About Geoff
Geoffrey Baum is a longtime civic and education leader who previously served three elected terms on the Pasadena City College Board of Trustees and two terms as President of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.
With more than three decades of leadership experience in higher education, public policy, and nonprofit management, Geoff has worked to expand college access, reduce costs for students, and strengthen workforce pathways across California. Throughout his career, he has been recognized as a thoughtful and effective leader on community college issues, someone who listens carefully, engages stakeholders across the political spectrum, and brings a collaborative approach that builds broad support for student success.
Geoff and his wife, Lisa, have been homeowners in the district for more than 30 years, where they raised their daughter, Amy. A dedicated neighborhood advocate, Geoff has served as President of the West Pasadena Residents Association, where he has championed the protection of the Arroyo Seco, the preservation of historic neighborhoods, and the effort to reclaim and redevelop the SR-710 stub for the city in ways that preserve and protect local neighborhoods.
Geoff is an energetic champion of public higher education and student opportunity and is known throughout the community for his integrity, his ability to work across differences, and his unwavering focus on results for students.
Elected Terms
PCC Board of Trustees, including 2 terms as Board President
12 Years
California Community Colleges Board of Governors, twice elected President
2 Million Students
Helped lead the nation's largest higher education system
Protect and Strengthen PCC’s Financial Foundation
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Ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars
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Maintain transparency and accountability in budgeting
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Safeguard the historic facilities bond investment
Expand Access & Affordability
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Reduce the cost burden of textbooks and materials
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Support student parents, working adults, and first-generation students
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Strengthen transfer pathways to four-year universities
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Expand dual enrollment programs to local high schools where students can earn college credit before graduating high school
Priorities
Workforce & Economic Development
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Align programs with regional workforce needs
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Expand training in skilled trades critical to post-Eaton Fire rebuilding
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Partner with industry leaders to prepare students for high-demand careers
AI & the Future of Learning
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Help faculty harness AI tools responsibly
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Prepare students to compete in a rapidly evolving economy
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Position PCC as a forward-looking institution
Student-Centered Governance
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Keep the focus on students, not politics
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Foster collaborative leadership between trustees, administration, faculty, and staff
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Maintain a culture of respect and shared purpose
Leadership You Can Trust

Geoffrey Baum is an experienced education leader and public servant who has dedicated his career to expanding access to high-quality, affordable higher education.
He previously served three elected terms on the Pasadena City College Board of Trustees, including two terms as Board President. He later served twelve years on the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, where he was twice elected President by his colleagues and helped lead the nation’s largest higher education system serving 2 million students annually.
Throughout his tenure, Geoff focused on:
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College affordability and reducing textbook costs
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Strengthening workforce and career technical education
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Expanding access for underserved students
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Securing state and federal support for community colleges
Professionally, Geoff has held senior leadership roles in nonprofit, philanthropic, and higher education institutions, including work in public policy, communications, and strategic planning.
Education:
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MBA, Fordham University
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M.A., Journalism, University of Southern California
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B.A., Economics, Claremont McKenna College
Geoff and his wife Lisa live in Pasadena and remain actively involved in the civic life of the community.
Endorsements
These endorsements represent voices from across California who believe in Geoff’s vision for affordable education, workforce opportunity, and student-centered leadership.
Former Chancellors
California Community Colleges
Former PCC Presidents
Fostering Well-being and Growth
Community College Trustees
Former & current board members statewide
Board of Governors Members
Championing Fairness for All
Civic & Community Leaders
asadena and surrounding communities
Endorsements
These endorsements represent voices from across California who believe in Geoff’s vision for affordable education, workforce opportunity, and student-centered leadership.
Hon. Jack Scott
former State Senator and president of Pasadena City College
Hon. Bill Bogaard
former Mayor of Pasadena
Hon. Michael Davitt
Councilmember and former Mayor of La Cañada Flintridge
Get Involved
Join us in strengthening Pasadena City College and expanding opportunity for every student. Whether you donate, volunteer, or connect with the campaign, your support makes a real impact.
Contact the Campaign
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