Regional Leadership Academy

“Developing the next generation of
business and civic leaders in
the Inland Empire”

Developing the Next Generation of Business and Civic Leaders in the Inland Empire

The Regional Leadership Academy is intended to serve actively engaged members of the regional community in the public and private sectors. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of critical issues facing the Inland Empire region, including the Coachella Valley and the High Desert, Southern California, and the state of California. Those interested in advancing their knowledge of regional issues, public policy, political and cultural perceptions of the Inland Empire within the state, and leadership skills are encouraged to participate.

Participants will engage in all-day monthly sessions from September 2025 to July 2026. The group will also travel to various destinations to connect with regional and statewide leaders. These travel opportunities will encourage civic engagement and building relationships necessary for leadership. IEEP will present those who complete* the academy with a certificate endorsed by California State University San Bernardino and the IEEP.

We invite you to sponsor a (n) individual(s) from your exceptional team to the academy who would, in turn, benefit from your efforts through an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the Inland Empire’s role in relation to Southern California and the state of California. We ask you also to consider sponsoring candidates who reflect the diverse demographics of our region.

We ask that you contribute $2,500 per participant to The Regional Leadership Academy to support associated costs. This tax-deductible contribution (501c3) goes toward the cost of planning, facilitation, catering (all lunches are included), rental/facility fees, and some transportation (includes buses, hotel, and airfare to Sacramento). This investment has the potential to benefit the leader(s) you have identified greatly.

The applications for the 2025-26 RLA are now closed! We look forward to our program year with the 13th Regional Leadership Academy cohort.

For any questions regarding the Regional Leadership Academy, please contact Kendra Rolff at krolff@ieep.com

RLA Session 1

On Friday, September 12, 2025, IEEP welcomed the 13th Regional Leadership Academy (RLA) cohort as they began the 2025–26 program year with Session One: Introduction to the Program & the Regional Lens.

Session One was hosted by IEEP’s valued partner, California Steel Industries (CSI). Scott Starr, Director of Operations and Quality at CSI, shared insights into the company’s pivotal role in elevating the Inland Empire’s economic influence. Dr. Nathan Gonzales, A.K. Smiley Public Library, followed with a rich historical overview of the region, offering context that will inform the cohort’s leadership journey throughout the program.

The cohort also had the opportunity to tour CSI’s steel and galvanizing mills in Fontana, CA, guided by their team of metallurgists. The session concluded with a presentation by Dr. Manfred Keil, IEEP Chief Economist, who underscored the region’s continued growth as the 11th largest MSA in the nation and emphasized the importance of workforce development in sustaining that trajectory.

CSI continues to be a cornerstone in the Inland Empire’s manufacturing sector, advancing workforce training programs that has been vital to the region’s prosperity.

We are grateful to CSI for their continued partnership and to our presenters for equipping the cohort with essential knowledge as they begin their leadership journey.

The next RLA session is October 10^th, 2025: City and County Government, hosted by the City of Riverside.

IEEP is excited to begin another year of learning, collaboration, and leadership with the 13th RLA cohort!

RLA Session 2

On Friday, October 10th, 2025, the 13th Regional Leadership Academy cohort visited the City of Riverside for Session Two: City and County Government. Former Riverside City Mayor Ron Loveridge greeted the cohort with a discussion about leadership in local government. Following Dr. Loveridge, City of Riverside department leads including Kaitlin Reierson (Marketing and Communications), Michelle Davis (Housing and Human Services), Jennifer Lilley (Community and Economic Development) and Mike Futrell (City Manager) shared how their work supports the city’s continued growth and success as California’s 12th largest city.

The cohort, led by Scott Watson, Historic Preservation Officer and Nathan Mustafa, Deputy Public Works Director, took a walking tour of downtown Riverside, stopping at monuments honoring leaders that highlight the diversity of civil rights history. The tour also provided an overview of the city’s approach to preserving its history through adaptive reuse.

