Superintendent & Executive Team
Superintendent & Executive Team
-
_1788990447.jpg)
Dr. Andy Johnsen serves as Superintendent of the San Marcos Unified School District, bringing more than 30 years of experience in public education and a career distinguished by instructional leadership, community engagement, and a steadfast commitment to student success.Dr. Johnsen began his career as a classroom teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District before advancing into school and district leadership roles as an assistant principal, principal, and Director of the district’s Charter Schools Division, where he oversaw more than 100 independent charter schools. In 2007, he and his family relocated to North San Diego County, where he spent eight years as a principal in the Poway Unified School District.
In 2015, Dr. Johnsen was named Region 18 Principal of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), recognizing his visionary leadership and student-centered approach.
After serving as Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of the Lakeside Union School District, Dr. Johnsen was selected to lead the San Marcos Unified School District in 2021. Early in his tenure, he brought together the SMUSD Governing Board, staff, families, students, and the broader San Marcos community to develop the district’s Portrait of a Graduate, defining the core “Future Ready” competencies students need to thrive throughout their TK–12 journey and beyond graduation. That collaborative work became a foundation for the district’s five-year Strategic Plan, which continues to guide SMUSD’s priorities and direction.
Central to Dr. Johnsen’s leadership philosophy is a commitment to the well-being of the whole person. Under his leadership, SMUSD has advanced initiatives supporting the mental, physical, and emotional wellness of both students and staff, helping create the conditions for students to thrive and for employees to remain engaged, supported, and resilient.
In 2023, Dr. Johnsen was recognized as a “Superintendent to Watch” by the California School Public Relations Association for excellence in communication and community engagement. He was one of only four superintendents statewide to receive the distinction that year.
Throughout his career, Dr. Johnsen has earned a reputation as a collaborative and accessible leader who values relationships, thoughtful dialogue, and meaningful community partnership. A strong communicator and fluent Spanish speaker, he brings an inclusive perspective and deep respect for the diverse communities he serves. His ability to listen, build trust, and unite people around a shared vision continues to advance SMUSD’s mission to ensure every student is challenged, inspired, and poised to excel.
-
A dedicated educator with over twenty-five years of teaching and administrative experience in middle and high schools, Dr. Campbell earned a Master of Science in Educational Administration from National University and her Doctorate from UCSD and CSUSM Joint Doctoral Program in Education Leadership. She began her career in SMUSD as an assistant principal for San Marcos High School in 2005 and served as principal of both San Marcos Middle School and San Marcos High School. Most recently she has served as SMUSD Director of Secondary Education and Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Secondary Schools before moving into her current position as Deputy Superintendent.
-
Erin Garcia is the Chief Business Official with the San Marcos Unified School District, and has over 20 years of experience working in school business at two other school districts and two County Offices of Education. Erin manages seven departments within Business Services that consist of Child Nutrition Services, Facilities, Fiscal Services, Maintenance & Operations, Purchasing, Risk Management, and Transportation. She serves as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet providing advice and counsel to the Superintendent, Board, and others on all matters relating to the functions of business, budget, capital projects, contracts, negotiations, and more. She has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, concentrated in Accounting, from the University of Washington and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She is also a proud veteran, and served as an officer in the United States Air Force for four years, managing the budget for a $12 billion military satellite program.
-
Dr. Garcia oversees all human resources and development programs for SMUSD including employee recruitment and recognition programs, employment contracts, assignments, evaluations, as well as leads the collective bargaining efforts as the district’s Chief Negotiator. Dr. Garcia brings 21 years of educational leadership, with his last seven years of experience serving in Human Resources Administration in San Diego County school districts. In addition to Dr. Garcia’s numerous awards, he holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of California, San Diego and California State University, San Marcos, and is a graduate of the University of Southern California School Business Management Certification Program.
Click here to learn more about Human Resources & Development
-
Christine Lee is an accomplished strategic communications and public affairs professional with more than 25 years of experience spanning marketing, executive communications, community engagement, and media relations. As Public Information Officer, she leads public messaging and outreach efforts that help inform, connect, and engage families, staff, and the broader community.
Her background includes serving as an on-camera spokesperson, coordinating media outreach, leading large-scale events, developing brand campaigns, directing corporate giving strategies, producing multi-platform communications, and advancing legislative initiatives at the regional, state, and federal levels.
Christine was honored as a Civility Champion for her contributions to organizational culture. She holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from California State University San Marcos, and serves on nonprofit and economic development boards focused on community impact.
-
Lisseth Michel is an experienced administrative professional with more than a decade of experience supporting school district operations. As Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, she provides high-level administrative support, coordinates key district processes, and helps ensure effective communication and organization across the Superintendent’s Office.
Her background includes special education, student services, business services, and executive-level support, giving her a well-rounded understanding of district operations. Known for her organization, initiative, and problem-solving skills, Lisseth is passionate about streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and supporting colleagues across schools and departments.
She also co-leads a CASBO roundtable for executive assistants throughout San Diego County, helping foster collaboration, professional learning, and the sharing of best practices.