Professional Programs and Workforce Development

A certificate program is a short, practical course or series of courses aimed at enhancing your career skills. These programs focus on areas like project management, leadership, digital marketing, or data analysis. Completing the program means meeting attendance, participation, and assignment requirements, earning a certificate that validates your skills and is valued by employers.

Microcredentials are short, focused credentials designed to complement a certificate or degree program and provide immediate skills and knowledge to make you ready for the workforce.  They can be stackable, meaning you can build up your qualifications over time and improve your career prospects

Digital Badges are online symbols of your achievements and skills acquired in a certificate or microcredential program. You can share them on social media, professional networks, and digital resumes to show your qualifications to employers and colleagues. Learn more on our Digital Badge page.

CPaCE offers a variety of custom learning opportunities to meet your organization’s needs! We provide short-term professional training and immersive English language programs tailored for industry partners, individual employers or visiting international groups. Learn more at our Custom Training page.

Darren Acker, Director, Finished Vehicle Logistics Operations, GLOVIS America Inc., Hyundai Glovis

A career logistician with over 30 years of experience in logistics and supply chain operations management, Darren Acker is skilled in finished vehicle logistics, parts logistics, warehouse management, supply chain optimization, and just-in-time logistics operations. He also served in the United States Marine Corps for 21 years and retired honorably in 2005.

Darren has been with GLOVIS for 14 years, where he is responsible for developing and executing strategic logistics operations to meet GLOVIS' annual wholesale, revenue, and business objectives. Before joining GLOVIS, Darren was the West Coast Regional Parts Logistics Manager for VASCOR Ltd., overseeing West Coast parts logistics operations in support of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Baja California. He also served as the Operations Manager of Toyota’s Cross Dock operation.

Darren holds a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Massachusetts Global, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Global Logistics Specialist Professional Designation from CSULB.

Martin Cresmer, Senior Labor Relations Representative, Pacific Maritime Association

Martin Cresmer is a Senior Labor Relations Representative at the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA). He has held this role for close to two years, and he represents Southern California marine terminal operators in contractual relations with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). Prior to joining the PMA, he spent 21 years at APM Terminals, Pier 400—working there since it first opened for business in 2002—and has held positions as the General Manager of Pier Maintenance Industrial; Operations Manager for Vessel, Yard, and Rail operations; and as the terminal’s Facility Security Officer.  

Prior to joining APMT, Martin served in the US Army as an officer in Field Artillery while stationed overseas in Giessen, Germany as a member of the 1st Armored Division, and in the US as part of the 75th Field Artillery Brigade in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Martin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California and earned his Master of Science degree in Supply Chain Management from California State University, Long Beach in 2017.

Henry Rogers, Managing Principal, The Grey Pine Group / Executive Director, Harbor Association of Industry & Commerce

Henry founded the Grey Pine Group to help organizations thrive and successfully adapt in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. He brings nearly two decades of public policy experience and nearly a decade in the public sector working at the local, state and federal levels of government. 

Prior to launching Grey Pine Group, Henry was Founding Partner at PEAR Strategies, a public affairs and association management firm based in Long Beach. PEAR’s diverse client base included trade associations, as well as public and private sector organizations. Under Henry’s leadership, PEAR successfully helped manage and grow dozens of enterprises throughout the state of California.

Henry earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Redlands, and an undergraduate degree in Economics from San Diego State University. He also holds a Project Management certification from the University of California at Davis. 

Patrick L. Wilson, President, Fast Lane Transportation

Patrick Wilson is founder and president of Fast Lane Transportation, Inc. After a two-year stint in the United States Air Force, he started in the intermodal industry as a truck driver in 1976. He started Fast Lane in 1979 as a one-truck operation and the company grew quickly, adding staff and owner-operators, then branched out into intermodal equipment repair and storage in 1981. The company relocated twice to expand and accommodate customer demand; and moved to its current 50-acre location for equipment storage, repair, sales and trucking services.

