2026 CSBA Counties Conference: Directory

Welcome to the 2026 CSBA Counties Conference!
This conference provides a unique opportunity for county board leaders to come together and discuss students’ futures in light of domestic policies and global trends. County board members, superintendents and educational partners from throughout the state will come together to gain valuable knowledge and information in three key areas: advocacy, governance and policy; funding, workforce and educational access; student well-being, safety and success.

As the role of county offices of education (COEs) continues to evolve, CSBA is committed to providing COE board members with the necessary tools and information to become effective elected education leaders. The program will feature member-led workshops, micro-trainings, networking opportunities, and more—offering attendees practical strategies, peer-driven insights, and ample chances to connect and collaborate with colleagues from across California. It is a must-attend event for county board leaders!

WI-FI Access
Network: MPH
Password: Meeting123

Visit Monterey
Visit the CSBA Counties Conference Marina del Rey Visitor Guide to find information about local events, restaurants and attractions. Discover what the beautiful coastal city of Marina del Rey has to offer its visitors.

If you require any assistance during your stay in Marina del Rey, please visit the registration desk outside the California Ballroom in the Outer Foyer located on the 7th floor of the Marina del Rey Marriott.

Deneen Guss

Dr. Deneen Guss was sworn in as the Monterey County Superintendent of Schools in January 2019 for her first term of office and began her second term in January 2023. Dr. Guss continually supports Monterey County’s 24 local school districts, eight charter schools, and the over 70,000 students they serve. Dr. Guss is a 37-year veteran educator with a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. She has been an administrator in Monterey County for 27 years serving as an assistant principal, principal, director of curriculum and instruction, associate superintendent of educational services and as... Read more

Company Monterey County Office of Education
Position Monterey County Superintendent of Schools
Location Salinas

Annette Yee Steck

Ms. Annette Yee Steck was first elected to the Monterey County Board of Education in July 2022. Prior to that she served as a Board Member of the Carmel Unified School District. Ms.Yee Steck was first elected to the Carmel Board in 1993 and retired in November 2020. She served as Board President numerous times during her service to the Carmel District.
Ms. Yee Steck is a financial advisor who consults on general obligation bonds, certificates of participation, lease revenue bonds, Community Facilities District bonds and Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes (TRANs) for California school districts. Her entire career, which began in 1983, has been in public finance, and she has worked exclusively for school districts since 1996. She completed the California School Board Association’s Masters in Governance program in 2004. Because of her board experience and her knowledge of school finance and facilities, Ms. Yee Steck became part of the Masters... Read more

Company Monterey COE
Position Regional County Delegate, Region 9

Mike Walsh

Mike Walsh is the co-founder and CEO of Beacon Results, an organizational growth and change management firm founded in 2005 that works primarily with school districts and nonprofits to help them develop and align their strategic plans. He has both a B.A. and M.A. degree in Organizational Management and Organizational Leadership, from Ashford University.

A veteran trustee of the Butte County Office of Education for more than 14 years, Mike has expanded his work in educational leadership further. In 2018 he served as the President of California School Boards Association (CSBA), a group representing nearly 1,000 California school districts and county offices of education. Walsh was elected in 2010 to CSBA’s Delegate Assembly and elected to the organization’s Board of Directors in 2011. During his time at CSBA, Walsh ably served on numerous committees, including chairing the Legislative Committee and on the Executive Committee. In January 2020... Read more

Company CSBA
Position Director, County Board Member Services

2026 CSBA Counties Conference

Deneen Guss

Annette Yee Steck

Mike Walsh

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