When Doug Guerrero and his wife, Kelly Guerrero, settled in Chico in 2006, they brought with them a lifetime of leadership and a passion for creating opportunity.

Doug’s career had taken him to executive roles at some of the largest concrete and cement companies in the world, including Cemex, Lone Star Industries Inc., and Kaiser Cement Corporation. In those roles, he helped modernize industry standards and worked with congressional leaders to shape national policy. After decades of corporate leadership, he turned his focus toward shaping the next generation.

At Chico State, he co-founded and now chairs the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Patrons, a philanthropic group that has raised more than $3.6 million to support student scholarships, faculty salaries, facility improvements, and hands-on experiences. In 2025, the Patrons strengthened the program’s future by contributing an additional $1 million to its endowment, continuing their investment in student success.

A seventh-generation Californian and former US Navy lieutenant, Guerrero understands the importance of building strong foundations in both construction and life. He mentors students, speaks in classrooms, and shares his industry connections to help students launch their careers. He is a strong believer in public higher education and the life-changing opportunities it can provide.

“Everything in the world is built with concrete,” Guerrero says. “And the future of this industry is right here at Chico State.”

Thanks in large part to his leadership, Chico State is now home to the only CIM degree program in the western United States. The program combines business education with technical training and boasts a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates. Nationally, Doug also serves on the CIM Steering Committee, supporting similar programs across the country.

Doug and Kelly Guerrero exemplify the Wildcat spirit through their generosity, leadership, and belief in students. Their impact is seen in every scholarship, every mentorship, and every graduate who is prepared to build a better future for their communities and for the world.