Coro California
Stronger together across the state
Coro Northern California and Coro Southern California are uniting as Coro California, a single statewide organization that strengthens our mission 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 stronger statewide infrastructure.
Read the Joint Letter from Board Chairs
Explore Coro California Leadership Programs
Why we are uniting
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 partnerships and resources with a unified statewide vision of civic leadership and democratic renewal.
- Improve efficiency and alignment so we can reinvest time and resources into developing leaders who drive change.
- Strengthen brand visibility and thought leadership, positioning Coro as California’s civic leadership hub and a national model for cross-sector leadership development.
Together we combine talent, infrastructure, institutional knowledge, and reputational strength to deliver outsized impact across California. This step ensures Coro continues to adapt, grow with the times, and invest in leaders who move systems toward a more durable and inclusive democracy
Leadership
- Natalie Samarjian will lead the process of bringing the organizations together and will serve as statewide CEO beginning October 1, 2025. Natalie is a graduate of the Coro Northern California Fellows Program in Public Affairs.
- The launch of Coro California marks the culmination of Laney Whitcanack’s planned leadership transition from Coro Northern California. We celebrate Laney’s bold, innovative leadership and the lasting legacy she leaves.
- Both boards are working together to create a strong statewide Coro California Board as well as robust, locally focused Regional Boards.
Programs
What stays the same right now
Current programs and those now recruiting will continue with the same experience, curriculum, and support. Any program updates will begin with the next cohort cycle.
What is ahead
In the months ahead, our program teams will co-create 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, which gives participants strong local grounding plus statewide reach.
See active programs and apply
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 scale and impact.
Recent Months
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 this step.
September 9, 2025
Both boards voted to move forward with a merger that brings the two centers together as Coro California.
October 1, 2025
Natalie Samarjian becomes statewide CEO and leads the unification process.
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 and, if you wish, to regional newsletters for Northern California and Southern California.
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 info@corola.org.
