in college, career, and life. Established in May 2008, the Linked Learning Alliance aims to build a collective voice and coordinate efforts to expand access to Linked Learning in California-an approach to high school that integrates rigorous academics with real-world learning opportunities in fields of engineering, health care, performing arts, law, and more. | www.linkedlearning.org