Ben'Zara Minkin is the emergency preparedness manager for the San Mateo County Community College District. He protects all campus communities through complex safety programs and initiatives. He effectively led the district Emergency Operations Center through the COVID-19 pandemic. Ben'Zara Minkin, or Ben, also represents the District and the District Office of Emergency Management during conferences with other departments and elected officials, including representatives from the County and State Office’s of Emergency Management.

Ben’Zara Minkin initially joined the San Mateo County Community College District as an adjunct faculty for the Fire Academy, and became the Co-Director for the Academy in 2006. Now Mr. Minkin works as the District Emergency Preparedness Manager, and still assists with the Fire Academy on the CSM campus.

Mr. Minkin studied aerospace aviation at the University of North Dakota. He holds degrees in philosophy and emergency services administration. He graduated first in his class from the University of California at Santa Barbara. His master's thesis focused on violent intruder data in San Mateo County. Away from his work as an emergency preparedness manager, he enjoys flying with his single-engine land pilot's license. A former jiu-jitsu world champion, he stays active through judo and wrestling.

Ben'Zara Minkin