Camarillo, Calif., Sept. 17, 2012 – The Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics at CSU Channel Islands (CI) will kick off its fall 2012 Speaker Series on Friday, Sept. 28, with Rick Cole, former City Manager of Ventura.  The 2012 series offers the public the chance to learn about important issues and decisions facing three influential figures in local government, business and technology, and entertainment.  All three on-campus programs are free, include lunch, and are open to the public by reservation.

Rick Cole, Former City Manager of Ventura
Friday, Sept. 28, at noon in Malibu 100

Cole’s 30-year career in local government includes roles as City Manager of Ventura, City Manager of Azusa, and Mayor of Pasadena.  He's widely cited as an expert on local government and was recognized by Governing Magazine as one of its “2006 Public Officials of the Year” – the only City Manager in the nation to earn that distinction.

Kris Kelkar, President/CEO & Co-Founder of Xirgo Technologies
Friday, Oct. 12, at noon in Malibu 100

President/CEO and co-founder of Xirgo Technologies, Inc., a leading supplier of machine to machine wireless communication devices, Kelkar has held numerous senior technical, business development and management positions at companies with sales ranging from $2 million to $2 billion.

Jim Molinets, Vice President of Mobile Games, Disney Interactive Studio
Friday, Dec. 14, at noon in Malibu 100

As Vice President of Mobile Games for Disney Interactive Studios, Molinets has helped produce the smartphone hits "Temple Run: Brave," "Where's My Water?" and "Where's My Perry?"  A key figure in the interactive entertainment industry for more than 20 years with Disney, Sony and Electronic Arts, Molinets has developed more than 30 games generating over $500 million in revenue.

"We are delighted to host these prominent industry leaders and look forward to their presentations,” said Dr. William P. Cordeiro, Director of the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics.  “We are especially grateful that they will take time from their very busy schedules to speak to our students and community members."

The Speaker Series is sponsored and presented by the Business Advisory Council of the MVS School of Business & Economics.  RSVP at http://go.csuci.edu/mvsfall

Complimentary event parking is limited and available only in the designated campus parking lot.  Once on campus, follow the directional signage to the event parking location then follow the walking signage to the event location. A shuttle is also available from the campus parking lot to the event room. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot in Camarillo.  Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. Bus fares are $1.25 each way. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

For more information, contact Merissa Stith, Events Coordinator, at 805-437-8548 or merissa.stith@csuci.edu.

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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands
(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.

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