California Association of Directors of Activities

The California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA) was founded in 1957 and is the country’s largest statewide support network for school culture leaders and activities directors. CADA’s mission is to support and promote leadership development through student activities and leadership. The organization’s goal is to create leadership training experiences that empower educational stakeholders to improve the world, be better people, and take action.The CADA Board of Directors is comprised of an four officers, executive director, one elected representative from each of the 7 geographical areas in the states, and 8 directors who direct various programs of the organization. The day-to-day business of CADA is the responsibility of a management firm under the direction of the Board.It is our goal to promote the attitude and belief that a well balanced student co-curricular program is an integral part of a well-rounded education for all students. By providing both intensive training and diverse resources, CADA provides our adult members the tools to increase the effectiveness of their student leaders. As our student organization, CASL works to provide its student members with the leadership skills necessary to develop, implement and evaluate co-curricular programs on their own campuses. It is also the intention of CASL to provide assistance in developing leaders with integrity and ethical decision making skills, so that they may be active participants at the local, state and national levels. These two organizations work side by side in their commitment to training and providing opportunities for students to be effective leaders. Any person who is connected or involved with a school’s co-curricular program is eligible for an individual membership or, by adding two additional names, is eligible for a school membership. If you are a CADA member, your students are now members of CASL. Any person or company who provides goods, services, assemblies, entertainment, fund-raising programs, directly to students through the schools sites and activity programs is eligible for an affiliate membership.

Year /Presidents / Convention Location & Theme

1956 Jack Moore (#1)

1957 Jack Moore (#2)

1958 Floyd Moore (#3)

1959 Warren Stevenson (#4)

1960 Warren Stevenson (#5)

1961 Al Grass (#6)

1962 Al Grass (#7)

1963 Bob McAlister (#8)

Highlights:

1. Jostens finances state wide school survey to determine the interest in CADA becoming a viable resource
2. CADA Board should consist of one member from each of the CASSA (CA Assoc. of Secondary School Admin) Regions

1964 Bob McAlister (#9)

1965 / Don Soelberg (#10) / Bakersfield (CADA’s 10th Anniversary)

• Bakersfield Welcomes You / Hacienda Motel / January 29 – 30
• Keynote: Dr. Everett T Calvert, Dr. Grand W. Jensen, Robert F Gray
• 100 Attendees – 16 Exhibitors (membership fee was $2)

Highlights:

1. the 4 Presidents Chairs began (VP, Pres Elect, Pres, Past Pres)
2. President presides throughout the convention, turning over the gavel and Presidency to the President Elect at the last General Session of the convention.

1966 / Gary Goff (#11)/ Bakersfield / February 4 – 5

• (No Theme) / Hacienda Motel
• Keynote: Cliff Davis, Starry Gange, Ernest Camfield
• 176 Attendees – 33 Exhibitors

1967/ Larry Thorne (#12) / Anaheim / February 10 – 11

• (No Theme) / Disneyland Hotel
• Keynote: Early Reum, Danny Welton
• 233 Attendees – 40 Exhibitors (Registration fee $14. Included 2 meals)

Highlights:

1. CADA qualifies to hold a seat on the policy making body of CASSA

1968/ Bill Poldevin (#13) / San Francisco / February 23 – 24

• (No Theme) / Jack Tar Hotel
• Keynote: 
• ### Attendees (Registration fee $15. Included 2 meals / Dues $3)

Highlights:

1. President Poldevin was instructed to investigate and proceed with steps to incorporate the Association

1969/ Fred Barton (#14) / Palm Springs / February 14 – 15

• (No Theme) / Holiday Inn
• Keynote:
• ### Attendees (Registration fee $15. Included 2 meals / Dues $5)

Highlights:

1. First student member selected to the State Board of Education:  Barbara Marshment (Carondelet High School, Concord)

1970/ James Lockner (#15)/ San Francisco / February 13 – 14

• (No Theme) / Jack Tar Hotel
• Keynote: Keith Kent, Payton Jordan, New Directions
• ### Attendees (Registration fee $16. Included 2 meals / Dues $5)

1971/ Jean Phillippe (#16) / San Diego / February 19 – 20

• (No Theme) / El Cortez
• Keynote: John VanDe Water
• ### Attendees

Highlights:

