Assistant City Manager Andrew Hackleman Receives Appointment to Governor’s Military Council City of Santa Maria Assistant City Manager Andrew Hackleman was recently appointed to the Governor’s Military Council. ““It’s an honor to be appointed and to be able to serve in this statewide role that supports important community and military installation needs, right here in Santa Maria,” Hackleman said. “The Governor’s Military Council exists to protect California’s more than 30 military installations and their associated operations,” Hackleman explained. “When it comes to local impact, we on the Central Coast have several military installations and of course that includes Santa Maria’s partner and neighbor, Vandenberg Space Force Base – a National asset right in our back yard we must only protect but advocate to expand, because it is important for our Nation’s defense and for the vitality of our economy.” A retired U. S. Air Force Lieutenant
Colonel, Hackleman joined the City of Santa Maria leadership team in July as Assistant City Manager. Prior to his current position, Hackleman was an executive with a regional nonprofit focused on job growth. “My background is in analysis, policy, logistics and strategy. My experience working in economic development has really helped me to find ways to support the community, and to learn about the diverse cities and communities in SLO and Santa Barbara Counties,” Hackleman explained. “Along the way, I came to really appreciate the important role local government has in providing essential services and enabling people and businesses to thrive.” Hackleman is excited to now be serving alongside City Manger Jason Stilwell as Assistant City Manager for Santa Maria. “I’m eager to learn all I can about local government (and there is a LOT), and I’m working hard to serve the staff and community by drawing on my previous
Andrew Hackleman serves as the Assistant City Manager for Santa Maria. leadership and economic development experience.” We congratulate Andrew Hackleman on his recent appointment to the Governor’s Military Council, and are thankful to have him as part of the local leadership serving our Santa Maria Valley community!
Chamber Launches "Santa Maria Next" Program to Highlight Local Students Excelling in Career Pathways The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has partner with the Santa Barbara County Office of Education on "Santa Maria Next", a program that highlights the career readiness training offered in high school career pathways, and recognizes students who are excelling in these various pathways. "As a champion for a strong local community, we know that local workforce development is a critical part of a vibrant community," explained Glenn Morris, President/CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. "Santa Maria Next gives us the opportunity to highlight the ways our local high schools are preparing kids for future careers, and also recognize students excelling in their fields of interest." Teachers from local high school districts have the opportunity to nominate students in the career pathway being highlighted for that month. A group of students will be selected to be highlighted on Chamber social media/communications and by the local school districts. Each quarter, the Chamber will also invite these students to attend a recognition event where they will have a chance to network with industry 2
leaders in their career pathway on interest. September 2021: Machining & Manufacturing Student of the Month: Jorge Salas, 11th Grade, Pioneer Valley High School Jorge Salas, an 11th grader from Pioneer Valley High School, is our Santa Maria Valley Chamber CTE student of the Month in the Manufacturing pathway. He was nominated by his teacher, Dan Howard. Dan expressed that Jorge has a real interest and genuine talent for machining. In addition to that, Jorge has been helpful with classroom preparation and enjoys using his knowledge to assist his peers. Congratulations to Jorge on his exceptional work! About the Machining & Manufacturing Career Pathway The Machining and Manufacturing Program provides local high school students three Allan Hancock College courses and starts them on their degree path. Students learn the basics of safety, measurement, and gain an understanding of blueprints and their creation. They get the opportunity
Jorge Salas, an 11th grade student at Pioneer Valley High School, is the September featured Santa Maria Next student. to operate state-of-the-art CNC Mills and Lathes as well as Manual Mills and Lathes. Students also learn and utilize MasterCam and SolidWorks design programs to create and manufacture their projects. This program will prepare students for an entry level machine shop position.
