About

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Eugene Graham represents the Center Joint Unified School District on the SECC Board where he currently serves as Treasurer. He has worked in the technology field for Center since 1997, starting as a Computer Tech, then as a Network Specialist, and now as the Technology Coordinator. Graham has a long history with video production beginning in 4th grade at Del Paso Manor Elementary School where he started creating videos. He is still deeply passionate about making videos, and he continues to create videos about his outdoor adventures. His passion for technology came after he graduated Mira Loma High School in 1993 and received his first computer. He continued on to American River College where he deepened his knowledge of networking and computer graphics. Graham put this knowledge to work when he began doing volunteer work at a private school as a computer tech and running their network infrastructure. His passions for video-making and technological infrastructure make him an excellent addition to the SECC board. He has been a vital champion of the SEVA Program for the Center Joint Unified School District and we look forward to him bringing his passion and energy to the SECC board and all of its future projects.

Steve Mate is the Chief Technology Officer for the Elk Grove Unified School District and previous SECC Board Chair. Mate has faithfully served on the SECC Board for Elk Grove Unified since 2013 and has exemplified his extraordinary leadership skills during his term. Mate’s strong background in education has contributed to his ability to oversee technology for the 5th largest school district in the state. He is constantly impressing his fellow board members with his ability to stay involved in the many moving pieces of his district as well as the board. Mate has a passion for educational video production and has been a large contributor to the tremendous success of the SEVA program. Mate has also been an integral part of the BESTNet program, serving as chair during a crucial time for the project. The impact of his tenure on the SECC Board cannot be overstated. Learn more about Steve Mate.

Learn more about the Elverta Joint Elementary School District.

David Stone is the Network and Information Technology Manager for the Folsom Cordova Unified School District. Originally from Pomona, David graduated from Sacramento State University and began his work in local K-12 school districts. He served the Natomas Unified School District for 14 years before he found his home at Folsom Cordova Unified in 2013. David is well versed in the world of technology and enjoys using his skills to contribute to the exciting technological advances that happen every day in education. He also contributes his athletic abilities as a high school track and field coach. David’s dedication to service and optimistic attitude make him a great asset to the SECC board.

Lois Yount has been a productive member of the Galt Joint Union Elementary School District since 2000 and currently serves as the district Superintendent. A graduate of Chico State and McGeorge School of Law, Yount brings years of hard work and experience to her role on the SECC Board. She has been able to leverage the small but mighty size of her district in her partnership with SECC and in doing so has forged special relationships that have greatly contributed to the overall success of the organization. Learn more about Lois Yount.

Learn more about the Galt Joint Union High School District.

Gabe Ross is the Associate Vice Chancellor of Strategy and Communications at Los Rios Community College District. He has had a long and productive relationship with SECC and currently serves on the SECC Board as a Director at Large. Ross graduated from Tufts University after studying Communications and English. Ross previously led and coordinated all communications at Sacramento City Unified School District, the 13th largest school district in the state of California. Before joining the world of education, he championed media and public relations for the Sacramento River Cats, one of the most respected institutions in our region. He excels at organizational management and continues to bring this along with his leadership skills to the SECC Board. Learn more about Gabe Ross.

Barbara Schiffner is the Assistant Superintendent of the Natomas Unified School District. Schiffner has been a steadfast member of the SECC Board since she first joined Natomas Unified in 2016, and currently serves the board as Chair. Schiffner has had a long history in the technology world and has served in the Director of IT role for several large organizations. She has melded her vast IT knowledge with her dedication to making a difference in the lives of students through technology. Under her leadership, Schiffner has developed the BESTNet legacy in two different school districts. Schiffner views the SECC Board as a support team that can accomplish things that no one district could do alone. She brings her passion for public service and her vast technological knowledge to her work on the SECC Board and has contributed greatly to the success of the consortium as a whole.

