Chancellor's Executive Council (CEC)

Dr. Julianna M. Asperin Barnes has over 30 years of experience in higher education, has made an indelible mark on the education community, especially at the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) since assuming the role of Chancellor on August 1, 2022. Her visionary leadership, commitment to equity, and strategic focus have not only shaped the educational landscape, but have had profound economic and societal impacts, underscoring her role as a transformative force.

Under Dr. Barnes, SOCCCD remains a pivotal force in the Orange County economy with an approximate $1.9 billion-dollar annual impact, functioning as a major employer for thousands of faculty and staff and a contributor to 20,000 plus jobs produced in the county. Her strategic vision extends to influencing construction spending, injecting millions into the county's economy and creating additional job opportunities, fostering rapid economic growth. The economic influence of SOCCCD, shaped by Dr. Barnes' leadership, extends beyond the confines of the colleges themselves, impacting students and alumni. Driven by her commitment to educational excellence, the investments made by students in their education have a direct correlation to future higher earnings. This notable impact underscores Dr. Barnes' dedication to offering students an education that transcends traditional boundaries.

At the regional, state, and national levels, Dr. Barnes actively contributes to the higher education landscape. She holds positions on several boards, including the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Community College League of California (CCLC), the President of the Board for the Chief Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges (CEOCCC), Board member for the Orange County Business Council (OCBC), where she serves as the Vice Chair of the Workforce Development committee, and maintains membership on the Orange County Community College Legislative Task Force (OCCCLTF) as well as the Orange County Regional Consortium: Workforce Development Alliance.

In essence, Dr. Barnes has not only shaped the academic excellence of SOCCCD but has significantly contributed to the economic vitality of Orange County, the state of California, and the community college system as a whole. Her visionary leadership has created a holistic impact, ensuring that education becomes a powerful force for economic growth, individual success, and societal well-being. Under her guidance, SOCCCD stands as a testament to the transformative potential of higher education.

Before taking on her current position, Dr. Barnes held the position of President at Cuyamaca College from 2015 to 2022, where she distinguished herself as a transformative leader. Under her leadership, Cuyamaca College rose to prominence as a trailblazer in equity and innovation within the educational landscape. The college's commitment to developmental education reform earned them the prestigious John W. Rice Diversity and Equity Award, and national recognition from Excelencia in Education. Prior to her presidency, she served in various roles at both the community college and university levels.

Dr. Barnes' earned a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and a Master of Arts in education/multicultural counseling from San Diego State University. Her Bachelor of Arts in sociology and minor in teacher education were obtained from the University of California, San Diego.

Ann-Marie Gabel is the Vice Chancellor of Business Services for the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), where she oversees all district business departments including fiscal services, accounting, budgeting, payroll, benefits, internal audit, facilities planning, purchasing, contracts, risk services, warehouse, and mailroom services. She provides leadership for all partnership negotiations related to the Advanced Technology and Education Park and chairs the district’s committees responsible for developing procedures for the allocation of general fund resources, capital outlay projects, and reviewing board policies and administrative regulations.

Previously, Ms. Gabel was the Executive Vice President of Finance, Facilities, and Technology Services at Long Beach City College (LBCC).  During her tenure at LBCC she also held the positions of Acting Superintendent-President, Vice President of Administrative Services, and Interim Vice President of Student Support Services. Ms. Gabel also worked in the fiscal departments at Rancho Santiago Community College District and North Orange County Community College District. Ms. Gabel, a certified public accountant, started her career as an auditor with Vicenti, Lloyd & Stutzman, LLP (currently known as Clifton Larsen Allen), where she worked with several community colleges and K-12 districts.

Ms. Gabel is active in several state organizations in support of community colleges. She was appointed by Governor Brown to the Community College Student Success Funding Formula Oversight Committee.  She is the President of the Statewide Association of Community Colleges (SWACC), a statewide joint powers authority responsible for property and liability coverage. Ms. Gabel also chairs the Facilities Advisory Committee for the Association of Chief Business Officials (ACBO) and is a member of the ACBO Board and the state Chancellor’s Advisory Workgroup on Fiscal Affairs.  Ms. Gabel serves as the Treasurer for the Community College Facilities Coalition (CCFC) board and also serves on the Community College League of California’s (CCLC) Advisory Committee on Legislation (ACL). In November 2025, Ms. Gabel was the recipient of the Paul Holmes Facilities Leadership Achievement Award, presented by CCFC for her exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to enhancing facilities that support the success of California’s community college students.

Ms. Gabel earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University, Fullerton, and a master’s degree in educational management from the University of La Verne.

Dr. Cindy Vyskocil is the Vice Chancellor of Human Resources at South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), where she serves as the district’s chief human resources officer chief and negotiator while also overseeing all aspects of labor relations and employment services. With over 30 years of service in the public sector, including 23 years in community college administration, Dr. Vyskocil is well-known for her experienced human resources leadership at both multi-college and single-college districts.

Before joining SOCCCD, Dr. Vyskocil was the Vice Chancellor of Human Resources at Coast Community College District, Associate Vice President of Human Resources at Long Beach Community College District, and Director of Equity and Diversity at North Orange County Community College District, respectively. She began her career serving in the Orange County Superior Court system as the Manager of Traffic and Minor Offenses before transitioning into higher education administration.

Dr. Vyskocil served as the president of the Association of Chief Human Resource Officers (ACHRO) from 2018-2019.  She also served two years as the Chair of the Equal Employment Diversity and Equity Consortium for the southern region and was a recipient of the California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability Administrator of the Year Award. She currently serves as the Chair of the Human Resources Committee for the Statewide Association of Community Colleges (SWACC).

Dr. Vyskocil holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of California, Irvine; a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton; and two Bachelor’s degrees – one in Justice Studies and one in Telecommunications – from Arizona State University.

Dr. Chris McDonald is the Vice Chancellor of Educational & Technology Services for the South Orange County Community College District, where he oversees all educational programs and services offered in the District. In this capacity, Dr. McDonald provides leadership and coordination in enrollment management and distance education programs; technology services for academic and administrative functions; grant development; research functions related to compliance reporting and student outcomes; coordinating program relationships with colleges, universities, local high schools, and regional occupational programs; coordinating workforce preparation programs in cooperation with regional businesses/industry; and chairing committees and task forces that address areas including academic calendar, accreditation, district planning, online education, sabbaticals, and the student information system.

Previously, Dr. McDonald served as the Vice President for Instruction (VPI) at Irvine Valley College. His experience in education includes serving as an Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness (AVP) and Dean of Mathematics, Science and Engineering at Saddleback College. In addition, Dr. McDonald served as Department Chair for Mathematics and Computer Science, and an Executive Board Member of both the Academic Senate and Faculty Association at Mt. San Antonio College. Dr. McDonald has been a lecturer at Cal Poly Pomona and served as a high school mathematics teacher. Prior to entering the education arena, Dr. McDonald was a programmer and information technology supervisor.

Dr. McDonald earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in applied mathematics from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Southern California.