Staff

Our Staff Members for CVHEC

CVHEC Staff

Benjamin T. Duran

Executive Director
bduran@csufresno.edu

Angel Ramirez

Associate Director
angelr@csufresno.edu

Priscilla V. Arellano

Administrative Specialist
priscillav@mail.fresnostate.edu

Lori Bennett

Workforce Alignment and Master’s Upskilling Math Mentor Coordinator
lori.bennett@csun.edu

Thomas J. Burke

Master’s Upskilling and Enrollment/Reconnect Lead
tburke5@att.net

Stan A. Carrizosa Sr.

Workforce Alignment Lead
scarrizosa44@gmail.com

Elaine Cash

Dual Enrollment Lead and Grants Support Coordinator
elainecash@csufresno.edu

Kristin Clark

Data Sharing and AI Lead
kristinprofeta@outlook.com

Vikash Lakhani

Master’s Upskilling English Mentor Coordinator
vikashlakhani@hotmail.com

Tom Uribes

Communications Lead
tom@uribes.com

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Benjamín T. Durán, Ed.D.

Executive Director

Dr. Benjamín T. Durán is a highly respected higher education leader, teacher and former president of Merced Community College in California.  He retired as superintendent/president of the Merced Community College District in 2012 after serving 22 years in the district with the last 14 years as the CEO.

In 2015, he came out of retirement when he was named executive director of the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC), an organization that brings together community college, independent and university CEOs to collaborate on higher education issues in the Central Valley of California.

As a statewide higher education leader, Dr. Durán chaired the California Community College League’s Commission on the Future and was appointed by Chancellor Jack Scott to the California Community College Chancellor’s Office Student Success Task Force. During his tenure he chaired the Community College League’s CEO Board, which led to his participation in the development of the Chancellor’s Office Statewide Strategic Plan. He served for twelve years on the Chancellor’s Office Economic and Workforce Development Advisory Committee.

He served on the University Committee and Friends of UC Merced Committee, helping to bring the University of California, Merced campus to the Central Valley. He also served on the UC Merced Board of Trustees; the California State University, Stanislaus Community Advisory Board for Stanislaus State’s Educational Leadership Ed.D. program; and as a faculty member in Stan State’s Education Doctoral program.

As a community activist with the Merced County Hispanic Network, he developed and starred in a short film designed to combat methamphetamine use among Latinos.

Nationally Dr. Durán is an alliance lead for Complete College of America, a national advocate for dramatically increasing college completion rates and closing institutional performance gaps by working with states, systems, institutions and partners to scale highly effective structural reforms and promote policies that improve student success.

As CVHEC executive director, Dr. Durán is a regional leader working with chancellors, presidents and campus directors of 28 member institutions of higher education, who make up CVHEC’s Board of Directors. CVHEC strives to increase the valley’s degree and certificate attainment rate and speak in a single voice for higher education issues for the Central Valley’s nine-county region. He leads the CVHEC staff in working with regional organizations and agencies as well as legislators and other policy makers.

He earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Organizational Leadership – Education at the University of Southern California (1990); Masters Degree, Education at Chapman University (1980); and Bachelor’s degree, Spanish Language and Literature at California State University, Stanislaus (1971).

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Angel Ramirez

Associate Director


Angel Ramirez is the associate director of the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium, where he oversees the organization’s operations, finances, board relations, staffing, event execution, and strategic planning efforts. Since joining CVHEC in 2014 as a social media intern, Angel has played a central role in elevating its visibility and impact—helping transition the organization from a behind-the-scenes collaborator to a recognized voice in state and national higher education conversations.

A cornerstone of Angel’s work is directing CVHEC’s signature event: the annual CVHEC Summit. Under his leadership, the summit has steadily grown in scope and attendance, becoming a valued gathering for higher education leaders, faculty, and partners across the Central Valley’s 10-county region. The event fosters collaboration, highlights promising practices, and advances strategies that support student success and degree completion in the region.

In addition to leading events, Angel supports the executive director in driving organizational growth, including the expansion of the team, the development of internal systems, and the execution of new initiatives. He contributes to grant writing and reporting, helps shape strategic communications, and manages the consortium’s annual budget and financial operations to ensure long-term sustainability.

Prior to his current role, Angel served CVHEC in a range of positions including administrative assistant, events coordinator, communications manager, and operations & finance manager—giving him a unique, comprehensive understanding of the consortium’s work and mission.

A first-generation college graduate and native of San Joaquin, Angel earned a B.A. in Media, Communication and Journalism (Public Relations emphasis) from California State University, Fresno, and an MBA in Organizational Leadership from National University.

