John Stokes

Lives in Santa Margarita, CA.

Married 34 Years, to Kris. 2 daughters (both married), one Grand daughter.

Education:             

9/79-3/86                California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California. Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Business Management. Course work included in depth studies of business principles, economics, mathematics, physics, electronics, microprocessors, computer operation and programming, and corporate communications.  Elective studies focused on automotive and mechanical systems. Required senior project detailed an innovative transportation method for moving avocado fruit and supplies.

Work Experience:

Jan 2024-present  Part time instructor, Automotive Department

7-2010-May 2023        Division Chair-Engineering and Technology, responsible for the supervision of 10 departments (Architecture, Automotive, Auto Body, Film, Television & Electronic Media, Computer Networking/Info Systems, Construction, Criminal Justice, Electronics, Engineering, Welding). Duties include: supervising and monitoring budgets, faculty evaluations, curriculum, scheduling, budgets, professional development, textbooks, faculty and classified hiring, program evaluation and review, coordinating facilities, participating in College Governance, and other duties as assigned.

1/1994 May 2023           Automotive Technology Instructor, Cuesta Community College, San Luis Obispo, California.  Instructing Engines, Brakes, Chassis & Suspension, Automotive Electrical Systems, and others, for the Automotive Technology Department. Hired as a full-time instructor June 2006.

9/92-6/06                Automotive Technology Instructor, Paso Robles High School, Paso Robles, California.  Instructing multiple levels of automotive and related mechanics to 9th through 12th grade students including Survey of Technology, Small Gas Engines, ROP Tune up and Emissions, ROP Automotive Maintenance, and Agricultural Mechanics.

5/88-9/92                Service Technician, Kimball Motor Company, San Luis Obispo, California. Responsible for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing complex automotive systems; specifically Mercedes-Benz products.  Frequent field work involved customer relations and education.

10/80-5/88              Sears

                                Service Advisor - San Luis Obispo, California. Duties included & interacting with customers and mechanics to determine repair and maintenance needs. Responsible for parts, service, sales, vehicle inspection and quality control. Manage service technicians and handle customer inquiries.

                                Commission Salesperson - San Luis Obispo, California.  Responsible for satisfying customers by promoting home electronic products to fit their needs.

                                National Retail Management Trainee - Pasadena, California. Training in all aspects of a large retail operation including, operations of complex retail divisions, personnel’ policies, inventory control, profit generation, customer satisfaction, and management techniques.

                                Mechanic - San Luis Obispo, California. Performed a variety of mechanical work on all automobile types.

Related Experience:

 9/14-6/19         SkillsUSA Regional Coordinator. Responsible for coordination of Region 2 (nine central California Counties) SkillsUSA chapters. This includes developing and coordinating a Fall Leadership Conference, and a winter Skill and Leadership conference. (over 1,200 competitors in 2019)  

8/03-06/06       Vocational Education Coordinator, Paso Robles High School.  Responsible for managing and organizing vocational programs including Agriculture, Construction, Career Technical Education, and the Regional Occupation Program (ROP).

6/97-6/99         Instructional Coordinator, Paso Robles High School.  Responsible for the development and maintenance of the Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing Career Pathway.  Provided leadership and guidance for 23 teachers in the school restructuring effort. 

6/95-6/97         Restructuring Mentor Teacher, Paso Robles High School.  Aided in implementing systemic change to the school infrastructure as outlined in the document Second to None.  Key in developing and maintaining the successful Advisement period. 

3/84-5/86         Independent Contractor/Dealer. Proprietor of a business which sold, installed and repaired Dana automotive cruise control systems for all types of vehicles.

Additional Information:

• Board Member SkillsUSA California, 2002-2010, 2012-2015 (Treasurer, 2005-2010).
• Member, CITEA (California Industrial Technology Educators Association) Board of Directors, 2014-2019
• Lead Faculty in achieving NATEF Accreditation (Now ASEEF - Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation) for Cuesta College Automotive Program 2008 & 2013
• Significant influence in Cuesta College’s SkillsUSA program, which has produced National medalists for 13 consecutive years (2006-2019).
• Clear Designated Subject Teaching Credential September, 2002.
• 2006 California State SkillsUSA Advisor of the Year, and Western Region 5, National Advisor of the Year.
• 2006 Paso Robles High School Teacher of the Year
• 2005 California Region 2 SkillsUSA Advisor of the Year
• Key person in promoting SkillsUSA throughout San Luis Obispo County through funding from the Education to Career Connection.
• Paso Robles High School, SkillsUSA Chapter advisor, Chartered 1995.
• Four years, PRHS Industrial and Technology Education/Agriculture Department
• Member, California Automotive Teachers.
• Steering Committee founding member, San Luis Obispo County Education to Career Connection.
• Currently ASE certified as Master Automobile Technician in all 8 certification areas, including refrigerant handling.
• California FFA High School State Officer, 1978-79. Ambassador for California FFA membership.
• Past licensed smog check mechanic and inspector.
• Received highest possible honors for the Mercedes-Benz Technician recognition program three consecutive years.
• Member Santa Margarita Lions Club 1994-2000
• Member Santa Margarita Community Church since 1995
• Paso Robles Public Schools District Ed Council Member
• Involved in competitive high school forensic activities. Recipient of numerous awards.