Pat serves in various capacities on community and nonprofit boards including:

• President of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce since 2004
• Treasurer and founding board member of the Wilmington Neighborhood Council
• Member of the Port Community Advisory Committee, an advisory committee to the Port of Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners
• Member of the Wilmington Industrial Park Advisory Committee
• Board member of the International Trade Academy (ITA), part of the International Trade Educational Programs (ITEP)
• Vice President of the Friends of Banning Museum, a nonprofit corporation founded to develop the historic Banning Residence Museum
• Founding board member of the Port Technologies Development Center (PTDC), a collaboration between the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, and the Port of Los Angeles.

The Business of Quantum Computing

November 12, 2025

Did you know that 2025 has been declared the UN’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology? This historic opportunity is inspiring a new generation of innovators, storytellers, and builders to help solve the world’s toughest challenges.  

Join us at CSULB for The Business of Quantum Computing—where corporate innovator Ezunial Burts III, a graduate-turned-instructor of the Global Logistics Professional (GLP) program, will lead a discussion on how rapid developments in quantum computing are revolutionizing industries including international trade, logistics, and the global supply chain. You’ll learn to demystify quantum computing, separate science fiction from science fact, and find opportunities for leadership in this expanding multiverse of hi-tech business. 

• Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025  
• Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m. (Pacific) 
• Location: CPaCE Building, Room 100C, California State University, Long Beach 

Ezunial (Eze) Burts III has been at the forefront of transforming scientific research into real-world breakthroughs—from leading Duality, the first U.S. accelerator dedicated to quantum startups, to heading Boeing’s External Technical Affiliations team, where he cultivated key alliances that fueled the formation and scale-up of Boeing’s pioneering quantum computing division. Join us as he shares how to bridge the gap between the lab and the marketplace, and what it takes to lead boldly in the second century of quantum innovation.

This presentation and Q&A session will be followed by networking opportunities with fellow quantum-curious business professionals, researchers, students, alumni, instructors, and industry partners. Refreshments and snacks will be served. 

Be part of this historic moment as we explore how quantum computing is reshaping the world of business! 

Come along with us to explore exciting careers in biotechnology and biomanufacturing with insights from industry experts!

Join us on March 18 for the next installment of our Career Pathways Speaker Series! Vicki Brannock, Senior Director of Workforce Strategy and Innovation at Biocom California Institute – the state’s most powerful life science advocate, will share insights into opportunities in biotech and biomanufacturing. As a leader in accelerating life sciences in California, the nonprofit believes that life science advances humanity, further representing over 1,800 member companies statewide.

Following the presentation, we’re honored to have the following discussants share their stories:

• Willie Zuniga, retired CEO of Grifols Biologicals
• Tom Mone, CEAO and VP of OneLegacy

Explore the latest biomanufacturing trends, their impact on jobs, and how Cal State Long Beach can help you launch an exciting career. Hear about the latest trends shaping biomanufacturing today and what those trends mean for employment in the industry.

Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to advance your career, you won’t want to miss this FREE opportunity to learn and grow with us!

Don’t miss this chance to plan your journey in life sciences and biomanufacturing!

Global Logistics Career Pathway Speaker Series

Explore careers in logistics and the supply chain at CSULB!

Join us to learn about the opportunities in and around the San Pedro Bay Ports. Hear about the latest trends shaping the supply chain industry today, what those trends mean for employment in the industry, and how the Global Logistics Professional (GLP) program can help you take advantage of those opportunities as part of an exciting career.

Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to advance your career, you won’t want to miss this FREE opportunity to learn and grow with us!

Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025 
Time: 5 - 6 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: CPaCE Building, Room 100B   

Featured Speakers:

Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer, Port of Long Beach

Dr. Tom O'Brien, Associate Dean, College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE)

Light refreshments and snacks will be served, sponsored by LBS FInancial Credit Union.