Dr. Elizondo was appointed to the Natividad Board of Trustees in 2013 and has served with distinction as Vice Chairperson and twice as Chairperson. During his 10 years on the board, he has been instrumental in overseeing Natividad’s mission of providing high-quality health care for Monterey County.

Dr. Elizondo received his doctorate in education from the University of Southern California, a master’s degree from Baylor University, and a bachelor’s degree from Humboldt State University. He brought 38 years of education experience to his role on the board, including as a classroom teacher, school site principal, and central office administrator, which included 14 years as Superintendent of Schools and eight years at Salinas Union High School District.

During his nearly four-decade career in education, Dr. Elizondo pioneered championing bilingual education in California as a founding member and executive director of the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators. There, he mentored younger administrators to carry on the mantle. Dr. Elizondo also previously served on the American Association of School Administrators Governing Board and of the Board of Directors for the Association of California School Administrators.

Dr. Elizondo’s service in the Monterey County community is extensive. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Monterey County Read to Me Project, which helps underserved children achieve kindergarten readiness and a lifetime of literacy. Dr. Elizondo was previously Commissioner of the Monterey County Community Action Commission, committed to reducing poverty in our community by funding a network of local providers who specialize in addressing specific barriers to achieving self-sufficiency. He was a Marina Redevelopment Agency Successor Oversight Board member. Dr. Elizondo is currently a docent involved in school outreach with the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where he leads guided trail walks and coordinates elementary and high school trips to the park.