Coro California
Strengthening leaders across the state
Coro Northern California and Coro Southern California have united as Coro California, a single statewide organization that strengthens our work to prepare people for effective and ethical leadership. Unifying our teams allows us to reach more communities with programs that remain locally grounded and powered by a strong statewide infrastructure.
Deepening Coro’s statewide impact
Challenges facing our democracy are complex and urgent, and the need for ethical, cross-sector leadership is greater than ever. As one organization, Coro California will:
- Reach more communities across the state with programs rooted in Coro’s experiential methodology and responsive to local context.
- Expand the alumni network into a broader, statewide community that unlocks new opportunities for learning, connection, and collaboration.
- Attract new partnerships and resources with a statewide vision of civic leadership and democratic renewal.
- Improve efficiency and alignment so we can reinvest time and resources into developing more leaders who drive positive change.
- Strengthen brand visibility and thought leadership, positioning Coro as California’s civic leadership hub and a national model for cross-sector leadership development.
Coro California combines talent, infrastructure, institutional knowledge, and reputational strength to deliver outsized impact across California. Coro will continue to adapt, grow with the times, and invest in leaders who move systems toward a more durable and pluralistic democracy.
Leadership
Natalie Samarjian led the process of bringing the organizations together and has served as CEO of Coro California since October 1, 2025. Natalie served as Coro Southern California’s CEO since 2017 and is a graduate of the Coro Northern California Fellows Program in Public Affairs.
The launch of Coro California marked the culmination of Coro Northern California CEO Laney Whitcanack’s planned leadership transition. We celebrate Laney’s bold, innovative leadership and lasting legacy.
Each center’s board of directors thoughtfully collaborated to build a strong statewide Coro California Board while maintaining robust, locally-focused Regional Advisory Boards.
Programs
What has stayed the same
Programs operating and recruiting at the time of the merger will continue with the same experience, curriculum, and support. Program updates will begin with future cohort cycles.
What’s next
Our regional Program Teams are co-creating a distinctive Coro California portfolio. Some programs will remain local, tailored to regional needs. Where it adds value, we will introduce statewide connections such as cross-regional convenings, shared electives, and alumni networking—giving participants strong local grounding plus statewide reach.
Timeline
2024
Coro Northern California’s longstanding CEO, Laney Whitcanack, announced a planned transition in mid‑2025. Around the same time, Coro Southern California, led by longstanding CEO Natalie Samarjian, advanced a new strategic plan.
February 2025
Both boards began exploring a statewide Coro with increased scale and impact.
Spring–Summer 2025
Both organizations conducted due diligence in finance, legal, compliance, HR, and governance. The review confirmed that both organizations were in good standing and well positioned for a merger.
September 9, 2025
Both boards voted to bring the two centers together as Coro California.
October 1, 2025
Natalie Samarjian became statewide CEO, leading the unification process.
January 1, 2026
Coro California officially launched.
Frequently asked questions
What changes for current participants or applicants?
No immediate changes. Programs that are running or recruiting now will proceed as planned. Any updates will begin with the next cohort cycle.
Will programs still run locally?
Yes. Many programs will continue to operate locally and reflect regional leadership contexts. Where helpful, we will add statewide connections such as cross-regional sessions and shared electives.
What does this mean for alumni?
Alumni gain access to a larger statewide network with more opportunities for learning, collaboration, and impact.
How does this affect partners and funders?
A unified statewide organization creates a clearer pathway to partnership and investment while keeping program delivery connected to local communities.
How can I stay updated?
Subscribe to Coro California updates.
Media resources
About Coro
At Coro, we train leaders who are motivated to shape the spirit and integrity of their communities, their companies, and their country. Our mission is to strengthen the democratic process by preparing people for effective and ethical leadership. Coro provides the tools, the lifelong network, and the practice leaders need to activate meaningful change at every level.
Press release
Media contact
Kaitlin Foe
Chief of Staff
For media inquiries, email coro@coroca.org.