LEADERSHIP

John "Jack" Garamendi, is President & CEO of Professional Evaluation Group (PEG). He is a recognized expert in education, philanthropy, government and business. Mr. Garamendi's professional background includes a highly successful track record in strategic planning, fundraising, community and government relations and private enterprise.

Mr. Garamendi, a fifth generation Californian from the Central Valley, received his B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and his MBA from California State University, Hayward. He was also a Fulbright Scholar in Montevideo, Uruguay, where he studied and taught philanthropy.

Mr. Garamendi spent nearly two decades working for the University of California - at the Office of the President and UC campuses in Berkeley, Davis and Merced. His success at UC allowed him to return to California’s Central Valley as the Founding Vice Chancellor of University Relations at UC Merced. He was part of the leadership team that opened the first new University of California campus in 40 years.

As Vice Chancellor, Mr. Garamendi was the chief advancement officer for the UC Merced campus with responsibility for the areas of development, university relations, advancement services, governmental relations, communications, the UC Merced Foundation and its Board of Trustees, alumni affairs, special events and protocol. Mr. Garamendi also was part of the team that facilitated and led efforts to develop the strategic academic vision for UC Merced and was responsible for coordinating and developing external resources to support the vision.

Mr. Garamendi currently works as President & CEO of the Professional Evaluation Group Inc., a company he established in 2010 with the goal of guiding clients through various political, regulatory and media environments, with a focus on California’s Central Valley. He has had successful outcomes working with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, venture capitalists, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and local governments. Due to his ability to work with a variety of stakeholders and his in-depth understanding of how global, national and statewide issues impact California, he has helped many clients achieve their strategic objectives.

An Eagle Scout, former U.S. Army Reserve Officer and Peace Corps Volunteer, Mr. Garamendi also serves on numerous boards and community organizations including the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors. He has also served as Chair of the American Leadership Forum - Great Valley Chapter, Past Vice Chair of the Great Valley Center, member of the California State Fair Agriculture Advisory Committee, Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce, the Board of the North Delta Conservancy, Yolo Basin Foundation, Calaveras County Fish and Game Commission and Boys and Girls Club of Merced.