CSUB Foundation selects new board chair

Kern County business leader Nick Ambrosini has accepted a critical role in helping California State University, Bakersfield develop resources and partnerships that will expand opportunities for students as they pursue their degrees.

Ambrosini, the president and CEO of Valley Strong Credit Union, began his two-year term as chair of the CSUB Foundation's board of directors this fall after the gavel was passed to him by former chair Connie Perez-Andreesen. He now leads the foundation's efforts to secure funding and advocate for Kern County's University.

"It's a great opportunity," Ambrosini said. "I'm happy to be an agent of change and assist in anything that's a priority for the university. If I can help drive that agenda in my position as chair, I'm happy to do so."

Ambrosini has been a member of the board since 2020, taking over the seat vacated by former Valley Strong President/CEO Steve Renock. Ambrosini - who holds a bachelor's degree in business from the University of California, Santa Barbara - had previously served as the chief financial officer for the credit union.

"As president and chief executive officer of Valley Strong Credit Union, he leads an organization that constantly channels meaningful resources into our community, reflecting his deep and unwavering commitment to Kern County's future," Perez-Andreesen said. "I am thrilled to pass the role of chair to Nick, and I know the foundation will thrive under his thoughtful and community-driven leadership."

Ambrosini said his first year or two on the foundation board were challenging due to constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as the university launched its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign.

"It's hard to raise money if you can't do social activities and talk to people about the need for fundraising," he said. "We had to find ways to make sure we could be productive and drive things forward. I think we navigated that as well as we could have as a public university, but I think we definitely started out a little behind."

Despite these challenges, Ambrosini has enjoyed his time serving on the foundation board. One of the highlights has been the people he has been able to meet.

"I've enjoyed connecting with people and understanding all of the great things that my fellow board members have to offer. I've met some people I had not met in the community before," he said. "From the university standpoint, I've learned about some of the programs that I don't think the majority of the public knows about."

Ambrosini believes the CSUB Foundation board plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term success of the university and strengthening its ties with the community.

"There are so many people who are great resources, so many people who want to help," he said. "The foundation board should represent the community, all the various major industry segments, to make sure that the university is reflecting the community it serves. I think that's something the university is doing really well."

Ambrosini is excited to be part of the CSUB Foundation at a time when there are major developments on the horizon that will have significant impacts on the university and the region.

"We're leaning into some big projects that I think will be super important for our community, like the Energy Innovation Building. That's something that's long overdue, given the county's energy dominance," he said. "I think it's really good to see that we're going to follow through and make sure that it's representative of our unique community."

President Vernon B. Harper Jr. said he is looking forward to working with Ambrosini to continue strengthening ties with the community.

"Nick Ambrosini is a man of vision and integrity, and the CSUB Foundation board of directors is incredibly fortunate that he is sharing his leadership at this pivotal moment of opportunity and growth at Kern County's University," he said. "Nick and Valley Strong Credit Union believe in education as a force for transformation in this community, and that faith and support is invested directly into our students through scholarships, mentorships and other opportunities. We can't wait to see what Nick will do as the foundation chair."

Ambrosini said he has had conversations with President Harper about making changes to how the foundation board runs its quarterly meetings. They currently consist largely of reports from each of the board's subcommittees.

"President Harper is looking to mix things up. He wants to have more dialogue and discussion, instead of just report-outs," he said. "I think President Harper has a lot of passion and excitement for what's coming in the future, and I'm just here to make sure it all comes to reality."