Lead with judgment. Build trust. Prepare for what’s next.

“Jerry is an approachable and highly responsive thought partner who creates a supportive learning environment, tailors his work to our organization’s needs, and readily adjusts as those needs evolve.”

— Jonathan Swanson, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Orange County Department of Education

“Jerry spent years as a superintendent, so when he sits down with superintendents and their cabinets, he already understands the pressures, politics, and pace of the job, and he knows where AI can make a real difference. He’s been a trusted partner on some of the most transformative work we’ve done with district executive leadership teams across San Bernardino County, helping them rethink how the cabinet gets work done and staying with them until the new workflows stick. The payoff has been faster, better-informed decisions on initiatives that matter to students.”

— David Thurston, Assistant Superintendent, Technology Services, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

“Jerry is one of the finest educational leaders I've had the privilege of working with as both a colleague and friend. Over the more than 20 years I’ve known him, Jerry has consistently demonstrated passion, humility, and a commitment to innovation. His out-of-the-box thinking and relentless determination have opened doors of opportunity for generations of students, successfully launching them into the next chapter of their lives.”

— Brand Mason Ed. D., Superintendent at Whittier City School District

“His approach made it practical, human, and powerful, and it gave me the confidence to lead our district’s AI work with clarity and purpose.”

— Jesse M. Najera, Superintendent, Silver Valley Unified School District

“Their approach helped our team of Cabinet leaders build practical skills and confidence in using AI to assist in daily tasks.”

— Mario A. Carlos, Ed.D., Superintendent, La Habra City School District

“Jerry Almendarez models the kind of courageous, visionary leadership our education systems need. In our work together at NCEE, I’ve seen his deep commitment to equity, innovation, and community-driven transformation—qualities he now brings to Creative Futures Collaborative to help fellow leaders reimagine what’s possible for students, families, and schools.”

— Janice Case, Regional Director, National Center Education & Economy

"Jerry is a powerful voice in education and community leadership, working with him gave me the clarity to integrate AI into our school systems and reimagine what effective, human-centered leadership looks like in today’s evolving educational landscape."

— Dr. Ruben Fernandez, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services and Operations