Christina Ly
Christina LyPresident & Treasurer
Christina’s passion as a servant leader has impacted lives through developing education and training programs and building partnerships with businesses in San Bernardino County.
She has direct experience serving college students, veterans, the long-term unemployed, and at-risk youth from culturally and economically diverse communities.
Christina is currently the Community Service Coordinator for Goodwill Southern California, and One Stop Operator, San Bernardino County.
She has spent the last 20 years developing workforce related programs
for community based organizations and has managed grant funded programs in both Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.

Christina has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology from
California State University, Los Angeles and a Teaching Credential in Career Technical Education from the University of San Diego.
She has served on the Executive Board for the California Placement Association for over 5 years, and currently serves as President Elect/Treasurer 2021-2022.

Kimberly Carlson
Kimberly CarlsonPresident - Elect
Kimberly Carlson is a Career Development Program Specialist (think facilitator) for Los Angeles County Office of Education for the last 10 years. She is a leader in thinking outside the box when creating local community partnerships for workforce development projects and events. She has helped develop and organize local events such as a Jethawks Job Fair for the whole family to Short-term Trainings in Customer Service, CDL A, and Manufacturing with local colleges, companies, and service organizations. She provides resume writing, career coaching/counseling, case management, curriculum development, project management, and event planning knowledge to her clients and students. Kimberly enjoys conducting interactive job club classes, professional development soft-skills workshops, High School equivalency programs, Justice-involved/ReEntry events, and has spoken at Workforce Events throughout Los Angeles County.
Shelly Laddusaw
Shelly LaddusawSecretary
Shelly has been employed with Mt. San Antonio College for the past 6 ½ years. She is currently a Special Project Manager developing healthcare apprenticeships in the School of Continuing Education. Previously she was a Coordinator in the Short-Term Vocational Department. She enjoys volunteering for many campus activities and events and is a proud member of the Basic Needs Committee on campus.
Prior to joining Mt. SAC, Shelly was the School to Career Liaison and Business Development Strategist at La Puente Valley ROP; worked at the SELACO WIB where she administered a State discretionary grant and research project on the long-term unemployed population, and prior to that LA Works, a workforce development agency where she was the Training and Services Manager.
She has over 25 years of workforce development and higher education experience in developing and implementing programs for Adults and Youth, and developing and sustaining employer/community partnerships. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Cal Poly Pomona.
Greg Friedman
Greg FriedmanVice President of Northern CA
Greg Friedman is a Job Developer & Training Technician in the Educational Services Department for Merced County Office of Education. Greg provides Career guidance and preparation to Adults in our ROP programs throughout the county as well as facilitates several workshops and webinars throughout the year. Previously Greg worked with High School students providing College & Career preparation. He has also worked in the Special Education department overseeing ROP and managing the county’s WorkAbility grant and was the Coordinator for the We Can Work partnership with the Department of Rehabilitation. With these grant dollars, he has been able to place and pay training wages to over 175 students throughout 7 High School Districts.  Before working in Education, Greg was employed for over 22 years in a full service restaurant where he was General Manager and a Regional Kitchen Manager. He helped train, hire, and opened three new restaurants for Marie Callender’s. Greg’s previous experience allows him to understand industry perspective, what businesses look for in employees, and ways to connect with employers when reaching out for possible internship opportunities.
Sara Rivas
Sara RivasVice President of Central CA
Job Placement Specialist Antelope Valley College
Rosa Asencio, M.S.
Rosa Asencio, M.S.Co-Education/Partner Rep - South
Rosa Asencio earned her Master’s Degree in Leadership and Management from the University
of La Verne. She currently works at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC). At Mt. SAC Rosa serves on several campus governance committees. Serving as the Co-Chair on the Campus Equity and Diversity Committee she works with campus colleagues to foster a climate of equal access and opportunity in the campus workforce. As the Co-Chair on the
Classified Professional Development Committee she advises the campus Professional and Organizational Development department in providing professional development opportunities for staff. In 2014 she coordinated the first ever Classified Professional Development-Day. This annual event provides a full day of professional development activities for the entire Classified staff.

Rosa also serves her campus colleagues as the 1st Vice President on her local Chapter. On the State level she is the Area G Representative on the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Community College Committee addressing concerns at the community colleges.

