Ann Burckle

Principal, Real Property Collaborative and West Coast Appraisal Service 

Ann Burckle is a real estate investment strategist with experience in developing impact analysis, highest and best use analysis and valuation opinions. Her employment history has included Security Pacific National Bank and Bank of America, and she is currently a principal with Real Property Collaborative and West Coast Appraisal Service.   

Her community involvement is extensive as she is a member of the Southern California Leadership Network, a fellow with the Leadership LA and Leadership Southern California programs, and a docent with the Getty Center. She has held volunteer leadership positions with Pasadena Heritage including the chairperson of the Craftsman Weekend event, and member of the Development and Education Committees. She also serves as a member of the ITEP Advisory Board for Gardena High School's Global Leadership Academy.

Jennifer Johnson

Director, Public Affairs

Watson Land Company

As Director of Public Affairs, Jennifer B. Johnson brings fifteen years of experience in government and legislative affairs to Watson Land Company. In this capacity, Johnson represents the company within the business community, advocacy and trade organizations, and local government. She also provides direction and oversight for the company's philanthropic program and employee community service activities.

Johnson serves on the Boards of Directors of FuturePorts and the Carson High School Global Business Academy, and the Legislative Action Committee for the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP)for the Inland Empire and Southern California Chapters. In addition, she is a member of the Inland Empire Public Affairs Network, the Rancho del Chino Rotary Club, and the Urban Land Institute.

Tony A. Williamson

Director, Business Development & Marketing

Total Transportation Services, Inc. (TTSI)

Tony A. Williamson is the Director of Business Development & Marketing with TTSI. He is responsible for managing the sales' efforts for the company on a national level, as well as marketing and public relations.

Tony's career spans 27 years in logistics with emphasis from the environmental industry from premier companies such as Clean Harbors, US Filter, and Ensco. He is an active member of various industry related clubs and organization. He is the 2012 President of the Los Angeles Transportation Club and Secretary/Treasurer of the Harbor Association of Industry & Commerce. 

GSS students had the ultimate Hollywood experience May 12, 2012 at Universal Studios Hollywood.  Thanks to Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. 30 students were able to tour the action-packed amusement park and get a behind-the-scenes look into the complex world of securing Universal Studios' sprawling, 386-acre property visited by 30,000 visitors per day. GSS students got the full VIP treatment, getting to ride Transformers: The Ride-3D before it opened to the public.

GSS students are well aware of security related careers at the Port of Los Angeles and GSS Advisory Board member Ernie Mendoza, Business Development Manager for Securitas USA wanted to show something different that would motivate and inspire. "It's important for the students to interact with professionals they can relate to and who work in exciting venues like a major theme park, it gets them excited about their possible future in this career." GSS learned how the security officers utilized technology, training, and other resources such as teamwork and communications to deliver a customized and complete security solution. Security team members; Watch Commander Axel Herrera, Lt. Jorge Calderon, Officers Marcia Mejia, Deloris Nixon and Hugo Rodriguez, answered many questions and offered generous insight.

This fantastic experience for GSS students is part of a larger partnership between ITEP and Securitas USA. In addition to Ernie Mendoza's role with GSS, ITEP is also grateful to Ivory Phillips, Area VP for Securitas USA, who sits on the ITEP Board of Directors.  Securitas USA is dedicated to their community and is passionate about helping youth. Ernie notes,"Securitas is committed to improving the quality of life and enhancing the communities where our company operates. Students are our future and it is imperative that they are surrounded by people who believe in them and want to see them succeed."

Thank you, Ernie, for securing this opportunity for GSS; and the Universal Studios Security Team for guiding and mentoring the students. Special thanks to Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. for sponsoring the trip and continuously supporting ITEP. We couldn't do it without you!

Summer Interns, from the Global Business Academy (GBAC) at Carson High School, were celebrated on July 30, 2012, at the Back Home in La Haina Restaurant in Carson.

ITEP CEO, Amy Grat, spoke about the Work-Based Learning Program, and explained how important real world experience is for high school students. She then introduced GBAC Co-Chair Jennifer Johnson, Director of Public Affairs for Watson Land Company, and said that ITEP was glad to celebrate Watson Land's "Century of Stewardship."  

2012 marks a momentous milestone for Watson Land Company. One century ago, Watson Land Company was founded in Southern California with a commitment to serve as "good stewards of the land."    

Jennifer Johnson was pleased to report that Watson Land Company was able to sponsor four GBAC students in internships this summer at Watson Land, FCL Logistics, Custom Goods and Dermologica. Students who were recognized with certificates included: Rafael Gonzalez, Christina Alfred, Edgar Picazo and Woody Cruz. 

Jessica Neil, US Operations Support for Shell Pipeline, introduced their two GBAC summer interns, Robert Fernandez and Garrison Schafer, and presented them with certificates. Robert said that after having the Job Shadowing and Internship experience with Shell, he is now considering a career with the company.