1. Fred Kiesel is appointed chair of committee to study the relationship between ACSA and CASC (CADA sponsored state student council organizaiton)
2. CADA Board composed of Three (3) Vice Presidents (North, Central, South) Secretary, Treasurer and five (5) members at large

1972/ Bill Thorsen (#17) / San Francisco / February 18 – 19

• (No Theme) / Jack Tar Hotel
• Keynote: 
• ### Attendees

Highlights:

1. July 23-25 The first “State Student Leadership Conference” is held on the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Sponsored by CADA, CASC, ACSA and the CSDE.  James Setterlund and Tom Dusek Directors
2. CADA Board splits the Souther Section into two regions and adds on Representative to the Board.

1973/ Gloria Jones (#18) / Los Angeles February 16 – 17

• (No Theme) / LA International
• Keynote:
• ### Attendees

Highlights:

1. CADA Board combines position of Secretary and Treasurer into one position.
2. Board approves funding of a Junior High Newsletter

1974/ Aubrey Allen (#19) / San Diego / (10th Convention) February 7 – 9

• (No Theme) / Sheraton Harbor Island
• Keynote: Earl Reum, Terry Girous (NASSP)
• ### Attendees (Dues $15)

Highlights:

1. Board started effort to develop summer Cheer and Leadership Camps
2. CADA “Road Show” developed and shown at NASC (National Association of Student Councils)

1975/ Bob Mangus (#20) / San Francisco

• (No Theme) / Sheraton / February 6 – 8
• Keynote: Charles Herman (Jostens), Russell Stokes (Missouri)
• ### Attendees

Highlights:

1. CADA Cheer Camps are expanded

1976/ Vahl Clemensen (#21) / Los Angeles / March 5 – 7

• (No Theme) / Marriott
• Keynote: George Mardikian, Sarah Ruth Cohen (Oklahoma)
• ### Attendees

Highlights:

1. Constitutional change ratified:  CADA organized into seven (7) regions (following ASCA lines)
2. Each region will have one board member to be called “Area Coordinator”

1977/ Karen Pearson (#22) / San Diego / March 3 – 5

• (No Theme) / El Cortez
• Keynote: John VanDeWater
• ### Attendees (Registration fee $40. Included 2 meals / Dues $15)

1978/ John Dunleavy (#23) / San Francisco

• (No Theme) / San Francisco Hilton / February 23 – 25
• Keynote: Joseph Sorrentino
• ### Attendees (Registration fee $70. Included 2 meals / Dues $20)

Highlights:

1. CADA needs to be visible at Legislative hearings
2. CADA needs to retain the services of a full time Executive Secretary

1979/ Bob Martin (#24) / Los Angeles

• Charge Into the 80s / Los Angeles Airport Hilton / March 8 – 10
• Keynote: Don McKinley, Earl Reum
• ### Attendees
• Highlights:

1. Prop 13 (Jarvis-Gann Initiative) was the topic of the year.
2. This was the first convention that carried a theme throughout.

1980/ Larry Laird (#25) / San Diego (CADA’s 25th Anniversary)

• (No Theme) / Town and Country / February 28 – March 1
• Keynote: Harry Wong
• ### Attendees (Dues $35)

Highlights:

1. The first middle school person elected to the CADA board
2. Summer Camps started – John Gibson Coordinator

1981/ Angela Aschbrenner (#26) / Sacramento

• Strike it Rich in Sacramento / Red Lion / March 12 – 14
• Keynote: Jim Kern, Ernest Smith
• ### Attendees

1982/ Alden Esping (#27) / Los Angeles

• Aloha / Los Angeles Airport Hilton / March 4 – 6
• Keynote: Sterling Ellsworth, Earl Reum
• ### Attendees (Registration fee $80 included dues)

Highlights:

1. inside joke about meatballs
2. Developed the theme idea for CADA Conventions moving forward

1983/ John Gibson (#28) / San Diego

• Set Sail with CADA / Town and Country / March 3 – 5
• Keynote: Bob Tomisch, Bob Moawad
• ### Attendees (Registration fee $50. Included 2 meals / Dues $35)

Highlights:

