John Ballard ('80, Psychology)

John Ballard’s career exemplifies the transformational effect of visionary leadership, thoughtful strategy, and deep compassion. Ballard has spent decades leading both small and large businesses and community-focused ventures with extraordinary success.

Ballard served as President of SPX Communications Technologies for nearly a decade. Before that, he held top leadership positions at TCI International, Inc., including as president and CEO, making him an accomplished innovator across multiple industries. With core expertise in business strategy, project management, team leadership, and process improvement, Ballard built a career grounded in elevating both people and organizations.

Ballard’s contributions extend beyond the corporate world. He is a strong advocate for social change and community well-being. He serves as board chair of Santa Cruz Local, a nonprofit journalism organization focused on objective local reporting that holds government officials to account. He is also a supporter of New Way Homes, a nonprofit that addresses California’s housing crisis by building bridges between communities and investors to ensure the creation of affordable, accessible housing.

In addition to these efforts, Ballard co-founded Lost Coast Ventures alongside Dan Phillips ('91, Business and Computer Information Systems). This nonprofit initiative supports aspiring entrepreneurs in Humboldt County by providing mentorship, resources, and networking support, helping transform bold ideas into viable, fundable ventures.

Ballard’s personal life also reflects his values. With his wife, Kathy (‘79, Biology), he made a significant contribution to the Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation’s Boldly Rising Campaign, supporting students, faculty, and community initiatives. Their philanthropic commitment is grounded in a shared belief in creating hope and opportunity for others.

Ballard stands out not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his humility, generosity, and passion for making a difference. His career and character are a testament to the values instilled at Cal Poly Humboldt, and his legacy continues to shape lives and communities throughout California.

Karen Diemer ('95, Wildlife)

Karen Diemer's renowned career in public service is a testament to leadership grounded in community values, equity, and resilience. Diemer served as city manager of Arcata for nearly a decade, shaping policy and practice to improve the lives of all residents.

Diemer’s contributions to Arcata—and beyond—are far-reaching. She led the city through complex moments. Her leadership in these moments was marked by empathy, courage, and the ability to unify diverse perspectives.

A systems thinker and relationship builder, Diemer developed partnerships across local government, nonprofits, and Cal Poly Humboldt to advance shared goals. She was instrumental in founding equity arcata, a collaborative initiative addressing racial equity across campus and the community. She also initiated quarterly liaison meetings to strengthen university and city collaboration and helped expand environmental stewardship projects like the Bay Trail and McDaniels Slough restoration.

Her influence extended throughout the region through co-founding the Bay Cities Leadership Academy, which mentors the next generation of public service leaders. Her mentorship of hundreds of professionals and students fostered a culture of excellence and inclusion throughout city government and beyond.

Diemer held numerous leadership roles in statewide organizations, including the League of California Cities, where she supported policy development and civic engagement strategies. Her commitment to open government, strategic planning, and sustainable development has left a lasting mark on both Arcata’s physical landscape and its community spirit.

In 2024, she was honored with the Cal Poly Humboldt President’s Distinguished Service Award. Her three-decade career, rooted in public trust, exemplifies the University’s "hands-on learning" ethos—whether managing water systems early in her journey or founding initiatives that inspire regional impact later on.

Diemer is a community builder, a mentor, and a changemaker whose legacy will benefit generations to come.

Anand Gopal ('03, M.S. Environmental Systems)

Dr. Anand Gopal is a globally respected climate policy expert whose work in clean energy and environmental justice has made a significant impact in the United States, India, and China.

Gopal embodies a lifelong commitment to sustainability, science, and equity. Currently, Gopal is the founder and CEO of Elar Strategies, a clean energy and sustainable food systems consulting firm that supports clients in transforming their livelihoods for the better while reducing pollution rapidly and equitably.

Gopal has held leadership roles in leading research organizations and private foundations such as Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the Hewlett Foundation, and Energy Innovation. In all of his roles, his mission has stayed the same: improving the lives of the most vulnerable people in the world.

Gopal grew up in Chennai, a city of 7 million people in Southern India. He earned a bachelor’s in civil engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. He was only able to enroll in the master’s program at Cal Poly Humboldt thanks to a first-of-a-kind scholarship and research position offered by the Schatz Energy Research Center. After graduating from Humboldt, he went on to earn a Ph.D. in Energy and Resources from UC Berkeley.

