$20 million Two-County Education Collaborative Appoints Interim President & CEO

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - May 8, 2023 - PRLog -- INLAND EMPIRE, CA – Ann Marie Sakrekoff has been named Interim President & CEO of Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), effective May 15, following the retirement of Dr. Carlos Ayala.

GIA serves San Bernardino and Riverside Counties as a regional, cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit and business partners in the Inland Empire; collectively, they work towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.

Sakrekoff has over 20 years of higher education and nonprofit leadership experience, including her current role as GIA's Chief Operating Officer.

Sakrekoff stated, "I am proud and excited to take on the Interim CEO role during such an exciting time for GIA as we continue building on our service to the Inland Empire educational network of students, families, institutions, and community partners. GIA will remain focused on its mission, impact, and growth while we search for our next permanent CEO."

Diana Rodriguez, GIA Board Member and Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District praised Sakrekoff's experience.

"Ann Marie's passion for helping Inland Empire students achieve their college dreams is truly inspiring. With her deep understanding of the challenges facing students in the region, she is committed to ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed," said Rodriguez.

Sakrekoff was the first employee hired by GIA's Board of Directors in 2005, helping to lead the organization since its inception.

GIA's board of directors anticipates launching a search for a permanent President & CEO in the coming months.

"Ann Marie is an exceptional leader poised to continue GIA's efforts to increase equitable educational attainment in the Inland Empire," said Dr. Kim Wilcox, GIA Board Chair and Chancellor of UC Riverside. "The board fully believes in her abilities to lead the organization while we search for a permanent CEO."

Growing Inland Achievement, serves San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, in a regional cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners in the Inland Empire, bringing more than $20 million and collectively working towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.

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