MiraCosta College is pleased to announce the appointment of Elba Gomez as its next Vice President of Administrative Services in mid-June 2025. She will be arriving just as Tim Flood prepares to retire on July 4, 2025, following a distinguished 40-year career in public education.
Gomez brings over two decades of leadership experience across education, public administration, and finance. Most recently serving as Vice President of Administration and Chief Administrative Officer at the Port of San Diego, Gomez has led strategic initiatives in financial planning, risk management, compliance, and IT infrastructure. She has also played a key role in workforce development partnerships and regional outreach efforts—experience that aligns directly with MiraCosta’s mission of community transformation.
“I am delighted to welcome Elba Gomez to MiraCosta College,” said Dr. Sunita “Sunny” Cooke, superintendent/president of MiraCosta College. “Elba brings a wealth of experience in public service, a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, and a passion for uplifting historically underserved communities. Her personal journey and professional background reflect our values at MiraCosta. I am confident she will continue to lead the college in our tradition of strong stewardship of our resources and operational excellence.”
Born in Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico, and raised in California’s Central Valley, Gomez is a proud first-generation college graduate. After beginning her education at Fresno City College as an EOPS and CalWORKs student, she earned a Bachelor’s in Business Technical Management from DeVry University and a Master’s in Business–Human Resources Management from Keller Graduate School. She is pursuing a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California.
Her career has spanned leadership roles at the State Center Community College District, Madera County, and the Port of San Diego. In these roles, she has advised governing boards, led large-scale operations, and helped shape workforce development strategies through cross-sector partnerships.
“Returning to the community college environment is deeply meaningful to me,” said Elba Gomez. “MiraCosta’s mission resonates with my own lived experience as a first-generation college student and working parent. This institution transforms lives, and I’m honored to be part of a team committed to equity, access, student success, and community empowerment. I look forward to supporting MiraCosta’s continued growth and innovation.”
Elba Gomez resides in Mission Valley with her husband, and they enjoy spending time together with their five adult children, six grandcats, and extended family. In her personal time, Gomez enjoys reading, baking, making homemade tortillas, and traveling with her husband.
MiraCosta College is excited to welcome Gomez to its leadership team and looks forward to her contributions in furthering the institution’s mission of transforming lives and communities through education.
