Giving Back 2026
Meet the New CLA Development Team
Erica Nordby | Assistant Dean of Development
While Erica is new to the CLA, she is no stranger to Cal Poly, having spent the past six years building meaningful relationships with alumni and donors in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. As someone whose own liberal arts education shaped her career, Erica believes there is no better place to earn a liberal arts degree than Cal Poly, where Learn by Doing, small class sizes and close faculty mentorship prepare students to think critically, communicate effectively and make a difference in the world.
“Whether you’re passionate about scholarships, faculty excellence, innovative programs or creating a lasting legacy through a planned gift, I would love to learn what inspires you and the difference you’d like to make,” Nordby said. “I enjoy helping alumni, parents and friends turn their values into meaningful opportunities that benefit today’s students and generations to come.”
To start a conversation, contact Erica anytime at 805-305-4567 or nordby@calpoly.edu.
Chrissy Ybarra | Associate Director of Development
Chrissy partners with alumni, parents and donors to advance the college’s mission through meaningful philanthropy and engagement. Building on more than 15 years of experience in education-focused nonprofit organizations and project management, Chrissy brings a collaborative, detail-oriented approach to relationship building, strategic communication and fundraising. She is passionate about connecting donors’ personal values and legacy goals with opportunities that expand student access, strengthen academic programs, and create lasting impact through a liberal arts education. Committed to continuous professional growth, Chrissy is dedicated to fostering meaningful partnerships that support student success, faculty excellence, and the long-term future of the CLA.
Jordan Chesnut | Development Coordinator
Dean's Advisory Council
Special thanks to members of the Dean’s Advisory Council for their contributions to the College of Liberal Arts.
- Sarah Caravalho Khan (English, ’98), Global Head of People, Pulmonx Corporation
- Laura Diaz (English, ’80), News Anchor, KTTV Fox 11 News
- Matt Edling (Political Science, ’02), Partner & Co-Founder, Sher Edling LLP
- Melissa Figueroa (Journalism, ’02), Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer & Lange
- Megan Lester (Graphic Communication, ’00)
- Roger Reedy (English, ’86), CEO, Reedy Consulting Team Inc.
- Dan Rivoire (Philosophy, ’07), Interim Executive Director, Bike SLO County
- Samantha Schneider (Speech Communication, ’98), CEO and Principal, AmpersandPeople, Inc.
- Junior Tauvaa (Political Science, ’96), Chief Business Officer, PCMA
- Christopher Trapani (Political Science, ’90), Founder and CEO, Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno
Shape the future of the Liberal Arts
Your support fuels student success, innovative teaching and hands-on learning experiences across the College of Liberal Arts.
