Board of Trustees

Throughout her 30-year career in higher education administration, Dr. Breen has held a variety of leadership positions, ranging from adjunct faculty to campus president, across diverse higher education settings including both for-profit and non-profit institutions. Her expertise includes student learning assessment, program effectiveness, and leadership in adult education.

Dr. Horowitz is the founder and chancellor of The Community Solution Education System and a previous president of The Chicago School. Under his leadership, The Community Solution has grown to include more than 12,000 current students and more than 33,000 alumni. Dr. Horowitz continues to lead The System and its community of nonprofit colleges and universities in the shared mission of preparing innovative, engaged, purposeful agents of change who serve our global community.

Jeremy Moreland, Ph.D., brings more than three decades of academic leadership to Saybrook University. Having served in leadership roles at several prestigious universities, Dr. Moreland is dedicated to applying his proven experience to nurturing an innovative, learner-centered community—ensuring that Saybrook thrives both now and in the future.

John Farrell is a strategic transformation leader and climate-focused advisor with more than 30 years of experience helping global organizations drive sustainable, profitable change. As principal of Future Thinking LLC and a former KPMG executive, he has led large-scale digital, innovation, and enterprise risk management initiatives across multiple industries—including consumer goods, manufacturing, and aviation. Combining deep expertise in strategy, finance, and organizational transformation with graduate-level training in sustainability at Columbia University’s Climate School, John partners with executives and boards to integrate climate risk, innovation, and performance into core business strategy and leadership development.

David A. Ford is a seasoned government relations manager at Southern California Edison (SCE), where he has worked since 1997. He excels in developing strategies to ensure reliable, affordable energy services. Ford is recognized for his leadership and client-focused approach, earning accolades like the American Cance Society’s National Volunteer Leadership Award and SCE’s BRG Excellence Award.

Dr. Groh is a seasoned leader in business development and higher education strategy. At Wiley Education Services, she oversaw a $200 million portfolio, driving growth and innovation for more than 70 university clients. She also previously served as the chief strategy officer at CAEL, securing over $5 million in funding for workforce and education initiatives.

Dr. Helms is a liberation psychologist, an activist for reproductive freedom, and a movie executive producer. As the granddaughter of the late U.S. Senator Jesse Helms, she confronts his controversial legacy, particularly the 1973 "Helms Amendment," which restricts U.S. foreign aid for abortion services. Since earning her Ph.D. from Saybrook University in 2018, Dr. Helms has partnered with Ipas, a global health organization, and Planned Parenthood South Atlantic (PPSAT), to fight for reproductive justice.

Jana Johnston is partner at Mullen & Henzell L.L.P. She has been a volunteer with various local organizations, including the Pacific Pride Foundation, the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County, and the Board of Directors of the Caregiver Coalition of Santa Barbara. Jana was a founding member and past president of the nonprofit Body Electric and is an advocate for gender equity under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. She is a member of the State Bar of California and the Santa Barbara County Bar Association. Jana holds a J.D. from The Colleges of Law having graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Dr. Powers is a nationally recognized higher education strategist and board adviser with more than 25 years of experience advising colleges and universities on institutional performance, finance, and governance. She is the creator of the Powers Index of College & University Performance™, a 12-signal framework for evaluating institutional performance. Throughout her career, Dr. Powers has held senior leadership roles in institutional effectiveness, finance, and administration. Dr. Powers is also the host of the EdUp Institutional Effectiveness podcast. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Analysis, an M.S. in Financial Planning, and a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.

Dr. Smikle is an expert in leadership development with a rich background in both academia and consulting. She was a core faculty member at Saybrook University’s Department of Leadership & Management from 2017-2019 and has also served as an associate professor at Capitol Technology University. Dr. Smikle’s consulting career focuses on leadership, strategic planning, and organizational change, working with clients such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and various non-profits.

Theiring is the chief executive officer at Mission Community Hospital, a role he has held since October 2011 after originally joining as the chief financial officer. Theiring’s extensive career began as a senior corporations examiner with the California Department of Corporations. He then moved into financial leadership roles within health plans, including CIGNA Healthcare of California and Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company.

Diane Watson combines her artistic and financial expertise in her role as growth officer at Cetera Advisors LLC. With a strong background in strategic growth, she has previously served as vice president at Ameritas Retirement Plans and regional sales director at Mutual of Omaha. Watson’s career highlights include increasing partnerships by 450% and leading successful sales initiatives.