Upcoming MPPA Events

In this talk, Dr. Eric Griego, scholar, political strategist will share his lessons about solidarity economy and what it means. At a time of increasing inequality in American society and structural imbalances in how we think about increasing resources, he will present some ideas on a different vision of community-driven and inclusive economic development policy, such as embedded in Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE). Using his time in Barcelona, last year, where he was a Fulbright Scholar, Dr Griego will share some lessons learned and insights that could empower communities in the U.S.

Khodr M. Zaarour, PhD, is an assistant professor at North Carolina State University teaching international relations, international studies, international development, terrorism and American foreign policy. He holds graduate degrees in public and international relations, political science, liberal studies and history with a focus on international security and strategic studies, transnational crime, revolutionary movements and terrorism, Middle East politics and American foreign policy.   

Join us for an insightful panel event featuring Maria Mondala-Duncan, Senior Management Analyst for the City of Simi Valley and an MPPA Adjunct professor, and Pam Kessler, Co-President and CFO at LTC Properties, Inc. Discover the intersection of Accounting, Finance, Public Policy, and Human Resources in both private and public sectors. Gain valuable insights for your future career path.

This presentation with Maureen McGuire, CEO for the Farm Bureau of Ventura County and moderator Jamshid Damooei, PhD, professor of Economics and executive director for the Center for Economics of Social Issues at Cal Lutheran, will explore the 2005-2023 policy framework through the lens of a coalition based compliance model and the newly adopted (September 2023) Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program Waste Discharge Requirements. We will review the success of the past and the challenges and opportunities of the future for farmers and the environment. 

Robert Pieroni is a dynamic and accomplished professional, currently serving as the director of Italian business development for gener8tor, a renowned venture capital firm, and accelerator. With a strong background in fostering innovation ecosystems, Pieroni plays a pivotal role in spearheading gener8tor's expansion into Italy.

David Pollock is director of client relations for the Green Law Group in Simi Valley and executive director of California Arbitration. He has an extensive background in business development, local government, regional and statewide advocacy and non-profit organizations.

Pollock is a strong believer in public service and has served in various elected and appointed positions for more than 28 years including the Moorpark City Council, the Moorpark Board of Education, the Southern California Association of Governments and the Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board. He has also served on the board of directors for the League of California Cities and as president of the California School Boards Association.

He holds an MBA degree from the UCLA Anderson School and a BS degree from Pepperdine University.

County Executive Officer of Ventura County and former Cal Lutheran adjunct professor, Sevet Johnson, will share her career journey to becoming the County's top executive and her experience working in healthcare and government. She will also highlight significant issues facing the County and recent accomplishments.

Assistant/Deputy City Managers will share their career paths in local government, offer insights on how to enter and advance in the profession, and how they are addressing issues facing their organizations and communities.

Join Dr. Wa'ed Alshoubaki as she discusses integration policies in the United States while distinguishing between immigrants andrefugees in terms of the logistics of their integration.

Join us for an examination of the Federal budget process, current Federal spending and debt, and a discussionof how public spending is areflection of public policy andnational values.

The City Manager of Moorpark and Immediate Past President of ICMA will share insights into the city management profession and the state of the International City/County Management Association, the leading organization for local government professionals with 11,000 members worldwide.

Join Professor Christopher Beck to discuss a historical review of water policy in California with a particular focus on the development of the Los Angeles Aqueduct.