TO: SSU staff
RE: Presidential Search -- Listening Sessions for Staff
Sent on behalf of Sal Venegas Jr., Partner, SP&A Executive Search
Dear SSU staff members,
As you know, Sonoma State is conducting its presidential search. Earlier this year, the campus hosted a town hall meeting to provide the Search Advisory Committee with an opportunity to listen to members of the Sonoma State community and gather input regarding the search. Now that the fall term has started and the search is gaining momentum, as the lead consultant conducting the search, I will visit the campus again and host a series of smaller listening sessions with key stakeholder groups to solicit additional feedback.
The visit is scheduled for Monday, September 15, 2025, and will be the final opportunity for you to share your thoughts and comments regarding the qualities and characteristics sought in the next president.
Although you will have significant latitude to discuss issues that are important to you and that impact the university, I would also be interested in hearing your responses to the following questions:
- What are the short-term (immediate) and long-term (three to five years) challenges and opportunities facing the next president?
- Given the opportunities and challenges you have described, what professional experiences and qualifications must candidates possess to be successful in the role?
- What major initiatives are currently in the implementation phase and require the new president's attention and support, but because of their stage of implementation can no longer be abandoned or diverted by the new president?
- What are the positive attributes and most attractive features of Sonoma State and the surrounding community and how might those be used to attract the best candidates?
As valued members of the Sonoma State community, I invite you to participate in these important sessions. Each stakeholder group will be scheduled to meet with me for 45 minutes. There are two listening sessions scheduled for staff on September 15 -- from 8:15 to 9 a.m. and from 1:15 to 2 p.m. All listening sessions will be held at The Cooperage.
To take full advantage of the time we will have together, I encourage you to prepare your comments prior to our scheduled meeting. If you are unable to attend your designated session, but would like to share your thoughts, please complete the confidential electronic survey available at https://www.surveymonkey.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
Sincerely,
Sal Venegas Jr.