1. Started process to incorporate CADA as a non-profit organziation
2. CADA signed agreement to hold the first convention outside of California

1984/ Jack Ziegler (#29) / Sacramento

• Win the West with CADA / Red Lion / March 1 – 3
• Keynote: Dr. Earl Reum, Dr. Don E Glimes, Dr. Jim Kern
• ### Attendees (Registration fee $50 / Dues $35)

Highlights:

1. CADA incorporation status competed
2. Centralized CADA’s Finances
3. Breakfast with Dr. Jim Kern
4. Capitol and Old Sacraments Tour

1985/ Bill Calder (#30) / Long Beach

• CADA Celebrity Cruise / Queen Mary / February 28 – March 2
• Keynote: Jim Kern
• ### Attendees (Registration fee $58 / Dues $40)

1986/ Al Rose (#31) / Reno, Nevada

• CADA Bonanza / MGM Grand / March 6 – 8
• Keynote: Michael Brandwein, Jody Warne-Ellison
• ### Attendees (Registration fee $65 / Dues $40)

Highlights:

1. First convention held out of state
2. Last convention done by hand (not computerized)
3. Got snowed in when convention ended
4. First insurance coverage secured for all CADA events and activiteis
5. CADA Legal Counsel placed on annual retainer
6. State Superintendent Bill Honig appoints Dr. David Gordon as State Department of Education liaison to CADA
7. CADA presentation to ACSA results in ACSA selecting CADA as state professional body to be parent organization for official California Student Associations.

1987/ J Peter Cahn (#32) / Anaheim

• World’s Greatest Show … So Far / Anaheim Marriott / February 26 – 28
• Keynote: Tom Sullivan, The Original Mike Smith
• ### Attendees (Registration fee $75)

Highlights:

1. The first computerized convention
2. National recognition through acceptance by ACSA / NASSP division of Student Activities
3. Development of the first major sponsorships
4. Creation of the “Grass Roots Task Force”
5. Honorary Membership Awards program started

1988/ Bonnie Kay Strang (#33) / San Francisco

• Puttin’ on the Ritz / Hyatt Regency / February 18 – 20
• Keynote: Dennis Waitley, Jack Canfield
• ### Attendees

Highlights

1. Hall of Ideas and Round Tables (now Meet the Pro’s) began at Convention

1989/ Bill Smith (#34) / Los Angeles / (25th Convention)

• CADA Beach Party (Hang Loose with CADA)/ Los Angeles Airport Hilton
• Keynote: Art Lange, Dr. Zacharie Clements, The Original Mike Smith
• 1010 Attendees

1990/ Joanne Laird (#35) / Sparks, NV

• CADA Past, Present & Future / Golden Nugget
• Keynote: Jeanne Robertson, The Original Mike Smith
• 920 Attendees

1991/ Stu Shaffer (#36) / San Diego

• CADA Fiesta / Sheraton Harbor Island
• Keynote: Frosty Troy, David Parker, Mark Scharenbroich
• 1040 Attendees

1992/ Bill Tangeman (#37) / San Jose

• Touch of Class / San Jose Convention Center
• Keynote: Kurt Kilpatrick, Dr. John Compere, Jim Polidora, PhD
• 990 Attendees

1993/ John McNichols (#38) / Anaheim

• Medieval Times / Anaheim Hilton
• Keynote: John Alston, Susie Humphries, Dorothy Mitchell
• 864 Attendees

1994/ Mary Ann Archbold (#39) / Reno, NV

• Rhinestone Cowboy / Reno Hilton
• Keynote:
• 1009 Attendees

1995/ Rod Rodriguez (#40) / Los Angeles

• Hooray for Hollywood / Century Plaza
• Keynote:
• 869 Attendees

1996/ John Deavers (#41) / Reno, NV

• Rock and Roll / Reno Hilton
• Keynote:
• 1069 Attendees

1997/ Tony Ortega (#42) / San Diego

• Carnival Cruise / Town and Country
• Keynote:
• 1291 Attendees

1998/ Lynette Hovland (#43) / Reno, NV

• CADA Mardi Gras / Reno Hilton
• Keynote: Earl Reum, Rolfe Carawan, Jeanne Robertson
• 1206 Attendees