He continues to be closely connected to the Schatz Center, serving on their advisory board and supporting their work in numerous ways. He also serves on the boards of influential organizations such as the International Council on Clean Transportation, the Good Food Institute, and Veloz. He is a syndicated contributor on Forbes, where he shares insights on the energy transition.

Cal Poly Humboldt shaped Gopal's life more deeply than any other institution of higher learning that he has attended. Humboldt is where he met his wife, Elizabeth Pimental-Gopal (‘00, Spanish and Business Administration) and where he met mentors Dr. Peter Lehman and Dr. Charles Chamberlin, who inspired his career in clean energy, and where he visits often to spend time with his 1-year-old grandson, Hendrix.

Rakin "Rock" Hall ('97, Journalism)

Rakin “Rock” Hall is a shining example of resilience, transformation, and unwavering commitment to student success. Hall has built a distinguished career in higher education leadership while never forgetting his roots or the mentors who helped shape him.

As a first-year student at Humboldt, Hall faced academic challenges that nearly derailed his college journey. Through support from the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and Student Support Services, he not only recovered but flourished, discovering a passion for supporting others on their paths to success. His academic turnaround became a launching pad for a life devoted to education and access.

Hall began working in Humboldt’s admissions office and has since held pivotal roles at major institutions, including associate director of admissions at the University of Southern California. He currently serves as vice president of enrollment and student success at Ithaca College, where he oversees initiatives aimed at increasing access, equity, and student support. His leadership is marked by compassion, innovation, and an authentic dedication to uplifting others.

A sought-after public speaker, Hall frequently shares his story of perseverance to inspire students who may be struggling. His commitment to inclusivity and opportunity has opened doors for countless underrepresented students across the country. He also contributes to national conversations around access and enrollment as a member of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and the National Association for College Admission Counseling, where he helps shape policy and practice for equitable education.

Hall’s journey from a first-generation college student to national leadership demonstrates the power of mentorship, determination, and self-belief. His work not only honors the spirit of Cal Poly Humboldt but actively shapes the futures of students who, like him, needed someone to believe in them. His story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t about where students start—it’s about how they rise.

Tory Starr ('82, Nursing)

Tory Starr has devoted his life to advancing community health and wellness through strategic healthcare leadership, innovation, and advocacy. Starr has spent more than 30 years building a legacy of service that reflects both professional excellence and a deep commitment to underserved populations.

Since 2020, Starr has served as president and CEO of Open Door Community Health Centers, leading one of the largest and most impactful health organizations in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. He stepped into this role just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic began and quickly guided the organization through immense challenges, ensuring continued access to critical healthcare services for thousands of rural Californians.

Before joining Open Door, Starr held executive leadership roles across California’s healthcare landscape. At Sutter Health, he served as vice president of Care Management for the Valley Area and earlier as regional care coordination executive for the Sacramento/Sierra region. He was also director of care management for Alameda Health System, where he oversaw complex care coordination services. For over two decades, he ran Starr and Associates, a healthcare consulting firm based in Arcata that helped organizations implement high-impact strategies in care transitions, population health, and program development.

With over three decades of experience in performance and quality improvement, Tory has worked in both community health and acute care environments. His professional focus centers on organizational development and change management, guiding healthcare organizations through periods of transition. He collaborates closely with organizational and medical staff leadership, as well as clinical service teams, to continuously enhance the quality and effectiveness of care delivered to the communities served by Open Door.

Tory’s nursing career spans community and home health, acute care, and academia. He is a former faculty member at Cal Poly Humboldt’s Department of Nursing, where he taught senior-level courses in healthcare policy and delivery system models.

He currently serves on the boards of the California Primary Care Association and the California Alliance of Community Health Centers for Patient Access. Nationally, he is a board member of Advocates for Community Health, a leading FQHC advocacy organization. Locally, he contributes to the community advisory boards of Cal Poly Humboldt and College of the Redwoods and serves on the board of We Are Up, a nonprofit organization developing an intergenerational community for individuals with developmental challenges.

As a student, Starr juggled a full-time nursing course load, served on the student council, and was awarded Man of the Year in 1982. His experiences at Humboldt shaped a lifelong commitment to education, equity, and service. Today, he continues to advocate for infrastructure improvements such as workforce housing, broadband access, and workforce expansion to meet regional health needs.

Starr is a transformational leader who understands the human side of medicine. His vision for accessible, community-based care and his unwavering dedication to the underserved embody the spirit of Cal Poly Humboldt and the mission of public service.