Rosa has served on the California Placement Association for over 14 years. She has held executive board positions as the President, Past President, Vice President South, Treasurer and is currently the Education Partner Representative for the Southern Section. Rosa is also the hotel liaison for the CPA annual conference and board transition meeting. She received the Joan Crocker Service Award for Leadership in 2014.

Jackie Kennedy Harris
Jackie Kennedy HarrisEmployer Partner/Rep - North
Jackie Kennedy Harris is a specialized career coach and HR consultant. JKH Career Coaching & Consulting (JKHCCC), is a full-service resource center – dedicated to creating solutions for clients who seek assistance in career guidance, placement, training, planning and development. JKHCCC has built long-term relationships with colleges, universities, and vocational schools, to provide professional coaching and career advising to a diverse student population. Our services have expanded into communities to assist in career achievement and in-house training, by partnering with profit and non-profit organizations. Jackie graduated from California State University, Fresno, with a degree in Marketing/Management. She is the co-founder of the Fresno Area Recruiters Network, and a recipient of the Joan Crocker Service Award for Leadership.

Website: www.jkhccc.com

Keri Aaver
Keri AaverEmployer/Partner Rep - Central
Keri Aaver is the CEO of CareerWise Consulting LLC, a consulting firm specialized in working with government agencies, non-profits, and academic institutions to help remove their barriers to producing consistent employment results. She has 20+ years of innovative career and workforce development experience leading teams and individuals to success.
Keri has a master’s degree in Educational Counseling and is a certified CliftonStrengths Coach, as well as an ETP approved training subcontractor. Her greatest passion is building effective teams and programs with a strengths-based approach that increases employee engagement and retention while empowering jobseekers on a fast-track to achieving their employment goals with her Gateway to Employment Program.
She has had the pleasure and privilege of serving on a variety of boards in workforce and career development including two years as the President of the California Placement Association and a current Employer Representative, the NCDA Training and Education Committee since 2020, and more than 12 years as an active member of a wide variety of Community College Program Advisory Boards, industry advisory boards, and veteran employment boards.
In every role she takes on whether in the classroom, workforce agency, or career center, Keri actively shares her passion for helping all people to lead extraordinary strengths-based lives while developing their Work-Life Satisfaction! She is a single mother of two incredible daughters and is trying to make the world a better place for them and her future grandchildren.
Max Chuong Thai
Max Chuong ThaiEmployer/Partner Rep - South | Website & Branding Coordinator
Max Thai, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience, is a proud resident of Southern California where he was raised as a refugee. Throughout his career, he has successfully established multiple multimillion-dollar companies including Disc Works, Vertical Streaming, Janus Software, and Zero Six Media.
Max has cultivated strong relationships with a number of well-known organizations, including Google, the US Army, Universal, AllState, Toyota, and the University of New York to name a few. Additionally, he has gained the trust of several celebrity artists and local organizations.
Currently, Max is expanding his business ventures by integrating his line of services with the world of real estate. With the support of his vast network, he aims to provide modern solutions to buyers and sellers, ensuring they receive the best possible experience.
When he is not busy with work, Max dedicates his time to his two daughters, who he considers his greatest accomplishment.
Denise Crawford
Denise CrawfordExecutive Assistant to the President
Denise Crawford is the current past-president on the CPA board, has served in various capacities on the board, including conference chair, and has enjoyed working with the board and CPA members. Denise has worked at Bakersfield College for the past 26 years as the Program Manager of the Workability III program, providing employment services for students with disabilities. She also serves as the chair of the HIRE Committee of Kern County, a non-profit organization. Denise is married and has three adult children. Tel: 661-395-4659
Ann Steinberg
Ann SteinbergPolicies & Procedures
Retired December 2018 as Job Placement Director at Antelope Valley College. Has over twenty-nine years’ experience helping people find career driven employment. Has supervised up to 130 people in a 14,000 plus-student population. Directly responsible for the promotion of students and community via semiannual Job Fairs as well as arranged targeted recruitments for businesses.

Created Job Fair 101 workshops, resume workshops, and classroom job search orientations. Support youth employment programs through the local Americas Job Centers. Had written or assisted with the writing of nearly $5M in various state or federal grants. Am the Past President of the California Placement Association for 2004-06 and 2017-18.

Specialties: Managing and creating programs, matching people to jobs, working with companies, organizations, individuals, agencies at finding quality employees. Is able to visualize success; look for the strengths in others and how those strengths can benefit an employer or how a company can benefit with connection to an agency.