Highlights:

1. Cal Meek comes out dressed as Darth Vader to announce next years Convention

1999/ Cal Meek (#44) / Los Angeles

• Upon A Venture to the New Millenium / Boneventure
• Keynote:
• 1204 Attendees

2000/ Bob Beale (#45) / Sacramento

• River of Gold / Sacramento Convention Center
• Keynote:
• 1192 Attendees

Highlights:

1. Meet the Pros began
2. John Nabor / Character Counts Partnership

2001/ Robin Lee-Ramirez (#46) / San Diego

• Treasure Island / Town and Country
• Keynote: Rick Minnefield, Steve Spangler, Earl Reum
• 1365 Attendees

2002/ Jim Nyberg (#47) / Reno, NV

• AbraCADAbra / Reno Hilton
• Keynote: The Original Mike Smith, Emory Austin
• 1376 Attendees

2003/ Kathy Curtright Pinol (#48) / Las Vegas, NV

• CADAs Ruby Jubilee  / Rio Suites
• Keynote: Ken Blanchard, Ron Jones
• 1323 Attendees

2004/ Ola King Claye (#49) / Reno, NV

• CADA & All That Jazz / Reno Hilton
• Keynote: John Alston
• 1296 Attendees

2005/ Don Dagńe (#50) / San Diego (CADA’s 50th Anniversary)

• CADA Celebrates America / Town and Country
• Keynote: University President, Texas Lady, Phil Boyte
• 1404 Attendees

Highlights:

1. Fireworks over the Golf Course next to Hotel

2006/ Don Shaffer (#51) / Reno, NV

• The CADA Film Festival / Reno Hilton
• Keynote: Jeanne Robertson, Eric Saperston, Tyler Durman
• 1482 Attendees

Highlights:

1. First to have Emcees and Off Stage Voice for General Sessions
2. Set up Curriculum Roundtables (Meet the Pros )
3. Denise and husband rides in on a motorcycle to kick off the theme for next years convention

2007/ Denise Van Doorn (#52) / San Diego

• Rev It Up / Town and Country
• Keynote: Jim Cathcart, Scott Greenberg, Mark Sharenbroich
• 1583 Attendees

Highlights:

1. Reffled off a Harley Davidson and donated money raised

2008/ Tiburcio Garcia (#53) / Reno, NV

• CADAs Field of Dreams / Grand Sierra
• Keynote: David Garibaldi, Bill Cordis, Chad Hymas
• 1466 Attendees

2009/ Patty Judge (#54) / San Diego

• CADA-fari Into the Heart of Leadership / Town and Country
• Keynote: Drum Cafe, Tiger Guy, The Original Mike Smith
• 1246 Attendees

Highlights:

1. Tiger Guy wasn’t allowed to bring in his tiger due to liability

2010/ Cindy Bader (#55) / Reno, NV

• Spirit of New Orleans / Grand Sierra
• Keynote: Earl Reum, Jason Ryan Dorsey (The Gen Y Guy), Darrell Scott (Rachel’s Challenge)
• 1047 Attendees

Highlights:

1. First Convention after Economic Downfall
2. First Convention to host 60/60 (60 ideas in 60 minutes)
3. Gave donation to a school in New Orleans instead of dessert at dinner dance

2011 / Paul Chylinski (#56) / San Diego

• License to Lead (Californias Secret Service) / Town and Country
• Keynote: Michael Josephson, Jaime Casap/Brian Brushwood/Phil Boyte, Keith Hawkins
• 1273 Attendees

High Lights:

1. First fully computerized convention “Tech Lounge” where attendees used laptops.

2012/ Monica Anderson (#57) / Reno, NV

• Peace, Love, CADA (A Leadership Revolution) / Grand Sierra
• Keynote: Mark Kielburger (Me to We), Harriet Turk, Teen Truth
• 1262 Attendees
• Related Article “Peace, Love & CADA:  A Look Back at the 2012 Convention”

2013 / Janet Roberts (#58) / San Diego

• Imagine (From Thought to Sketch to Masterpiece) / Town and Country
• Keynote: Jason Hewlett, David Garibaldi, Richard Parkhouse
• 1364 Attendees

Highlights:

