Irvine Valley College appoints new foundation director

April 2, 2004

The Board of Trustees of the South Orange County Community College District approved the appointment of Al Tello as Director of the Irvine Valley College Foundation. His term began on March 1, 2004.

Previously, Tello, 43, worked as an aide to California State Senator Ross Johnson. He has over 16 years of experience in state and local government and has broad-based experience in county government including transportation, environmental waste management, and aviation issues. He has served as a field representative for State Assemblyman Dennis Brown, and as an aide to Orange County Supervisor Harriett Wieder. Tello has also worked as Manger of Public Affairs for Laer Pearce & Associates.

Tello is a product of the California community college system, having received his Associate in Science degree in political science from Santa Barbara City College. He also received his Bachelor in Science degree in political science from California State University, Bakersfield where he was active in student government.

“We welcome new leadership with the selection of Al Tello as Foundation Director for Irvine Valley College,” said Irvine Valley College President Glenn Roquemore. “Al has a wealth of experience as an advocate for education and the community, and based on his track record, we expect him to make a significant contribution to the education of our students. I am very pleased to have him join us.”

As director of the Irvine Valley College Foundation, Tello says he plans to build a strong relationship between the community and the college, to recognize and encourage student achievement, and to develop innovative corporate partnership opportunities that will have a lasting benefit for all parties.

“I look forward to the opportunity to work with the Foundation and to enhance the education of students in Orange County,” Tello said. “We are fortunate to have so many dedicated professionals—on campus, among the Board of Governors, and in the community—who work hard to support our students; I am very pleased to begin working with them in this new role as director of the Foundation.

Tello’s appointment comes at a time when IVC has developed new initiatives for growth on the campus. Work has recently begun on the construction of a $26 million Performing Arts Center and Theatre complex.