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Experienced Leadership for Pasadena City College

Geoff Baum is committed to fiscal responsibility, academic excellence, and expanding opportunities for every student at PCC.

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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.

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Elected Terms

PCC Board of Trustees, including 2 terms as Board President

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12 Years

California Community Colleges Board of Governors, twice elected President

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2 Million Students

Helped lead the nation's largest higher education system

Protect and Strengthen PCC’s Financial Foundation

  • Ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars

  • Maintain transparency and accountability in budgeting

  • Safeguard the historic facilities bond investment

Expand Access & Affordability

  • Reduce the cost burden of textbooks and materials

  • Support student parents, working adults, and first-generation students

  • Strengthen transfer pathways to four-year universities

  • Expand dual enrollment programs to local high schools where students can earn college credit before graduating high school

Priorities

Workforce & Economic Development

  • Align programs with regional workforce needs

  • Expand training in skilled trades critical to post-Eaton Fire rebuilding

  • Partner with industry leaders to prepare students for high-demand careers

AI & the Future of Learning

  • Help faculty harness AI tools responsibly

  • Prepare students to compete in a rapidly evolving economy

  • Position PCC as a forward-looking institution

Student-Centered Governance

  • Keep the focus on students, not politics

  • Foster collaborative leadership between trustees, administration, faculty, and staff

  • Maintain a culture of respect and shared purpose

Leadership You Can Trust

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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:

  • College affordability and reducing textbook costs

  • Strengthening workforce and career technical education

  • Expanding access for underserved students

  • 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:

  • MBA, Fordham University

  • M.A., Journalism, University of Southern California

  • 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.

Support the Campaign

This campaign is powered by community members who believe in affordable education, student success, and responsible leadership at PCC. Every contribution helps us reach more voters and share Geoff’s vision.

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Volunteer With Us

Be part of a team working to support students and protect the future of PCC. From outreach to events, your time and energy help build momentum across the community.

Contact the Campaign

Have a question for Geoff? Submit a message and our team will get back to you.

Get in touch

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Address: 515 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 1110 

FPPC ID #: 1484293

© 2026 Geoff Baum for PCC Board 2026. All rights reserved.

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