SYV native one of the selections for a three-year term
Staff Report
The Allan Hancock College Foundation Board of Directors added two new members to its ranks as the organization continues its mission to support the college and its students in northern Santa Barbara County.
George Grama of Orcutt and Erica Jane Flores of the Santa Ynez Valley were elected with unanimous votes to serve three-year terms on the foundation board.
Flores, a fourth-generation Santa Ynez Valley native, is the development and communications director for Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People (PHP). Before joining PHP, she was the director of development for UCSB Arts & Lectures, which was recently awarded a 2020 Local Heroes Award for their leadership in performing arts and public affairs.
Flores received a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural business from California State University, Chico, and was named a Distinguished 21st Century Graduate of the institution. In the most recent election, Flores earned a seat as a trustee of the College School District in Santa Ynez and was elected as vice president of the board.
“We are thrilled to welcome Erica to our board of directors,” says Jon Hooten, executive director of College Advancement. “She brings a passion for education and a commitment to the Santa Ynez Valley to our work of supporting often-overlooked students in our district.”
Grama is currently the director of Focal Plane Operations at Raytheon Vision Systems, managing the front-end manufacturing operations at both the Lompoc and Goleta facilities.
His academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University. In addition, he possesses professional certifications in executive leadership and change leadership from Cornell University. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, kayaking and fishing with his family across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
“George is a great addition to the AHC Foundation,” said Hooten. “His industry experience combined with his dedication to education will be valuable on our board.”
The Allan Hancock College Foundation Board of Directors includes nearly 30 community members from the Santa Maria, Lompoc and Santa Ynez valleys. Since its inception in April 1977, the foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships to Hancock students. The foundation also oversees the Hancock Promise fund. The Hancock Promise provides area high school graduates with the opportunity to receive their first year free of tuition and fees at Allan Hancock College. For more information about the Hancock Promise and to make a gift, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/promise. For more information about the Allan Hancock College Foundation, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/foundation.
