Leadership

Cristene Burr President & CEO - Leadership

Cristene leverages a remarkable 26-year career spanning the non-profit, for-profit, and entrepreneurial sectors. This diverse background equips her with a unique understanding of strategic fundraising, corporate leadership, and the innovative spirit of venture creation.

Most recently, Cristene served as the Executive Director of the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, a high-performing organization securing $8 million annually to support the educational needs of 32,000 students. Prior to her impactful work in the non-profit sector, Cristene honed her leadership and management skills in sales and marketing at industry leaders such as McGraw-Hill and Thomson Corporation.

Further demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit, Cristene successfully developed and launched three limited-service restaurant concepts. Her keen ability to position these ventures for potential acquisition and future growth underscores her strategic acumen and foresight.

Cristene joins the JA NorCal Team, bringing her entrepreneurial mindset and unwavering commitment to closing the opportunity gap for underserved youth. Through the design and implementation of innovative programs, she aims to equip young people with the essential skills and empowering mindset to thrive in our dynamic world.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Cristene enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as gardening, hiking, and paddleboarding. She also cherishes spending quality time with friends and family.

Cristene embodies the qualities of a visionary leader with a proven track record of success. Her commitment to education and her dedication to empowering the next generation make her a valuable asset to JA NorCal.