If you’ve ever been to a CADA event—whether a leadership camp, a state convention, or a board meeting—you’ve likely heard the voice, seen the smile, or been warmly greeted by the one and only Jim Nyberg. And if you’re lucky, maybe all three. To many of us, Jim isn’t just a member of CADA—he is CADA. A legend, a mentor, a friend, and to some, affectionately known as “The Mayor of CADA.”
Jim’s story begins in the small Swedish town of Kingsburg, California, where he was born on June 15, 1948. Even from a young age, it was clear Jim was meant to lead and connect. He was up at 4:30 every morning delivering newspapers, earned his Eagle Scout rank in eighth grade, and became his high school’s Drum Major while balancing student council, sports, and music. That early involvement planted the seeds for a lifetime devoted to co-curricular activities.
He carried that passion into college at Reedley and Fresno State, majoring in English and setting his sights on the classroom. That dream turned into a 22-year teaching career at Tulare Western High School, where he became Activities Director in 1979. Just one year later, in 1980, Jim attended his first CADA conference in San Diego. That was the beginning of something special—for Jim and for all of us who’ve had the privilege of working with him over the years.
Jim didn’t just attend CADA events; he built them. He joined the Camp Steering Committee in 1986, working alongside other Past Presidents Jack Ziegler (Area A), Bob Martin (Area C), John Gibson (Area C), and Stu Shaffer (Area G), as well as Hall of Famer Toosje Lamareaux (Area A/H). Their leadership and camaraderie helped shape the direction and heart of the committee and the organization. Jim became a staple of Area C (eventually its coordinator) and climbed the leadership ladder to Vice President in 2000 and President in 2002, where he hosted the unforgettable Abracadabra Conference in Reno. He’s attended nearly every CADA convention consecutively since 1980—missing only a couple due to unforeseen circumstances—and has left his fingerprints on every one he’s been a part of.
And if you’ve ever watched a Jack Moore Award video or the Convention Wrap-Up, chances are the soothing, enthusiastic voiceover guiding you through those moments belonged to Jim. That’s why so many of us also know him as “The Voice of CADA.” He’s been the backstage emcee more times than we can count—steady, comforting, and always ready with a perfectly timed pun.
Jim’s contributions have been recognized in all the official ways: the Warren Shull Award, induction into the CADA Hall of Fame, and in 2010, the Jack Moore Award—CADA’s highest honor. But even those don’t quite capture the full picture. Because Jim’s real legacy isn’t in awards. It’s in how he makes people feel.
Ask anyone who’s been part of CADA for a while, and they’ll tell you about Jim’s warmth, his mentorship, and the way he makes every person in the room feel seen and valued. He’s the guy who’ll dance with you at the convention social, then turn around and offer you the best leadership advice you’ve ever heard. He’s what every Activities Director hopes to be—deeply kind, endlessly creative, and joyfully dedicated.
Outside of CADA, Jim’s proudest role is that of father and grandfather. He’s a devoted dad to Carin, Eric, and Jillian, and a proud grandfather to five energetic grandsons. In the late ’80s, while dressed as a singing chicken at the Tulare County Fair, Jim met Jody Durant, a Visalia elementary teacher. Yes, love at first “peck.” Their relationship has been a source of light and laughter ever since, with Jody and Jim becoming a dynamic duo in the CADA family.
Since retiring from Exeter Union High School in 2007, Jim may have slowed his pace a bit, but not his passion. These days, you’ll find him living life with the same joy and intention he brought to every convention and conference hallway—dancing, reading a good book on his Kindle, and tending to his backyard, which features a carefully crafted putting green. While he’s recently had to let go of golfing due to a shoulder injury, he continues to channel his energy into the things and people he loves most.
Jim Nyberg doesn’t just represent the spirit of CADA—he helped shape it. His legacy lives on in the thousands of students he inspired, the advisors he mentored, and the friends he’s made along the way. Jim is also part of some legendary traveling social circles, including “The Real Men of CADA” with Todd Arrowsmith (Area E), Verne Johnson (Area A), and myself (Paul Chylinski, Area F). He’s also one of the founding members of the “Somerset 8,” a beloved group that includes Past Presidents Cindy Bader (Area B) and Monica Anderson (Area D), as well as our amazing and supportive spouses—Jody Nyberg, Bill Meagher, Kevin Anderson, and my wife, Pamela Chylinski. The Somerset 8 has celebrated birthdays, weddings, and retirements together for over 35 years, from New Orleans to Austin, from San Diego to Outingdale in Somerset. These deep, lasting friendships all began at CADA and stand as a testament to the lifelong bonds this organization helps create. We thank you, Jim—not just for what you’ve done, but for who you are. And we’re all better for knowing you.