Joe Parente is one of the pioneers of educational television in the Sacramento region. Parente joined the SECC Board in 2004, but has had a close relationship with the organization since its beginning. His many years of service have had an extensive impact on guiding SECC to where it is today. Parente is the Producer/Director of Process Theatre, Inc. which is the only nonprofit associate of SECC. During his impressive career, Parente has produced countless hours of educational programming for SECC and helped the organization stay focused through the changing times. He brings his vast knowledge and experience to his seat on the board and is a great resource for the entire educational community. Parente is also a Professor Emeritus at Sacramento State in the Communication Studies Department. Learn more about Joe Parente.

Elliot Lopez is the Chief of Technology for the Robla School District. A longtime friend of SECC, Lopez brings to the board decades of experience and success in leading innovation and change in executive roles across several school districts, non-profit organizations and private-sector companies. Throughout his career, Lopez has focused on using technology and data to improve systems, and to deliver services and programs where they are most needed and impactful. He values the way SECC empowers schools to invest in resources and programs that they might not be able to achieve individually, and is passionate about finding ways to help foster and promote in our students the voices of our future leaders.

Bob Lyons is the Chief Information Officer at the Sacramento City Unified School District. His 40+ years of global educational technology leadership has focused on promoting the value of technology for teaching and learning for the next generation. He has worked with students in California, Idaho, Montana, Poland and Indonesia. Lyons has been a collaborative technology leader for multiple districts in the Sacramento region for 20 years. He spent 20+ years in the classroom teaching everything from automotives and building construction to Cisco Networking Academy and IB computer science. Lyons is a former executive board member of the Placer County STEM Expo and the Gold Country regional CITE groups. He currently is the Chief Information Officer for the Sacramento City Unified School District and a CITE Chief Technology Officer instructor. Lyons earned his Doctorate in Education for Administrative Leadership for Teaching and Learning from Walden University, a California Administrative Services Credential from the University of LaVerne, a Master of Arts degree in Technology Education from the University of Idaho, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Technology from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Throughout his career, Lyons has had a strong relationship with SECC and we look forward to this new chapter with him as a member of the Board.

Jerry Jones is the Executive Director of Technology Services at the Sacramento County Office of Education. His collaborative spirit and technical expertise make him a great asset to the SECC Board. Jones graduated from our local Sacramento State University with a thirst for knowledge and a curiosity that never wavers. He has cultivated and advanced his skills as a forever student in his journey through technology and education that continues to this day. With over 25 years of experience working in nearly every facet of IT, Jones brings a deep, well-rounded understanding of how organizations can best utilize IT tools and services. His skillset has also been instrumental in the continued success of BESTNet since he first joined the board in 2016. Jones is a true champion for knowledge sharing and facilitating collaboration amongst the SECC members, making him an exceptional SECC Board Chair. Learn more about Jerry Jones.

Peter Skibitzki is the Senior Director of Information Technology at San Juan Unified School District and the SECC Board Vice Chair. Not only is he a dedicated district administrator, he is also a product of the San Juan district as an alumni of Mesa Verde High School. Skibitzki experienced the launch of technology programs in the district which ignited a lifelong passion for educational technology. His passion led him to CITE where he helped shape the future of education through technology as a board member for 10 years and will soon be honored with a lifetime achievement award for his service. He has aided San Juan schools in the successful expansion and continued success of the SEVA program, ensuring students are able to share their vision outside the four walls of the classroom. Skibitzki’s commitment to expanding horizons through technology makes him a vital member of the SECC board. Since his first day on the board, he has been willing to take on new projects with enthusiasm in order to help the consortium and its members reach new heights. Learn more about Peter Skibitzki.

Marci Bernard is the Chief Technology Officer for the Twin Rivers Unified School District in Sacramento California and the SECC Board Secretary. She has over 30 years of experience across a broad educational spectrum and has earned accolades for her leadership, management, and strategic acumen. She possesses first-hand classroom teaching experience and has led a large public K-8 school as its principal. Most recently, as a CTO and technologist, Marci has served at the helm of technology for two California school districts. She brings a comprehensive understanding of the inner-workings, processes, infrastructure, instructional and operational functions of a K-12 Technology environment. Bernard has actively participated on the Capitol Region Technology Consortium for the past 8+ years, having a strong network among SECC members.