CLIENTS (Chronologically)

CURRENT

Dec 2025-Sep 2026: The Orange County Business Council- Sector Investment Coordinator, Tourism, The Catalyst Program for the California Jobs First Initiative (Statewide Workforce Investment Program)

2017- Present: California Polytechnic Institute Pomona- Instructor/Designer, Nonprofit Management Certificate and Corporate/Government Leadership Certificate

2014- Present- Trainer, OneOC and Jericho Road Pasadena

2012: Teaching Artist, Muckenthaler Cultural Center Arts In Corrections Program

INTERIM LEADERSHIP (Chronological)

  • Pasadena Heritage

  • HOPE Center of The Arts

  • Friends of Fullerton College Foundation

  • Gianneschi Center for Nonprofits/ Gianneschi Center for Social Impact

  • Orange County Educational Arts Academy

  • Muckenthaler Cultural Center

  • Kern County Museum

  • City of Long Beach Homeland Cultural Center

  • Unusual Suspects Theatre Company

  • Mountain Arts Network (Founder)

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of South Bay


STRATEGIC PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

  • A Better Way

  • Altadena Library Foundation

  • Antelope Valley Health Partnership

  • Arts Connection, San Bernardino

  • Bethune TheatreDanse

  • Buena Park Collaborative

  • CF Dance- Dancing Angels

  • Children’s Advocates

  • Cultural Alliance of the Pass

  • Culture Shock LA

  • Fullerton Boys & Girls Club

  • Harbor Community Benefit Foundation

  • Kern Alliance of Nonprofits

  • Native Daughters of The Golden West

    POP (Pasadenans Organizing for Progress)

  • SCHOOL-Yoga

  • Spotlight Theatre Foundation

  • Outback Studios

  • San Pedro Ballet 

  • Zhena Folk Chorus

KEYNOTE SPEAKER/EMCEE

  • Beverly Hospital

  • Bakersfield Masterworks Chorale

  • Dance Master of America

  • Fullerton Boys & Girls Club

  • Lightbringer Project/City of Pasadena, Pasadena ArtNight

  • Long Beach Story Slam Champion

  • Ojai Story Slam Champion

  • Rotary International District 5320

  • Rotary PETS (President Elect Training)

  • Rotary International (Over 60 clubs)

  • Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Orange County

  • Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Los Angeles/Nevada

  • Utah Community Action Partnership Poverty Conference

  • Multiple Storytelling Festivals & Corporate Events

TRAINER

  • California State University Fullerton, Adjunct Professor of Marketing & Management

  • California Polytechnic Institute Pomona/ California State University Long Beach, Adjunct Professor of Business, Government, and Nonprofit Leadership

  • Fullerton College, Adjunct Professor of Business Leadership

  • CharityHowto.com, Nonprofit Grantwriting/ Program Planning

OTHER

  • Children’s Center, Covina, Executive Search (CEO Search)

  • Fresno Arts Council /Arts In Corrections- Correctional Program Design

  • Fullerton Union School District- STEAM Program Design 

  • Riverside Arts Council, Grants, Trainer/Artist, Correctional Program Designer

  • TEDx Bakersfield- Conference Producer

  • The Olin Group- Executive Coaching, St. Joe's Health Initiative- Victor Valley 

  • Panelist for 35 Grant Panels




























































































































































































































































































































TESTIMONIALS 

“THANK YOU for all of your hard work, your dedication, and your successes during your time at Pasadena Heritage as its Interim Director. You joined the organization at a very crucial and challenging time! You were able to move ‘into action’ quickly and thoughtfully. I know how very grateful we all are for your leadership.”
— Claire Bogaard, Founder
“We are grateful for Zoot’s efforts in putting HOPE on a positive trajectory!”
— Marguerite Adams
“Under Zoot’s leadership, the Foundation doubled the size of its endowment, streamlined scholarship processes, created an alumni club, established community and industry connections leading to donations and grants from the Los Angeles Rams, the OC Farm Bureau, Federal Aviation Administration, and several grants to advance Drone Technology. Finally, Zoot led a year-long fundraising campaign with extensive community support in recognition of honorable alumnus, Cruz Reynoso. He is a well-respected member of our campus community, an incredible liaison with community institutions, and a true champion for the diverse communities served by the College.”
— Dr. Gilbert Contreras, Interim President, Fullerton College 2021-22
“I heard nothing but rave reviews about your comments, suggestions, and ideas. Thank you for participating, and your experience and expertise!”
— Lester Fujimoto, Chief Development Officer, Beverly Hospital
“I’m excited for whomever gets to consult with Zoot Velasco next.”
— Jennifer Sampson Stewart, Theatre Producer (on Facebook)
“Your keynote speech on ‘CBOs in the 21st Century’ was the perfect start to our conference!”
— Dr. Susan Cadwalader, CSUF Summer School for Nonprofits

AFFILIATIONS

Amazon Publishing, Author

Arcadia Publishing, Author

Association of Fundraising Professionals (CFRE- 2011)

California Arts Council Artist, Consultant, Past Grantee, Past-Fellow, Grant Panelist, and Affiliate

California State University Long Beach & Cal Poly Pomona, Nonprofit Management Certification/Leadership Instructor

California State University Fullerton Mihaylo School of Business Gianneschi Center for Nonprofit Research, Lecturer and Curricula Developer

Fullerton College, Business Division, Business Leadership Instructor

Kendall-Hunt Publishing, Author

Orange County Community Foundation, Panelist and Pitch Coach

Pasadena Lawn Bowling Club and USA Bowls, Member

Rotary International, Member

ALSO...

Culture Shock LA (Advisory Board)

Hope International University (MBA Alumnus)

Mountain Arts Network (Founder)

Screen Actors Guild (Member)

St. Mary's College of California (Dance Performance/LEAP Alumnus)