Retired Administrator of the Year David Gomez, seen here on a trip to Ecuador, has continued his service to ACSA while enjoying travel during retirement.
Gomez builds fellowship in retirement
July 22, 2024
Name: David Gomez
Award: Retired Administrator of the Year
ACSA highlights: Member since 1982; President, 2012-2013; Legislative Policy Committee, 2006-2007; Secondary Education Council, 2005-2008; President, Berkeley Charter, 2001-2003; President, Region 13, 1998-1999; VP Legislative Action, Retired Educational Leaders Charter, Region 13, 2020-current; Retirement Committee, 2021-current; Mid-State Conference Committee, Regions 9, 10, 11, 13, 2017-current; Mentor and Ambassador, Region 13.
School administrators often have the reputation for “failing retirement,” continuing to support the profession long after their last day of work at their school or district. Leaders like David Gomez, ACSA’s 2024 Retired Administrator of the Year, give back to their community, their colleagues and the association in immeasurable ways, making an impact that will be felt for years to come.
Since retiring as superintendent of Santa Paula Union HSD in 2012, Gomez’s ongoing participation and leadership in other community and professional organizations, including CALSA, CAAASA and CSBA, have only augmented his active involvement in ACSA. He is one of the founding members of the Region 13 Retired Educational Leaders Charter, established in 2020, and has served as an officer since the group formed. He has been a regular participant on the state ACSA Retirement Committee since 2021 and volunteered to serve on the sub-committee that developed a white paper outlining how to encourage stronger participation by retirees in the organization.
Gomez has been a member of the annual Mid-State Conference Planning Committee since its inception in 2017. He has presented numerous times at the Leadership Summit, offering tips to members on how to prepare for retirement, work as a consultant during retirement and, even more crucially, enjoy life after retirement. He supports, coaches and mentors new and aspiring administrators at a number of districts, encouraging non-ACSA members to join the association. Gomez has been a longtime ACSA Ambassador, promoting the association through his involvement in other organizations.
Region 13 Ambassador Steven Bailey wrote that, “While David has clearly demonstrated his commitment to ACSA and its members with his many roles over the years, it’s his easygoing, caring personality that has created a sense of comfort, interest and enthusiasm from others around him to be engaged, not just in the work of ACSA but in the joy of ACSA through enduring relationships.”
To each of his efforts, Gomez continues to bring his strong commitment to equity and inclusivity, lifelong learning and effective school programs that ensure the success of every student. He inspires a strong feeling of fellowship among members and other retirees, encouraging groups to travel together and regularly taking trips within the U.S. and abroad with like-minded explorers.
He is especially proud of acting as state ACSA president in 2012-13, and of being a veteran, having served as an officer in the U.S. Army on active and reserve duty for more than 24 years.
“Dr. David Gomez’s long-standing, deep commitment to ACSA is well known and admired; he is ACSA to his many friends all over the state! David’s superpower is his unparalleled ability to bring people together, forge connections and bring out the best in everyone,” wrote Barbara LeCorte, Region 13 past-president.
What’s your favorite book or quote on leadership?
A book that has had a major impact on my leadership is “Good to Great.”
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to lead with courage, follow my moral compass, make decisions on what is best for students, and to believe in Rotary’s Four Way Test:
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
What’s your best strategy for work-life balance?
My best strategy for work-life balance is enjoy work, focus on what is important, but make time for family, friends and travel.
What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator?
My life hacks for new administrators would be: See the big picture, understand the vision and mission, and surround yourself with an outstanding team. Also, be kind to others and maintain a good sense of humor.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
People are surprised to learn that I was a U.S. Army officer and on active and reserve duty for over 24 years. I was a Battalion Commander for a Special Operations unit, and I participated in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
What made you want to become a school administrator?
I became a school administrator because I wanted to have a positive impact on a greater number of students and teachers.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to get where you are?
One of my biggest challenges was to balance my family with both my education and military careers.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
I am most proud of my family, having been ACSA state president, serving my country as an Army Officer, and seeing the world with over 80 countries visited.
How has ACSA supported you in your career?
ACSA has supported me in my career by providing me with leadership direction, professional development, valuable networking and amazing long-lasting friendships. I love ACSA!
His travels have taken David Gomez to the Iditarod.
David Gomez visiting Omaha Beach.
David Gomez's strategy for work-life balance is enjoy work, focus on what is important, but make time for family, friends and travel.
David Gomez has visited more than 80 countries ― so far!