Meet our VCCCDRA Board Members! Our board consists of members of our retiree community who serve on the board on a voluntary basis.
Susan Bricker – President
Susan joined the Executive Board as President in 2022. Susan began her VCCCD career at Moorpark College in 1989, then worked in Admissions and Records at Ventura College for 26+ years, holding various positions and ultimately retiring as Registrar. She holds BA and MA Degrees in Organization Management. Her retirement pleasures include walking, reading, spending time with family and friends, and being trained by her two Glen of Imaal Terriers.
Diane Moore – Immediate Past President
Diane joined the Executive Board in 2021 as President and currently serves as Past President. She served as English Professor at Oxnard College from 1967 to 1986, Dean of Liberal Arts and Learning Resources at Ventura College from 1986 to 2008, and Acting Vice President of Instruction at Moorpark College from 1995 to 1996.. Diane has a BA and MA in English and an EdD in Management in Higher Education.
Robin Douglas – Vice President
Robin joined the Executive Board as Vice President in 2024. Robin began her years with VCCCD as a bilingual adjunct instructor of Child Development at Oxnard College from 1995 to 1997. She then served as Child Development Center Supervisor at Ventura College from 1997 to 2021 and as adjunct professor of Child Development from 2001 to 2021. She wrote and coordinated three federal Department of Education grants and several California Child Development Training Consortium grants from 2002 to 2021. Robin holds an MS in Child Development and Family Relations.
Harry R. Culotta – Benefits Committee Chair
Harry joined the Executive Board in 2006 as Vice President and currently serves as the Benefits Committee Chair. He has also served as President, Vice President, and as Newsletter Editor on the board. Harry’s career consisted of 32 years in community college business management, both at the district and college level. He served at both the Ventura County Community College District and the South Orange County Community College District. Harry was previously a full-time student in the community college system. Harry earned an AA degree from Santa Ana College, a BS degree from the University of Southern California, and an MBA from USC. He is proud to have worn the uniform of the United States Army from 1970 to 1972. It was the G.I. Bill benefits resulting from his military service that enabled Harry to complete his undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Michael Bowen – Membership Committee Chair
Michael Bowen joined the Executive Board in 2024 as chair of the Membership Committee. He taught physics, astronomy, and mathematics at Oxnard College from 1991 to 2005, and mathematics, physical science, and computer science at Ventura College from 2005 until his retirement in 2022. He also served as the interim articulation officer at Ventura College for several semesters and was Ventura’s curriculum committee chair for six years. He holds a BA (UC Berkeley) and MS (UCLA), both in physics. His father, Donald Bowen (retired accounting instructor and former business department chair at Moorpark College), is also a VCCCDRA member.
Marie Soo Hoo – Secretary
Marie joined the Executive Board in 2010 and serves as Secretary. Marie graduated from and started her career at Ventura College in 1970 in the Admissions & Records Office. Eventually she went to work at the District Office as secretary to the District’s first affirmative action officer. From there she moved over to work in various positions in the Human Resources office. She retired in 2008 from her position as Human Resources Supervisor.
David Magallanes – Treasurer
David joined the Executive Board in 2022 as Treasurer of the Association. He joined the Department of Mathematics at Oxnard College in 1978, starting as a part-time mathematics instructor. He became a full-time Professor of Mathematics in 1994 and taught there until 2019.
David has a BS in Electronic Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, 1974, and an MS in Engineering from California State University, Northridge, 1976. The degree of which he is most proud is his AS in General Liberal Arts and Sciences from Oxnard College, 2003.
Larry Manson – Educational Issues Committee Chair
Larry joined the Executive Board in 2010 and serves as chair of the Educational Issues Committee. Hired in 1970, Larry taught English, reading and Western Civilization at Ventura College. He retired in 2006.
Carolyn Dorrance – Scholarship Committee Chair
Carolyn joined the Executive Board in 2020 and serves as chair of the Scholarship Committee.
Carmen Guerrero – Technology Committee Chair
Carmen joined the Executive Board in 2020 as Vice President and currently serves on the board as chair of the Technology Committee. Carmen retired from VCCCD in 2015 as the Dean of Career and Technical Education at Oxnard College. She was also a Professor of Business at Oxnard College from 1998 to 2008, adjunct professor of Business and Business Information Systems from1976 to 1992, as well as intermediate stenographer secretary from 1970 to 1974 at both Moorpark and Ventura Colleges.
Sandy Hajas – Newsletter
Sandy joined the Executive Board in 2021. Sandy worked at Ventura College in various positions and retired as the Learning Resources Supervisor. She also served as a part-time librarian. She has a BA in Liberal Studies and an MA in Library Systems and Automation. She currently serves as the newsletter editor. Retirement hobbies include travel, hiking, and time with family and friends.
Marta Freixas – At-Large Representative
Marta joined the Executive Board in 2020. Marta is a Member at Large, specializing in benefits.
Rene G. Rodriguez – At-Large Representative
Rene joined the Executive Board as President in 2006 and currently serves as an at-large representative.
Joan Smith – At-Large Representative
Joan joined the Executive Board in 2021 and is an at-large representative. Joan began her career at VCCCD in 1980 as a Counselor/Instructor for the Educational Assistance Center, then served in 1980 as Dean of Institutional and Student Services at Oxnard College. She became the Dean of Business, Industry, Technology, and Art. She served as Dean of Off-Campus Programs in 2000 and as the Executive Vice President of Student Learning at Ventura College in 2002. Joan has also served as president of Columbia College from 2006 to 2010 and as chancellor for the Yosemite Community College District from 2010 to 2017.