Community College CBO Mentor Program

Program Overview

The FCMAT Community College CBO Mentor Program focuses on the development of strong, effective leadership skills and a comprehensive understanding of the key issues shaping community college business operations. Participants will deepen their knowledge of functional areas such as school finance, accounting, budgeting, human resources, facilities, maintenance and operations, contracts and procurement, and risk management.

We encourage interested professionals from throughout the state to apply for this limited professional learning opportunity. Our inaugural cohort will include approximately 15 participants with diverse backgrounds, including those in both fiscal and non-fiscal roles representing single and multi-college districts of various sizes from all regions of California. We welcome applications from newly appointed CBOs, as well as professionals seeking to transition into a CBO role.

What Makes This Program Different?

The FCMAT Community College CBO Mentor Program is unique because of four key reasons:

• Selective Admission: Participants must be nominated, and selection is highly competitive.
• Personalized Mentorship: Each participant is paired with an experienced community college CBO for individualized guidance and support.
• Active, Practical Learning: The curriculum emphasizes hands-on activities and real-world applications.
• No Tuition: FCMAT fully underwrites the program’s tuition; participants and/or their colleges are only responsible for travel expenses.

Program Format

Session Times

Thursdays: 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 
Fridays: 8:00 a.m.–Noon

Session Locations

BMO Tower CA
500 Capitol Mall, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95814 
(Located near the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.)

Training Schedule

Are You Interested in Becoming a Participant?

Participants are selected based on their readiness, the strength of their nomination letter, and the program’s goal of forming a diverse cohort — one that includes individuals in both fiscal and nonfiscal roles, represents northern, central, and southern California, and reflects varied employer sizes and district structures (single college or multi-college). Space is limited, and those not selected are encouraged to reapply in subsequent years.

Participant Qualifications

A successful candidate for the FCMAT Community College CBO Mentor Program should demonstrate the following:

• Aspiration to Lead: Interest in becoming a community college CBO or a desire to develop their abilities in their new CBO role.
• Commitment to Growth: Dedication to self-reflection, personal growth and leadership development.
• Strategic and Practical Thinking: Ability to balance visionary thinking with practical planning and execution.
• Dedication to Participation: Commitment and availability to prepare for and attend all program classes and events.

Mentor Qualifications

A successful mentor for the FCMAT Community College CBO Mentor Program should possess the following qualifications:

• Professional Experience: Demonstrated practitioner experience as a community college CBO.
• Comprehensive Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the various facets of community college business operations.
•  Commitment to Professional Development: Dedication to fostering the growth and development of community college professionals.
• Dedication to Mentee: Ability to commit up to six hours per month to one-on-one mentoring, typically conducted virtually, with the mentee. Articulate advice and experiences in a way that is easy to understand.

Program Facilitators

Joe Wyse served as the superintendent/president of the Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College District from 2011-23, following four years of service as vice president of administrative services at Shasta College. During his tenure, Joe was actively involved in statewide leadership, serving on the California Community College CEO (CCCCEO) Board for seven years. He also held the roles of CCCCEO Board President and League Board President in 2019-20. Joe is currently serving as a senior consultant for the California Community College Chancellor’s Office.

Joe earned a doctorate in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University, a master’s degree in New Testament studies from Trinity International University, and a bachelor’s degree in physics from Kenyon College. Since retiring, Joe has taken a welding course and is now studying glass blowing at Shasta College.

Marcus holds both bachelor's and master's degrees and is a certified chief business official through the California Association of School Business Officials, as well as a certified fraud examiner.

Outside of work, Marcus enjoys spending time with his wife — his high school sweetheart — and their four adventurous sons. In his free time, he can oftenbe found riding his mountain bike.