Angel believes—and is living proof—that access to higher education can transform lives, especially in historically underserved regions like the Central Valley. When he’s not deep in a budget, or trying to keep up with his inbox, he enjoys discovering new restaurants and spending time with his partner Peter and their pugs, Guapo and Milo.

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Priscilla V. Arellano

Administrative Specialist


Priscilla Victoria Arellano joined the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium’s as full-time administrative specialist effective June 10, 2024.

An experienced professional in medical administrative services, Priscilla oversees and provides high-level support in all consortium administrative needs, budgeting and special events/meetings under the supervision of Ángel Ramírez, CVHEC finance and operations manager. She will also provide support to Dr. Benjamín Durán, CVHEC executive director.

The addition of Priscilla to CVHEC’s core team is a major organizational step as the consortium’s work continues to expand. A native of Fresno and an alumna of McLane High School who has attended Fresno State with plans to resume her own academic journey in the near future. Priscilla is enthused about her move from supporting healthcare professionals to joining the valley’s higher education professionals.

In her personal time, she enjoys experiences with her family and friends, exploring that new hiking trail, and diving into creative adventures such as painting.

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Elaine Cash

Grants & Programs Coordinator


Elaine Cash, former superintendent of Riverdale Joint Unified School District, is the grants and Programs coordinator for the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium. In this role, she supports the growth of CVHEC and oversees the grant writing needs. She also serves as the facilitator for the FAFSA Completion Work Group with the Fresno Compact, is on the Fresno State College Readiness Advisory Board, and is a management trustee for California’s Valued Trust.

Elaine C. Cash retired as superintendent from Riverdale Joint Unified School District after 27 years in education. Her career in education included experience as a classroom teacher, elementary and high school principal, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, and 9 years as superintendent. During her years as superintendent, all of Riverdale schools earned the California Distinguished Schools recognition, and Riverdale High School received the College Board National Inspiration Award. Her article, A Change in Beliefs Leads to A Change in Behavior and Student Achievement was published in the National Staff Development Council, Journal of Staff Development, June 2010. Elaine is the Executive Director of her own education consulting company, ECC Education Group LLC. As a consultant, she has worked with school districts throughout the Central Valley, largely focusing on student transition from high school to college.

Elaine received her BA from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MA in Educational Leadership and Administration from Fresno State.

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Tom Uribes

Communications/Media Relations Coordinator


Tom Uribes, who retired from Fresno State in 2017 after a 30-year career as a public affairs specialist, joined the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium as media and communications specialist in March 2020.

An alumnus of Fresno State (journalism/print), Uribes was a correspondent for The Fresno Bee while in college in the late 1970s and served as editor of the student newspaper La Voz de Aztlan as well as of Sentimientos Magazine, a Chicano community publication during that time.

From 1984-86, he was the editor of The Delano Record before serving as a media consultant for The Rios Company public relations firm in Fresno.

He joined the Fresno State staff in 1988 first in the University Outreach Services office and later in the University Communications office where he served as the public information officer for 20 of his 30 years on the CSU campus.  In those three decades, he served under three Fresno State presidents: Drs. Harold H. Haak, John D. Welty (founder of the CVHEC) and Joseph I. Castro.

In 2017, Uribes was honored as a Media, Communications and Journalism Fellow at the Fresno State MCJ Hall of Fame induction. In 2018, the Fresno State Chicano Alumni Club, an affiliate of the Fresno State Alumni Association, presented him its Chicano Alumni Legacy Award for his contributions as a journalist and promoting higher education in the Central California Latino community for more than 45 years. In 2019, Fresno State presented him its Bold Visionary Award during the Chicano/Latino Commencement Celebration which he helped found in 1977. He has also served on the California Chicano News Media Association Board of Directors as the Fresno Chapter representative.

At CVHEC, he serves as editor/writer for the organization’s e-newsletter; coordinates media relations and media projects including two videos produced in 2021; and chairs the CVHEC Public Information Officers/Communicators Committee comprised of communications/PIO representatives from each of the organization’s 28 member institutions.

CVHEC media inquiries may be directed to him at 559.348.3278 (text preferred) or cvheccommunications@mail.fresnostate.edu.

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Lori Bennett

MA Upskilling Faculty Mentor Coordinator-Math 

Dr. Lori Bennett, retired president of Clovis Community College, is CVHEC’s Math
Faculty Mentor Coordinator for the Master’s Teacher Up-skilling Project for English and Mathematics.

