Staff Biography
Karissa Hughes, MSW
Organization Development Specialist
karissa.hughes@sdsu.edu
(925) 518-3116
Karissa Hughes is an Organization Development Specialist at the Academy for Professional Excellence. She assists with organization development activities, including strategic planning, all-staff meetings, policies and procedures, system development, resource development/grant-writing, change management and special projects that are aligned with the priorities identified by the Academy, to continually enhance organizational effectiveness in achieving current and future organizational goals. She also supports multiple Academy programs performing technical, analytical, and research assignments which support program development and operations. As applicable, Karissa also oversees various staff research projects in support of Academy Programs.
Karissa received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Sonoma State University. In 2006, she received her Masters of Social Work degree from San Diego State University with an Administrative Concentration. Prior to joining the Academy, Karissa worked for programs serving older adults, children, and mothers with substance abuse issues. She also worked for the Office of Community-Based Learning and AmeriCorps at Sonoma State University performing community organizing and outreach efforts along with supporting and coordinating Sonoma County K-16 service-learning programs.