July 5, 2023 – SACRAMENTO, CA – Shereen Walter, a passionate advocate for all children and families, began her term as California State PTA President on July 1, 2023. Walter was elected to the 2023-25 term of office. In her new role, she will chair the Board of Directors and be the Chief Executive Officer of the California State PTA. Walter now leads the largest volunteer-led child advocacy association in California as it strives to improve the health, safety, education, and welfare of the state’s nine million children.

A resident of Orange County and mother of three adult children, Walter has volunteered in various PTA roles for over twenty years. Her service with PTA has included roles at the local, regional, and state levels, including a local PTA unit president, council treasurer, and district Vice President for Legislative Advocacy, and at the state as Vice President for Health and Community Concerns, Director of Legislation, and President-Elect.

“I can’t think of anything more important than advocating for the health, safety, and education of all of our children,” said Walter. “We know that when families and schools work together, all children benefit. I look forward to leading this organization which is dedicated to championing the rights and needs of children and families in California.”

Walter’s work with PTA has been focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, advocating for California’s most vulnerable children and promoting mental health awareness. During her two-year term as president, she hopes to support and encourage new leaders, expand its membership, and advocate at all levels for every child with the largest, most inclusive voice possible.

“Shereen brings a wealth of experience to the role of President and CEO of the California State PTA,” said Josiah Kitonga, Managing Director of California State PTA. “I’m confident her experience, dedication, and commitment to the children and families of California will take us to the next level of growth and impact for the organization.”

Walter has a bachelor’s degree in geophysical engineering and an MBA from the University of California, Irvine. In addition to her volunteer role, she is a small business owner and is the president of a local non-profit youth football club.

Walter looks forward to leading an outstanding Board of Directors during the 2023–2025 term:

• Shereen Walter, President
• Heather Ippolito, President-elect (2025-27)
• Laura Hawk-Loya, Vice President for Leadership Services
• Ellen Torres, Vice President for Membership Services
• Barbara Smith, Vice President for Communications
• Will Stanford, Vice President for Convention
• Houri Khatchadorian, Vice President for Health & Community Concerns
• Jesus Holguin, Vice President for Education
• Anita Avrick, Vice President for Family Engagement
• Kathleen Fay, Director of Legislation
• Leslie Powell, Secretary
• Linda Pfeifer, Treasurer
• Becca Marks-Anderson, Parliamentarian
• Melanie Lucas, Chair of the District Presidents
• Josiah Kitonga, Managing Director

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About California State PTA: California State PTA connects families, schools, and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators, and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health, and well-being of all children and families.

Media Contacts:
Josiah Kitonga, Managing Director
(916) 465-8600
jkitonga@capta.org

Barbara Smith, Vice President for Communications
(213) 393-6285
bsmith@capta.org

June 30, 2023 – SACRAMENTO, CA – California State PTA, a leading advocate for the education, health, and well-being of children and families, is pleased to announce the appointment of Josiah Kitonga as its new Managing Director. With a strong background in non-profit management, Kitonga brings a wealth of experience and a passion for creating positive change in the lives of children and families.

In Kitonga, California State PTA has found a collaborative and visionary leader who will work closely with the Board of Directors to drive strategic direction and ensure the continuity of the organization’s mission, goals, and objectives. As the Managing Director, Kitonga will oversee the organization’s day-to-day functions, lead the organization’s staff, and collaborate with volunteers and partners to advance California State PTA’s mission.

With a track record of success in operations, program management, fundraising, and community relations, Kitonga brings unique skills and expertise to the position. He has demonstrated a commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive environments, building solid partnerships, and implementing innovative strategies for organizational growth. Kitonga has a proven ability to lead high-performance teams, navigate complex challenges, and drive sustainable performance.

“Hiring our new Managing Director, Josiah Kitonga marks an exciting chapter for California State PTA,” said Carol Green, 2021-2023 President. “His experience and dedication to our mission make him the ideal leader to guide our association in positively impacting the lives of children and families across California.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Josiah to the organization,” said Shereen Walter, 2021-2023 President-Elect. “His enthusiasm, communication, and leadership skills will help our organization continue to thrive. I look forward to working together to strengthen the California State PTAs’ advocacy efforts, expand programs and services, and build strategic partnerships to address the organization’s evolving needs.”

“It is a privilege to join the organization at a time when California’s children, youth, and families need the support of the PTA more than ever,” said Kitonga. “I am ready to work collaboratively with the board and staff to help the California State PTA amplify its voice and increase its reach for the betterment of all children and families throughout California.”

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About California State PTA: California State PTA connects families, schools, and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators, and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health, and well-being of all children and families.

Media Contacts:
Josiah Kitonga, Managing Director
(916) 465-8600
jkitonga@capta.org

Barbara Smith, Vice President for Communications
(213) 393-6285
bsmith@capta.org