Lonnie D. Sampson serves as the Custodial Manager for the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Department at Diablo Valley College. In this role, he ensures that campus buildings are maintained in a clean, safe, and compliant manner. Leading a large and diverse team of Custodian Professionals, Lonnie oversees the fulfillment of service requests, prompt responses to emergencies, and support for numerous DVC events, all with the goal of enhancing the experience for staff, students, and stakeholders.
With over 38 years of experience in the education sector, Lonnie began his career as a custodian with the Westminster School District, where he served for 24 years at the elementary and secondary school levels. He later advanced to roles as Lead Custodian at Cal State Fullerton and Head Custodian at the College of Alameda, gaining valuable leadership experience.
Lonnie holds an associate degree in Management Facilities Training from Cypress College, along with multiple certifications from OSHA, ASSP, and other organizations. He is also dedicated to contributing to DVC’s sustainability efforts by reducing the number of receptacles in classrooms and offices and transitioning from fluorescent bulbs to eco-friendly energy options, aligning with California’s SB 1383 and AB 2208 initiatives.
A native of South Central Los Angeles, Lonnie is a passionate supporter of his hometown teams: the Lakers, Rams, and World Champion Dodgers. An avid chess enthusiast, he plays at least five games online daily, using the game as a metaphor for understanding the impact of decisions and movements in daily life. He is guided by the words of Nelson Mandela: “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell and got back up again.”