Bobbi Jo Palmer takes up the dual challenge of building the Gavilan College Education Foundation and strengthening the college’s alumni relations.
As coordinator of the Education Foundation and Alumni Relations, Palmer, who started in April, brings depth to the position. A life-long resident of South County with generational roots in the community, she has built professional connections in community, business, organizing, event planning and publishing over the past few decades.
“Because her of fund-raising, event planning and community connections, I knew she would be able to connect with our alumni throughout the district,” said Dr. Kathleen Rose, superintendent/president of Gavilan College.
Palmer most recently worked with Out & About Magazine. She joined noted publisher Sylvia Myrvold in 2008, building up ad sales and expanding the magazine’s event and bridal coverage. Palmer bought the publication when Myrvold retired and continued as publisher until 2016. Out and About was then purchased by New SV Media, owner of several local newspapers including the Gilroy Dispatch, Morgan Hill Times, and the Hollister Free Lance.
“At the start, I knew Bobbi Jo would be a perfect fit because of her positive attitude and love of community. When I stepped away from the magazine, I was able to leave it in her capable hands,” Myrvold said.
While serving in various positions with the magazine, Palmer maintained and built a presence representing the publication with the local area chambers of commerce. She joined Gilroy Rotary to expand community connections and later joined their board. For more than four years, Palmer worked on Rotary projects, at times with Rose. Sponsored by Rotary, she participated in Leadership Gilroy, graduating with other leaders in 2016.
The community is invited to share ideas with Palmer as she develops plans to engage chambers of commerce, industry partners and alumni. She expects to host monthly events at the college and in the communities, and has big plans to celebrate Gavilan’s upcoming 100-year anniversary.