State of the College

Brenda Thames, Ph.D.

Superintendent/President
El Camino College

Dr. Brenda Thames began her tenure as the seventh superintendent/president of El Camino College on July 1, 2021. With over 24 years of experience in instruction, student services, and administration in California Community Colleges, Dr. Thames is a proven leader dedicated to student success. She works collaboratively with El Camino faculty and staff to advance educational opportunities and economic mobility for the students we serve.

Dr. Thames most recently served as president of West Hills College Coalinga, and has served in a broad spectrum of positions including adjunct faculty, tenured faculty, faculty coordinator, department chair, program director, dean, vice president of student services, and vice president of instruction. She earned a doctorate in education from Oregon State University, master’s degrees in both social work and in public administration from USC, and holds a bachelor’s degree with a double major in sociology and social welfare from the University of California, Berkeley.

Denis Albaladejo, MSN, MBA, RN, CNOR, CSSM

Clinical Director of the Operating Room and Sterile Processing Department
Torrance Memorial Medical Center

Denis earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Notre Dame of Maryland University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Baltimore.

A transformational leader, Denis is deeply committed to patient safety, fostering staff satisfaction, and promoting team retention.  He strives to build a culture of excellence where high-quality care and professional growth go hand in hand.

Samantha Salazar

Student Speaker
El Camino College

As a participant in El Camino College’s inaugural cohort of Intern South Bay, Samantha will share how this unique program provided valuable work experience and supports the workforce needs of South Bay employers.

Her internship experience allowed Samantha to gain real-world skills and see how what she is learning in the classroom is essential to becoming a successful law professional. She is currently studying to become a paralegal by earning her Paralegal Studies Certificate. Following completion of her certificate she will attend law school.