Matias Bernal
Fresno,CA
Summary
Accomplished Executive Director with 17+ years of leadership experience in program development, advocacy, and technical assistance. Proven success in grant writing and management, securing $13.4 million in funded grants. Expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating outcome-driven case management programs.
Bicultural and fluent in Spanish, with a strong track record of engaging diverse communities. Dynamic public speaker and official spokesperson, effectively representing organizations and advancing mission-driven initiatives. Skilled in staff development, budget oversight, and strategic planning to drive organizational success. Passionate about leadership, mentoring, and training, with a commitment to mobilizing teams and increasing public awareness of community-based programs and services.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director
Education and Leadership Foundation
Fresno, CA
01.2022 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership to directors across Education, Immigration, Special Projects, Marketing, IT, Health, and Finance departments, overseeing 200 personnel
- Manage a $7.6 million budget, ensuring compliance with all city, county, state, and federal funding requirements
- Spearhead strategic planning and organizational development, collaborating with the board of directors and leadership teams
- Review and refine client services, human resources, and fiscal management policies, aligning operations with best practices
- Direct development efforts, including Giving Tuesday campaigns, social media management, and working with private funders to expand immigration legal services
Executive Director
Wild Iris Family Counseling & Crisis Center
Bishop, CA
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Designed and executed the agency's strategic plan to support long-term sustainability
- Oversaw a $2.1 million budget, maintaining compliance with grant and funding requirements
- Established and managed partnerships with law enforcement, healthcare providers, and social services to enhance community support networks
- Revised organizational policies for client services, human resources, and board governance
- Directed development efforts, including Giving Tuesday campaigns, a $40,000 for 40 Years of Service fundraiser, social media management, and cultivating small monthly giving donors
- Secured funding through collaborations with private foundations
Director of Program Services
Arc Fresno/Madera Counties
Fresno, CA
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Directed five adult day programs across multiple locations, providing oversight for 160 employees
- Ensured compliance with regulatory agencies, including Community Care Licensing and the Department of Developmental Services
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures for case management and program administration
Interim Associate Director & Client Services Director
RISE
San Luis Obispo, CA
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Provided leadership for seven programs, spearheading continuous quality improvement initiatives
- Managed crisis and shelter services, including grant administration and program evaluation
- Supervised teams across shelter, legal, and educational services, overseeing staff training, evaluations, and performance management
Residential Program Director
Domestic Violence Solutions
Santa Barbara, CA
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Directed three emergency shelters and two transitional housing programs, overseeing daily operations and client services
- Managed staff, crisis services, and 24-hour hotline coverage across three cities
- Prepared and submitted grant proposals and progress reports to federal, state, county, and city funders
Trauma Counselor Coordinator/Program Director
Spirit of Women
Fresno, CA
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Provided trauma-focused individual, family, and group counseling services
- Supervised clinical staff, coordinated treatment plans, and led support groups in both Spanish and English
Education
Ph.D. - Organizational Psychology - Management
University of California
01.2024
M.S. - Criminology & Psychology (Emphasis in Victimology)
California State University
Fresno01.2012
B.S. - Criminology; B.A. in Political Science; B.A. in English and Spanish Literature
California State University
Fresno01.2011
Skills
- Visionary Leadership
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Financial & Budget Management
- Fundraising & Revenue Development
- Team Leadership & People Management
- Crisis Management & Problem-Solving
References
Available upon request
Certification
- Adult/Child CPR AED
- 40-Hour Domestic Violence Certificate (CA Penal Code)
- 65-Hour Sexual Assault Certificate (CA Penal Code)
- Bilingual Translation Certification (Spanish)
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
Professional Associations And Awards
- Board Member, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, 01/15, 12/16
- President, Gay and Lesbian Alliance, 01/17, 12/18
- Recipient, San Luis Obispo's Top 20 Under 40, 2017
- Recipient, Fresno Business Chamber Top 40 Under 40, 2023
Timeline
Executive Director
Education and Leadership Foundation
01.2022 - Current
Executive Director
Wild Iris Family Counseling & Crisis Center
01.2021 - 01.2022
Director of Program Services
Arc Fresno/Madera Counties
01.2018 - 01.2021
Interim Associate Director & Client Services Director
RISE
01.2016 - 01.2018
Residential Program Director
Domestic Violence Solutions
01.2013 - 01.2016
Trauma Counselor Coordinator/Program Director
Spirit of Women
01.2010 - 01.2013
Ph.D. - Organizational Psychology - Management
University of California
M.S. - Criminology & Psychology (Emphasis in Victimology)
California State University
B.S. - Criminology; B.A. in Political Science; B.A. in English and Spanish Literature
California State University
Similar Profiles
Lisandra Rodriguez ValenciaLisandra Rodriguez Valencia
Outreach Specialist at Education and Leadership FoundationOutreach Specialist at Education and Leadership Foundation
Prarthna MandotraPrarthna Mandotra
Gandhi Fellow at Piramal Foundation for Education LeadershipGandhi Fellow at Piramal Foundation for Education Leadership
Molly StillwellMolly Stillwell
Membership Relations Manager at Foundation For Ontological Leadership EducationMembership Relations Manager at Foundation For Ontological Leadership Education