Lori began her career in marketing, working for banking and consumer products
companies, including a Fortune 500 company. She also owned and managed her own small business. Dr. Bennett began her 30-year career in higher education as a part-time instructor at Highline and Tacoma Community Colleges in Washington. After moving to California, she spent 20 years at Moorpark College serving as a full-time faculty member, department chair, dean, and executive vice president of instruction and student services. In 2016, Dr. Bennett was honored to be named the 2 nd president of Clovis Community College.

Under her leadership, Clovis Community College student enrollment grew more than 40% and the College was named a Champion of Higher Education five years in a row for its exemplary work in awarding associate degrees for transfer. Clovis CC was also acknowledged as a 2022 Champion for excelling in equitable course placement in campuswide English enrollment, Latinx English enrollment, and Black English enrollment. Dr. Bennett is a proud advocate for student equity and success. In addition to expanding the transfer and career technical education (CTE) curriculum, she focused college resources on innovative, targeted outreach and retention activities to create a direct positive impact on student access and completion.

Dr. Bennett is committed to the Central Valley and has served on a variety of boards and organizations, including the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, Fresno K-16 Collaborative, Central Valley Higher Education Consortium, Fresno County DRIVE Initiative for Economic Development, and Chief Executive Officers of California Community Colleges. She is currently a Board Member for Community Health Systems.

Since her retirement in 2023, Dr. Bennett has enjoyed higher education consulting, working with a variety of California community colleges to develop comprehensive educational and strategic plans. She is excited to continue her involvement with the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) through the mentoring program.

Dr. Bennett earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from California State University, Northridge; Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago; and Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern California.

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Tom Burke

MA Upskilling Lead & Transfer Project Coordinator

Thomas J. Burke, Kern Community College District Chancellor-emeritus, coordinates CVHEC’s Transfer Project -working with member institutions throughout the Central Valley’s nine-county region- and was named to lead the Consortium’s Master’s Teacher Up-skilling Pathway for English and Mathematics.

Tom has been involved in the California Community College system for 24 years including as the chief financial officer before being named KCCD chancellor in 2016. In November, 2022 the Association of Chief Business Officials (ACBO) awarded Tom its Achievement of Excellence Award for his contributions to ACBO and the State Community College System.

As head of KCCD prior to his retirement in July, 2021, Tom oversaw the district which includes Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso Community College and Porterville College, serving nearly 40,000 students in five counties.

Prior to KCCD, Tom worked as a manager of Regulatory and Governmental Affairs and in Financial Planning for Contel and as a Financial Analyst for the Getty Oil Company.

Other career highlights include involvement with a team of California Community College Business Officers that developed the California Community College System’s previous statewide funding resource allocation model which was adopted in 2006 with the passage of Senate Bill 361. In 2014, Tom was recognized by the Association of California Community College Administrators with their Excellence in Leadership Award

During his time as KCCD chancellor, Tom was a member of the California League of Community Colleges State Student-Centered Funding Formula Taskforce and the Affordability, Food & Housing Access Taskforce. As the district CFO, Tom was an ACBO region representative, vice president and president. He was also a member of the State Chancellor’s Fiscal Advisory Group.

Tom has also been an adjunct faculty member for California State University, Bakersfield’s Educational Leadership Doctorial Program.

He earned his Master’s in Business Administration at CSUB in 1986 and his bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance, at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in 1981.

Tom is also active with various local professional organizations and charities including the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary and the Golden Empire Gleaners.

Tom is married to Tina (also a CSUB Alumnus) and has three adult children: John Michael, Kerry and Patrick.

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Stan A. Carrizosa Sr.

Southern Regional Coordinator


Stan Carrizosa Sr., former superintendent/president of the College of the Sequoias, is CVHEC’s southern regional coordinator who works with six CVHEC member institutions in Tulare, Kings and Kern counties.

Stan is a first-generation college student in his family and a native of the Central Valley who charted a path to success through our California Community College system after earning his undergraduate degree at California State University, Northridge and his MA (Education Administration) at Fresno Pacific University (CVHEC Member Institution).

Following a successful 28-year career in K-12 education including superintendent of both small and large districts, the capstone of Stan’s career in public education came when he was selected to serve as COS superintendent/president.  Over his seven-year tenure, he provided leadership during a period when the college’s accreditation was compromised and significant sanctions and fiscal insolvency needed to be addressed. COS has since opened two new educational centers; established a Fresno State satellite on-site at COS; grown to record enrollment levels; and achieved its strongest financial position in district history.

