Meet Geoff Hurst!

Prior to accepting the position of District Director, Enterprise IT Applications Support and Development, in July 2019, Geoff worked on the implementation of Banner 9 at NOCCCD. He has a strong background in supporting our Banner Enterprise Applications and a sharp focus on improving the user experience District-wide.

Geoff Hurst started his career in education teaching middle school in Korea, Guam, and the United Kingdom. About 15 years ago, Geoff transitioned into higher education and worked as a systems analyst and project manager.

Geoff holds a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing from California State University, Long Beach and a master's degree in Information Technology – Information Systems from California State University, Fullerton.

He has two sons—one attending Berkeley in his junior year and one in a master's program at the University of California, San Diego. When Geoff's not behind a computer, he's busy hanging out with his "aggressively affectionate" Rottweiler.

Meet Dr. Gabrielle Stanco!

Dr. Gabrielle Stanco comes to NOCCCD with more than 14 years of experience in the field of educational research and planning. She most recently worked in the Institutional Effectiveness Office at Orange Coast College for over six years, and in a research center at Boston College prior to that.

As the new District Director of Research, Planning and Data Management, Gabrielle collects, analyzes, and reports data to provide information for District decision-making that focuses on topics ranging from enrollment management and resource allocation to diversity and student success. She is responsible for District-level master and strategic planning processes, and she ensures data accuracy and explains the implications and limitations of data and reports as they relate to the District.

Gabrielle obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and German from Austin College, Master of Arts in International Education from New York University, and Doctorate in Educational Research, Measurement and Evaluation from Boston College.

Gabrielle found her sweet spot in Southern California after enduring the Texas heat growing up and then facing East Coast winters prior to moving back west. Although SoCal may be her new home, don't mind if her southern roots show with a "y'all" every now and again.

Meet Amita Suhrid-Cherewick!

Many of you may already know Amita Suhrid-Cherewick. Amita joined NOCCCD back in 2016 to lead District-wide professional development programs that align with the District and campus goals. In August 2019, Amita accepted the position of District Director, Professional Development.

As the new District Director, Amita continues to chair the District-wide Professional Development Committee, coordinate the Leadership Academy and Mentorship Program, organize and facilitate trainings and symposiums, and develop and present workshops. A few upcoming projects Amita has in the works include a new District-wide Management Training Program and the implementation of the Cornerstone learning management system for professional development.

Prior to NOCCCD, Amita worked as an independent consultant assisting organizations to find effective learning solutions and close skills gaps. She also spent 16 years at DeVry University in a variety of roles ranging from technology programs and information sciences to assessment and continuing education.

Amita received her bachelor's degree in Science in Physics, Statistics, and Mathematics from Kanpur University in India. She also obtained three master's degrees—Master of Arts in Economics from Kanpur University in India; Master of Science in Mathematics from the Indian Institute of Technology in India; and Master of Business Administration from Devry University.

Amita grew up in India. She won multiple state and national sports championships as a teenager. Thirty-two years ago, Amita left India for Florida, stopped in Southern California, and changed her plans to stay for good. In her free time, Amita loves hiking, traveling, cooking, and connecting with her family and friends.