Dr. Joan Torné serves as Executive Director for Strategic Year-Round Operations at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and is the Founder & Principal of Rise with LIFT Coaching & Consulting, where she partners with leaders to strengthen communication, navigate complex transitions, and build high-performing, purpose-driven cultures.
With more than 24 years of experience in higher education leadership and human resources, she has led enterprise talent strategy, workforce planning, high-impact student program, and large-scale organizational transformation across complex systems, including leadership roles at the California State University Chancellor’s Office, San José State University, and Santa Clara University. Previously, she served as Associate Vice Chancellor & Chief of Staff for Human Resources for the California State University system, leading the Chancellor’s Office HR team and serving as a strategic advisor to systemwide executive leadership.
Dr. Torné holds a Doctor of Education in Organization & Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the University of San Francisco, as well as a Master of Arts in Sociology from San José State University. She specializes in leadership communication, organizational effectiveness, and the development of inclusive, high-performing teams.