San Mateo County, CA — The James Irvine Foundation announced today that San Mateo County Board of Education Trustee and former Board President Hector Camacho, Jr. is a recipient of the Foundation’s prestigious Leadership Award. The annual Leadership Awards “acknowledge individuals and organizations committed to innovation and with a proven track record of success in enhancing lives, creating opportunities, and contributing to a better California.”
Trustee Camacho, Senior Vice President of Reach University, and his colleague Elizabeth Baham, ED.D., are recognized for their work addressing California’s teacher shortage through on-the-job degree and credential programs. According to the Foundation, Trustee Camacho and Dr. Baham, have expanded the University’s reach and credibility, allowing it to leverage federal funding to keep programs affordable for candidates. Reach University offers accessible, job-embedded pathways to recruit and support high-impact teachers and leaders who reflect the diverse students they serve.
Trustee Camacho has served on the San Mateo County Board of Education since 2014, three of those years in the role of President. During his tenure on the Board, Trustee Camacho has advocated for high-quality, inclusive education for all students in the county and has led initiatives in the county and state to create a more equitable education system that prepares every student for future success, including those from communities that have been historically underserved.
Trustee Camacho, a former teacher and school counselor, has also served as a leader with the San Mateo County School Boards Association, the California County Boards of Education, and the REACH Coalition.
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The San Mateo County Office of Education is committed to ensuring excellence and equity in education by inspiring students, investing in teachers, invigorating leaders, and involving communities.
Published February 12, 2024