Matt Chamberlain Honored with Prestigious Nels Nelson Award for Leadership and Service

VALLEJO, Calif. — Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) proudly celebrates Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Matt Chamberlain, who has been honored with the prestigious Nels Nelson Award, presented by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 6.

Each year, ACSA Region 6 recognizes two leaders for exemplary service to the organization and the broader education community. The Nels Nelson Award, named after Region 6’s first executive director and a longtime champion of ACSA, honors an individual who demonstrates ethical and moral leadership, a sustained commitment to student achievement, and a visionary approach that lays the foundation for educational excellence well beyond their tenure. Recipients are also recognized for their many years of service and leadership within ACSA.

Chamberlain’s leadership is reflected in several impactful initiatives, such as spearheading a district-wide mentorship program for new administrators, leading the launch of innovative professional development workshops focused on equity and inclusion, and playing a pivotal role in increasing educator retention rates within his district. Under his guidance, Region 6 strengthened partnerships between schools and community organizations, resulting in expanded support services for students and families.

Chamberlain currently serves as Region 6’s Past President and has been an active and engaged ACSA member for nearly 20 years. Over the course of his career, he has held numerous leadership roles at both the charter and regional levels, including serving as Diablo Valley Charter Board Representative from 2010 to 2017 and Charter President from 2018 to 2021. He was elected President of Region 6 in 2024 and has also represented the region on the ACSA Secondary Schools Council and the ACSA Leadership Assembly.

Chamberlain currently serves as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in VCUSD, a role for which he is uniquely qualified. Prior to joining the district, he served as Director of Human Resources in Pittsburg Unified School District and was a long-tenured principal at Alhambra High School in Martinez.

A proud University of California, Berkeley alumnus, Chamberlain holds a Juris Doctor, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Education. His strong connection to Berkeley reflects both a lifelong commitment to education and the personal pride he takes in it.

Throughout his career, Chamberlain has been widely recognized as a role model who leads with authenticity and care. He is known for seeing "the whole person," taking time to understand individuals’ stories, backgrounds, and aspirations. During his presidency, he emphasized meaningful self-care, creating space for connection through monthly Executive Board check-ins and opportunities to celebrate both personal and professional milestones.

“Matt leads with integrity, empathy, and a deep belief in people,” said VCUSD Superintendent Rubén Aurelio. “His ability to build strong systems while never losing sight of the human side of our work is what makes him such an exceptional leader. We are proud to have him serving our students, staff, and community in Vallejo.”

Chamberlain expressed gratitude for the recognition and the community that shaped his leadership journey. Reflecting on the award, he shared, "Receiving the Nels Nelson Award feels deeply meaningful to me because it represents the collective impact we can have when we work together for students and one another."

“I am incredibly honored to receive the Nels Nelson Award,” said Chamberlain. “ACSA has been a meaningful part of my professional life for nearly two decades. The relationships, mentorship, and shared commitment to supporting students and educators have had a lasting impact on me. This recognition really belongs to the many colleagues and leaders I’ve had the privilege to learn from and serve alongside.”

“Matt truly embodies the spirit of the Nels Nelson Award,” added a colleague. “He uplifts others, invests deeply in the ACSA community, and models the kind of thoughtful, values-driven leadership that strengthens our profession.”

VCUSD joins colleagues across the region in congratulating Matt Chamberlain on this well-deserved recognition and celebrating his continued impact on students, staff, and the broader educational community.