Family Leadership Council

Sagehen Family Reception 2025

Leading with purpose to expand opportunity for future generations of students.

Pomona College Family Philanthropy Luncheon - November 2nd 2024

Engaging families in the life and future of Pomona College.

Family Leadership Council Reception

Supporting students through connection, community and partnership.

People at Move-In Day 2025

Bringing Pomona families together on campus and beyond.

Pomona College Family Leadership Council (FLC)

The Family Leadership Council (FLC) is a group of highly engaged Pomona College parents and family members who partner with College leadership to support students, strengthen family engagement, and advance philanthropic priorities. Distinct from the Board of Trustees, the FLC serves as a trusted partner to College leadership, offering perspective, ideas and leadership grounded in the family experience. 

FLC members serve as ambassadors for Pomona, help build community among families, and play a meaningful role in shaping initiatives that enhance student life. 

FLC Members Are:

  • Ambassadors for Pomona College who are well-versed in Pomona priorities and initiatives for the purpose of sharing information and engaging past and current parents and families
  • Leaders for family programming, including helping to create engagement opportunities for parents and other family members to strengthen their connection with the College
  • Motivators for financial support to the College, thereby serving as an example for Sagehen families to contribute charitably to Pomona

2026-2027 Family Leadership Council Members

Chair

We are thrilled to have Todd Russo P'28 as the chair for the 2026-2027 Family Leadership Council. 

Members by Class Year

2027

  • Cindy Irissou P’27
  • Ron and Katie Bodkin P'27

2028

  • Liz and Bill Crowley P’28
  • Oliver and Beth Roy Jenkyn P’28
  • Todd Russo P’28

2029

  • Jeremy Creelan and Stephanie Buchanan P’29
  • Kirstin and Steve Hatzis P’29
  • Karen Wong and Kelvin Huang P’29
Emeriti
  • Bill Riley P'26 (Former Chair)

Staff Members

  • Brady Rennell, Director, Family Giving
  • Kalyn Rose Miller, Development Officer
  • Jaquelin Pollock, Administrative Assistant

Family Leadership Council Membership Information

Members of the Family Leadership Council are parents or guardians of currently enrolled students or recent graduates of Pomona College. Upon their student's graduation, members may serve up to an additional two years. Each member of the Council is expected to serve a two-year, renewable commitment.

The FLC typically meets on Pomona’s campus 2 times per year. There are call-in and video options available for members who are not able to join the meetings in person. 

Learn More

For more information about the Family Leadership Council, please email Brady Rennell.

FLC Information

Who Serves on the FLC?

The FLC includes parents and family members from all four undergraduate class years, representing diverse professional backgrounds and regions. The Council aims for strong geographic representation, including Southern California, the San Francisco Bay Area, the Pacific Northwest, the East Coast, and international communities.

Membership is by invitation and reflects the Council's commitment to representing a broad range of family perspectives, experiences, and regions. Members typically serve renewable terms that align with their student's time at Pomona.

What Do FLC Members Do?

FLC service centers on three core commitments:

Lead Philanthropically

Members make Pomona a top philanthropic priority through a multi‑year leadership gift commitment, directed to an area aligned with their interests. Support for The Family Fund is strongly encouraged.

Champion Pomona

Members advocate for Pomona within the parent and family community, welcoming new families, supporting Early Decision outreach, stewarding new donors, and helping identify future FLC members.

Stay Actively Engaged

Members participate in key engagement opportunities, including:

  • Two in‑person FLC meetings each year (Fall during Family Weekend and Spring on
    campus)
  • Regional and area‑based gatherings, including summer welcome events
  • Family Weekend and other philanthropic events
  • Giving Day and annual volunteer activities

Through these efforts, members offer feedback, share insights with College leadership,
and help strengthen a culture of family connection and philanthropy.

Is the FLC Right for You?

The Family Leadership Council may be a good fit if you:

  • Feel deeply connected to Pomona and want to play an active role in supporting the
    student experience
  • Enjoy building community and engaging with other Pomona families
  • Are able to make a significant, multi‑year philanthropic commitment aligned with Pomona’s priorities
  • Are interested in partnering with College leadership as a thought partner and ambassador
  • Are excited to participate in a small number of on‑campus and regional engagement opportunities each year

Many FLC members begin by getting involved through family events, regional gatherings, or
volunteer opportunities before being invited to join the Council.

Leadership & College Partnership

The Dean of Students and the Dean of the College serve as Executive Staff Liaisons, ensuring strong alignment between the FLC’s work and Pomona’s academic and student‑life priorities.

FLC Chairperson(s) serve a two‑year term and work closely with the Director of Family Giving and College leadership to set priorities, recruit new members, and encourage broad participation. Chairperson succession is determined collaboratively with the Vice President for Advancement.

FLC Emeriti

After their student’s graduation, long‑standing FLC members may be invited to join FLC Emeriti. Emeriti members remain connected through volunteer engagement—often with Admissions or the Career Development Office—and are invited to attend the annual Spring FLC meeting. An annual Family Fellows‑level gift is expected.

The Family Leadership Council reflects the generosity, insight, and leadership of Pomona families. We are grateful to those who help strengthen the College community for current and future students.