Clint Aase joined the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation Inc. in March 2002 as General Merchandise Manager. He later moved to assistant director before being promoted to Bookstore Director. Clint graduated from CSUF with a BA in Business Administration. He also brought nearly 20 years of retail and wholesale sales experience and perspective to the Bronco Bookstore.

Ben Compton is the General Manager of Course Materials at Aztec Shops with 23 years of collegiate retail experience. For the last 18 years he has specialized in course materials and course materials management. He is also a graduate of the National Association of College Stores Leadership Institute, sits on the CSU Bookstore Advisory committee, Independent College Bookstore Association Board, Campus eBookstore Board, Cengage Advisors Network and is co-chair of the Affordable Learning Solutions committee at SDSU.

Throughout her career, Kathleen has focused on course material affordability. She firmly believes that no student should have to choose their course of education based on what they can afford. She is currently the Senior Vice President at the Follett Corporation, responsible for Access programs across North America and has spent previous decades working to affect affordability and course materials delivery at VitalSource, zyBooks and Verba.

Rico Ovalles is the Associate Director of Academic Resources at California State University, Long Beach. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success, Rico has played a pivotal role in enhancing the university’s academic resources and support services. Rico is a proud alumnus of CSULB, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree, making him a product of the California State University (CSU) system. His professional journey at CSULB started in 2007 when he began working as a student assistant in the campus bookstore. This early experience provided him with valuable insights into the university’s operations and a deep appreciation for the campus community. Since 2013, Rico has been involved with the California Association of College Stores (CACS), where he currently serves on the Board. His involvement with CACS has allowed him to contribute to the broader community and stay at the forefront of developments in college retail and academic resources. Over the years, Rico has contributed significantly to various academic initiatives and programs, ensuring that students have access to the resources they need to thrive. In his current role, he oversees the coordination and management of academic resources, working closely with faculty, staff, and students to optimize the educational experience at CSULB. His leadership and innovative approach have been instrumental in advancing the university’s mission and goals.