Jesse Lopez

Dean, School of Business, Trades, and Apprenticeship @San Diego City College

San Diego, CA, US

As a Dean, I have successfully designed and executed large-scale learning architectures that aligned with institutional priorities and regional workforce demands. I spearheaded the development of the college’s first bachelor’s degree in Cyber Defense and Analysis, a cross-sector initiative that required curriculum innovation, faculty mentorship, and collaboration with advisory boards and government agencies. These efforts demonstrate my ability to design and implement learning solutions that prepare talent pipelines for future challenges in highly regulated and complex industries. Equally important, I have led teams of faculty, managers, and staff through leadership development initiatives that strengthened succession readiness and improved team effectiveness. From mentoring new leaders on high-impact practices to embedding DEIA principles into leadership training and curriculum design, I have consistently built inclusive cultures that foster growth and performance. At the same time, I have forged partnerships with employers and community organizations to expand apprenticeships, work-based learning, and professional development opportunities that align employee learning with business priorities. Additional responsibilities of the position include employee leadership and oversight; leadership in various shared governance committees; budget monitoring and management; grant compliance; performance review; coordination and management of contracts and independent contractors; development and coordination of marketing and outreach events related to career education; and development of business/industry partnerships. Provide leadership as a member of various college and district committees and workgroups, including IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism) Committee, Strategic Enrollment Management Committee, Apprenticeship Management Workgroup, Regional Deans’ Council, Regional Oversight Committee (ROC), and various career education advisory boards.