Overview
Sally Montemayor Lenz brings 35 years of experience in postsecondary education, demonstrating unwavering dedication and leadership in state and local policy development, instructional program design and review, student support services, investments in professional development, technical assistance, technology, and research and planning. She has contributed to notable institutions, including the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, Contra Costa Community College District, and Sierra College.
Montemayor Lenz has focused on enhancing student access, equity, retention, and goal completion. She has cultivated excellent working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and administration, fostering environments based on trust, respect, and collaboration. Her contributions have been instrumental in developing policies, procedures, and practices that honor both student and employee experiences at state, district, and college levels.
As a senior-level administrator and former community college counseling faculty member, Montemayor Lenz has managed statewide coordination and review of student-centered community college instructional and student support programs. Her efforts have included leading the review and amendment of the California Education Code and regulations, guiding the development of strategic plans, and implementing various educational initiatives. She has overseen significant projects such as matriculation, Guided Pathways, Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA), Puente Project , inmate education programs, adult education, and the development of dual enrollment agreements.
Montemayor Lenz’s current projects include supporting the development of California’s Master Plan on Career Education, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Artificial Intelligence Council, the California Community College Chancellor’s Office Bachelor’s Degree process, and noncredit to credit program analysis and development.
Prior to joining WestEd, Montemayor Lenz served as an Educational Strategy Consultant specializing in comprehensive educational planning, strategic enrollment management, technology planning, program development, and student success initiatives. Her work has taken her to California, Florida, New York, and Oklahoma.
Education
- Certificate leading diversity in equity and inclusion, Northwestern University
- PhD in education, University of LaVerne
- MA in counseling, Chapman University
- BS in business administration, California State University, Fresno