To finish the session, the cohort had the privilege of meeting with Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel (2nd District) and Supervisor Jose Medina (1st District), who participated in a Q&A discussion with IEEP President and CEO Paul Granillo. Supervisors Spiegel and Medina shared their experiences in public service, discussed overcoming obstacles in running for local office, and shared their insights on creating a positive impact in communities.

IEEP extends its thanks to the City of Riverside for hosting the RLA and for being an incredible leader in Riverside County and the greater Inland Empire region.

The next RLA Session is November 14th, 2025: Utilities and Infrastructure, hosted by Metropolitan Water District!

RLA Session 3

On Friday, November 14th, the 13th RLA cohort visited the Metropolitan Water District for Session Three: Utilities and Infrastructure.

The day began with a tour of the Henry J. Mills Water Treatment Plant led by Ian Tillery, Team Manager, and Robert Rietveld, Unit Manager. The cohort learned about the plant’s complex treatment processes, which can handle up to 220 million gallons of water per day and ensure a clean, safe, and reliable supply for western Riverside County.

Following the tour, the cohort heard from a diverse panel of leaders representing key sectors in utilities. Panelists shared insights on accessibility, reliability, and affordability of utilities across the Inland Empire. Speakers included:

Mark Cloud, Government Affairs Manager, Southern California Edison
Kristine Scott, Regional Public Affairs Manager, SoCalGas
Ashley Womack, Manager of External Affairs, Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Sandra Cuellar, Director of Government Affairs – Inland Empire, Charter Communications

IEEP extends its appreciation to the Metropolitan Water District for their partnership and for offering the cohort an in-depth look at how essential utilities support daily life for Inland Empire residents.

RLA Session 4: Education, hosted by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, will be on December 12^th, 2025.

RLA Session 4

The fourth session of the RLA program year, Education, took place on Friday, December 12th.

The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools hosted the cohort in the morning. The session began with a discussion and Q&A with Assistant Superintendent, Innovation and Engagement, Stephanie Houston, Ed.D. Following Dr. Houston, the cohort heard from a diverse panel of Inland Empire educators who shared their successes, challenges and hopes for the Inland Empire education system.
Panelists included:
– Terri Giamarino, Ed.D., Program Manager, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (Moderator)
– Carol Tsushima, Ed.D., Administrator, Workforce, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
– Don English, Ed.D., Board Member, Chaffey Joint Union High School District
– Dr. Ashish Vaidya, President & CEO, Growing Inland Achievement
– Diana Z. Rodriguez, Ed.D., Chancellor, San Bernardino Community College District
– James Moses, Regional Director, Child Care Resource Center.

Next, the cohort visited the KVCR Public Media Studio, located on the San Bernardino Valley College campus. KVCR is a trusted source for news, information, education, culture, and community engagement in the Inland Empire. Led by Vanessa Wiarco, Community Engagement Manager, the cohort toured the television and radio studios and filmed community shoutouts for their organizations.

Session Five: Law Enforcement, hosted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, will be on January 9th, 2026.

RLA Session 5

On Friday, January 9th, the 13th Regional Leadership Academy cohort attended Session Five: Law Enforcement, hosted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

The session began with a welcome from Captain Matt Collins, Training Division, who provided an overview of the department and its role in serving the county. Following the welcome, the cohort participated in a series of hands-on experiences to gain insight into public safety-related topics. The groups participated in firearms handling at the shooting range, drove on the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC), and engaged in virtual simulations of realistic, high-stress scenarios.

After lunch, provided by SBCSD’s Culinary Program, the cohort finished the day with a thoughtful discussion with Sheriff Shannon Dicus, focused on leadership, public safety, and community trust.

IEEP extends its sincere thanks to Sergeant Ruben Perez and Deputy Joela Jimenez for their assistance in coordinating the session and hosting the cohort. IEEP also thanks the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for their continued partnership and dedication to serving our communities.

The next RLA session will take place on February 13, 2026, and will focus on Healthcare, hosted by Loma Linda University Health.