1. Held an Art Auction and all money was donated

2014/ Mike White (#59) / Reno, NV

• CADAtoons (50th Convention) / Grand Sierra
• Keynote: Justin Beaudreau, Ian Tyson, Kathy Buckley
• 1313 Attendees

2015 / Suzy Krzacek (#60) / San Diego (CADA’s 60th Anniversary)

• Just Dance / Town and Country
• Keynote: Steve Southard, Eddie Slowikowski, Tyler Durman
• 1596 Attendees

2016/ Lauretta Eldridge (#61) / Reno, NV

• EPIC Leadership / Grand Sierra
• Keynote: Linda Larsen, Ruben Gonzalez, Mark Scharenbroich
• 1415 Attendees

2017 / Kevin Fairman (#62) / San Diego

• JamaiCADA / Town and Country
• Keynote: Devon Harris, Phil Boyte, Jeff Eben
• 1904 Attendees

Highlights:

1. Brought CADA Slam to the State (Quick 3 minute ideas shared on main stage)

2018/ Debi Weiss (#63) / Reno, NV

• Oh the Places You’ll Go / Grand Sierra
• Keynote: Chad Hymas, Jason Koteki, Pat Quinn
• 1608 Attendees
• Related Article “Lessons in Children’s Books: A Look Back at the 2018 Convention”

2019 / Margaret Noroian (#64)/ San Diego

• Soaring Over California / Town and Country
• Keynote: Pete Vargas, Cheryl Kaiser-Ward, Houston Kraft
• 2017 Attendees

2020/ Allison Gadeke (#65) / Reno, NV

• Set the Stage, Shine the Spotlight / Grand Sierra
• Keynote: Mike Smith Live, Tei Street, Erin Gruwall
• 1798 Attendees

Highlights:

1. Angela Duckworth Additional Keynote

2021 / Ron Ippolito (#66) / VIRTUAL

• Leadership Mix Tape / @ Home
• Keynote: Lori Hayes / Carlos Ojeda, Patricia Brown, Tim Elmore / Dee Hankins
• ONLINE Attendees

Highlights:

1. COVID forced us to have a Convention online 100% over Zoom

2022 / Geniel Moon (#67) / Reno, NV

• CADA Tours / Grand Sierra
• Keynote: Scott Backovich, Laymon Hicks, Shannon McKain
• ### Attendees

2023 / Bonnie Bagheri (#68) / San Diego

• Ven A Mi Casa / Town and Country
• Keynote: Dr. Farrah Ortega Choate, Dr. Luis Cruz, Carlos Ojeda Jr.
• ### Attendees

Highlights:

1. 1. Conference was a complete sell out

2024 / Joe McMahon (#69) / Reno, NV (60th Convention)

• CADA Spirit Games/ Grand Sierra
• Keynote: Joe Beckman, Shree Walker, Brandon Farbstein
• 1800 Attendees

2025 / Lindsey Charron (#70) / San Diego

• CADAstock / Town and Country
• Keynote:
• ### Attendees

Highlights:

1. Because of our growing numbers, and the Town and Country remodeling and losing 1/2 it’s rooms, this is the last time we will be going to the Town & Country in San Diego

2026 / Melissa Edsall (#71) / Reno, NV

• (Announced in 2025) / Grand Sierra
• Keynote:
• ### Attendees

2027 / (elected 2025) (#72) / Palm Springs

Highlights:

1. First Convention in Palm Springs.

2028 / (elected 2026) (#73) / Reno, NV

2029 / (elected 2027) (#74) / tbd

2030 / (elected 2028) (#75) / tbd (CADA’s 75th Anniversary)

CADA Intentions

Over the years, CADA has been a hub for excellence in student activities on campus, creative expression, and personal growth. Student activities are a fantastic way to foster a sense of community, provide opportunities for personal development, and create memorable experiences, showcasing the impact of our dedicated educators and engaged student body. We are excited to share our CADA intentions. These guiding principles shape the experiences we aim to provide for all students, fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus life. We invite you to join us in embracing these intentions and making our shared vision a reality.

(This story is ongoing and will be updated as more information comes to past, special thanks to Al Rose – President 1986 for getting the ball rolling in 2007 to save the History of our organization)