University of California, Santa Cruz
Meet the Leadership Team
BMA Alumni are committed to Black student’s success, not just at UC Santa Cruz but also in California. However, our united work together begins with the UC Santa Cruz campus. BMA Alumni will leverage our current employment positions, networks, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions to support Black students. We are very aware that it takes a village to support student success, especially in California higher education.
Bill Casher
President
Bill Casher was born in San Francisco, CA and raised in a suburb just south of there (Foster City). Bill attended UC Santa Cruz where he studied Biochemistry & Molecular Biology as well as being an active member of several African American & Filipino Student community groups. At college, Bill met his wife Jessica and they have been married since 2005. Bill and Jessica have 3 kids and reside in San Ramon, CA. Currently Bill is the Global Integrated Lab Services Director at CBRE, overseeing laboratory operations teams at critical BioPharma organizations. Bill is passionate about people, justice, continuous growth and being the change that he desires in the world.
Paul Simpson
Chief Financial Officer
Paul Simpson, CFO of LifeMoves, is building the operational and investment strategy needed to achieve the organization’s new vision of ending homelessness in Silicon Valley. And, he has the track record to do it.
Paul is an Oakland, CA. native with strong and long-term ties to the Bay Area. He is a respected executive with outstanding interpersonal and consensus-building skills, capable of leading and motivating teams to deliver superior results. Recognized as a creative and effective strategic planner, facilitator, and problem solver.
In addition to strong financial acumen, Paul brings a wealth of leadership qualities from his 20-year career in advising companies on financial strategies, acquisitions, and technology rollouts. In addition to his deep financial acumen and experience, he has extensive experience in Technology/IT/Data, fundraising, strategy, and venture investing.
His dynamic leadership style that values and promotes diversity, collaboration, accountability, and teamwork carries over from his professional to community service activities. He currently serves on the UC Santa Cruz Foundation, The Compton Community College Foundation, and E3 – Education, Excellence & Equity boards. He has previously served on The Marin Academy Board of Trustees, and UC Santa Cruz Alumni Association. He is also the Founder and COO of Silicon Valley Soldiers and Prospects on Deck. Paul’s passion is in his belief that each person has amazing potential and systems need to be designed to propel people’s brilliance.
Paul’s education experience built the foundation for his professional journey with a BA from UC Santa Cruz in Business Management Economics and an MBA from the Haas School at UC Berkeley.
Dr. Keith Curry
Vice President
Dr. Keith Curry is the President of the Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District. Dr. Curry is responsible for overseeing all departments and functions of Compton College and the District and serves as secretary for the CCCD Board of Trustees. Dr. Curry is an active member of the Foundation for Compton Community College District, the California Community College Athletic Association, the Statewide Association of Community Colleges (SWACC), the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice Advisory Board and the President’s Roundtable. Since spring 2021, Dr. Curry has served as a Distinguished Research Fellow/ Adjunct Faculty at the California State University, Los Angeles Charter College of Education. Dr. Curry earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of California, Irvine, and a bachelor’s degree in American studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Seth Bramble
Director
At the University of California at Santa Cruz, Seth received his B.A. in American Studies and developed his passion for activism and social justice. Seth holds a Master’s Degree in Education from San Jose State University, with emphasis on curriculum and instruction. Raised in Berkeley, Seth taught 6th grade in traditional public schools for 5+ years in San Jose. He was elected President of the Mount Pleasant Education Association in 2003, hired as a Human Rights Consultant in the greater Los Angeles area for the California Teachers Association in 2006, and later serving as Executive Director of the Sacramento City Teachers Association. Currently, Seth works as a Legislative Advocate for the California Teachers Association, committed to improving the conditions of teaching and learning. Seth has served on the Board of Directors for several other organizations including Action for Nature, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, and Health Access California.
Patrick Chandler
Director
Patrick Chandler is an experienced communications professional with a demonstrated history of working in the government media relations and public affairs in the fields of environmental regulation, transportation, labor, and public safety for the past 20 years. He graduated from UCSC (Rachel Carson/8) in 1999 with degrees in History and Politics. He is currently is a community relations manager for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). He is currently pursuing a MA in Marketing Communications Management at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa (online). Chandler is originally from Riverside, California.