Other higher education experience includes membership with the California CC Statewide Accreditation Task Force (State Chancellor appointee); the California Community College Athletics Association Board of Directors (vice chair); the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium Board of Directors (executive committee); the Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative statewide assistance team (state chancellor appointee); Association of California Community and Junior Colleges accreditation review teams (Visiting Team chair); Fresno State Kremen School of Education faculty.

Stan joined the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium team following his retirement in 2018.

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Kristin Clark

Dual Enrollment Lead 

Dr. Kristin Clark is a distinguished leader in higher education with over 30 years of experience in the California Community College System. Most recently, she served as Chancellor of the West Hills Community College District (WHCCD) until her retirement in August 2024. Prior to this role, she was President of Lemoore College, where she led strategic initiatives that significantly enhanced student achievement and institutional growth.

A passionate advocate for student success, Dr. Clark has championed transformative initiatives such as basic skills co-requisites, Open Educational Resources (OER), dual enrollment, and the Alternative Academic Calendar project, all designed to accelerate student progress and improve accessibility. Under her leadership, WHCCD secured funding for major capital and technology projects, streamlined operations, and launched a strategic rebranding effort to strengthen the colleges’ unique identities.

As President of Lemoore College, Dr. Clark defined and executed the college’s strategic vision, known as its “North Star,” which prioritized student learning and achievement. Her leadership earned the college national recognition, including placement among the Aspen Prize Top 100 Community Colleges and Achieving the Dream’s Leader College and Leader College of Distinction honors.

Dr. Clark holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master’s in Educational Technology, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She has contributed to the academic field through teaching graduate-level courses at California State University Fullerton, co-authoring research on student success, and presenting at state, national, and international conferences on leadership and educational innovation.

Dr. Clark is deeply committed to regional economic development and workforce advancement. She has served on numerous boards and organizations, including the Kings County Economic Development Corporation, the Tulare Kings Collaborative, and the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC), where she participated on the Executive Committee and acted as Board Chair. Her dedication to economic mobility and expanding opportunities for underserved communities underscores her lifelong commitment to education as a catalyst for change. She continues to participate in shaping the future of higher education as the Board Chair of the California Health Sciences University Board of Trustees and as a member of the CVHEC core team.

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Vikash A. Lakhani

Kern Faculty Mentor Coordinator-English

Vikash Lakhani serves as CVHEC’s English Faculty Mentor Coordinator for the Kern Master’s Teacher Up-skilling Project for English and Mathematics.

Dr. Lakhani has over 20 years in higher education administration. Most recently, he served as the Vice President for Student Services at Palomar College in San Marcos, CA. As the Vice President for Student Services, he served as the Chief Student Services Officer providing direct oversight to Enrollment Services; Counseling, Equity, and Student Success; College Health Services including Behavioral Health, Student Life and Leadership, and Athletics. Prior to joining Palomar College, Vikash served as the Assistant Vice President for Student Success/Student Affairs at California State University, Bakersfield. During his tenure at CSUB, Vikash provided leadership to numerous initiatives and programs that advanced the campus in meeting its student success goals. Some of his noted career accomplishments include his leadership on K-12 partnership programs including the launch of the University Promise at CSUB, partnerships developed with Bakersfield College including his leadership of the Finish in 4 Program and the Program Pathways Mapper, and his success in securing funding from external agencies. Prior to that, Vikash served as the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management at Humboldt State University where he provided leadership to numerous student services areas including Admissions, Financial Aid, Outreach, and Grant Funded Programs.

Dr. Lakhani holds a BSc. in Information Technology from United States International University-Kenya, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from CSU Bakersfield, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) from Fresno State University. He is currently working on establishing a center that provides a globally known math and reading enrichment program in the Bakersfield area.

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John Spevak

Northern Regional Coordinator & English Task Force Liasion 


John Spevak, a former Merced College vice president, is CVHEC’s northern regional coordinator who works with six CVHEC member institutions from Stockton to Merced.

He has also coordinated the CVHEC English Task Force and the Merced Intersegmental Team (MIT), as well as helped the consortium support dual enrollment opportunities for faculty and students, including serving as a mentorship coordinator for CVHEC’s Dual Enrollment Upskilling Teachers Master’s Program in English and Math.

John is a former chief instructional officer with 23 years of experience as an instructional administrator at Merced College — seven as dean of the Los Banos Campus and 16 as vice president of instruction. He also served for 14 years as a full-time English instructor and academic advisor at the Los Banos Campus, during which he was an active member of the Merced College Faculty Senate.

John earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. in English from the University of Chicago. He has taught in the doctoral program in Educational Leadership at California State University, Stanislaus and has also served as an educational consultant to community colleges since 2008.

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