Rodnesha Hill, M.A.
Rodnesha Hill, M.A.
Rodnesha Hill is a Job Developer/Placement Coordinator for the Career Education Department at Mt. San Jacinto Community College. Hill, who goes by Nesha, brings 10 years of experience working in K-12 and higher education to include instructional and student services within a community college district. She has acquired valuable insights as a Behavior Analysis and Student Services employee, particularly serving students in the Career/Transfer Center department where it was her privilege to be able to support all students. Academically, Hill earned a master’s degree in education counseling and guidance with emphasis in community college counseling at Point Loma Nazarene University, and a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in ethnic studies from California State University, Northridge. Her mission is to continue being student-centered and allowing voices to be heard.
Martha Leyva
Martha Leyva
Workforce Professional – Certified Motivational Career Coach with over 15 years of experience specializing in employment services, program implementation, and workforce development procedures. Knowledge and expertise in setting up new employment programs under the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act and other State Grants. Passionate in developing and implementing new workforce programs to improve the livelihood of marginalized communities in a non-profit setting. Currently, Program Manager of 211 Careers for Inland SoCal United Way 211+.
Lorraine Sepeda
Lorraine SepedaEducational Rep / Northern CA
Lorraine Sepeda is a dedicated and results-driven Job Developer at Fresno City College with over five years of extensive experience in facilitating career growth and advancement for individuals. Possessing a comprehensive background in human resources, coupled with a previous 20-year career as a Deputy Probation Officer, she has honed my skills in workforce development, job placement, and strategic talent management. Her career journey has been shaped by a commitment to empowering individuals to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.
Lorraine’s multifaceted career journey, encompassing roles in job development, human resources, and law enforcement as a Probation Officer, has equipped her with a unique skill set and a deep passion for helping individuals achieve their career aspirations. She is committed to fostering collaboration, empowering individuals, and contributing to the growth and success of organizations and communities. As a Job Developer at Fresno City College, Lorraine looks forward to continuing her mission of facilitating career advancement and making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Jessica McGrath
Jessica McGrath

CPA Past Presidents

2022-24 Christina Ly Goodwill of So. California

2019-22 Rosalinda Rivas Chaffey College &  Moreno Valley College

2018-19 Denise Crawford Bakersfield College

2017-18 Ann Steinberg Antelope Valley College

2015-17 Keri Aaver College of the Canyons

2013-15 Rosa Asencio Mt. San Antonio College

2012-13 Eric Hilden Saddleback College

2011-12 Rudy Gutierrez Bakersfield College

2010-11 Wilda Wallace Antelope Valley College

2009-10 Maggi Dunsmore Victor Valley College

2008-09 Anthony Hou Coastline College (OC One-Stop) 

2007-08 Ed Smith San Joaquin Valley College

2006-07 Christina The Cerritos College

2004-06 Ann Steinberg Antelope Valley College

2002-04 Denise Crawford Bakersfield College

2000-02 Maggi Dunsmore Victor Valley College

1999-00 Jayna Gonzales Disneyland Resort

1998-99 Maggi Dunsmore Victor Valley College

1997-98 Marge Nielsen Saddleback College

1996-97 Gwyn Tracy Vocational & Educational Services 

1995-96 Chris DeHart Shasta College

1994-95 Sally Shepherd Cofer Career Direction

1993-94 Charles West Bakersfield College

1992-93 Ken Speed Butte College

1991-92 Yolanda Villegas Mt. San Antonio College

1990-91 Jan Ward Saddleback College

1989-90 Joe Richey Pacific Bell

1987-89 Joe Dias Rancho Santiago College

1986-87 Marilyn Hess Security Pacific National Bank 

1985-86 Joe Richey Pacific Bell

1984-85 Tony Bonno Pacific Mutual

1983-84 Bill George Pacific Telephone Company

1982-83 John Best Occidental Insurance

1980-81 Clarence Price Southern California Edison

1978-79 Rudy Dew Sacramento City College

1977-78 Shirley Kawazoe De Anza College

1976-77 Willis Kirk San Francisco City College

1975-76 Bob Slaght Fullerton College

1974-75 Kathy Brown Bank of America

1973-74 Gwen Hodges Compton College

1972-73 Juan Enos Ohlone College

1971-72 Murray Lewis Santa Monica City College

1970-71 Joe Amori San Francisco City College

1969-70 Jim Clines Rio Hondo College