Johnny Cruz, UC Riverside associate vice chancellor and chief communications and marketing officer, completed the Leadership Riverside program in June.

Leadership Riverside is a 10-month program by the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce in which representatives from local businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, school districts, and universities tackle regional issues and work with other civic leaders.

Cruz is the latest of several campus representatives to take part in the program.

Each Leadership Riverside class develops a community project. The 2023 class launched a project to improve Victoria Avenue in Riverside by restoring benches and trash bins along the corridor. The project also adds improvements such as shade structures, water fountains, bicycle repair stations, and lighting.