Meet the Managers

The Managers of the La Canada Engineering Club are student leaders elected by the Executive Board who report back to the Executives. They are responsible for the lower level management of teams, student mentors, and shop management. Meet them below!

Akhilesh Kumar

FRC Team Manager

The FRC Team Manager is responsible for organizing and overseeing the team’s overall structure and development. This includes organizing independent subteams such as programming, mechanical, and electrical, assigning subteam leads and leadership positions, and placing members into roles based on their interests and strengths.

The Team Manager will coordinate with the FIRST Executive Branch and Manager of Resources, work with mentors to schedule team sessions, and select the Competition Driver, Operator, Human Player, Technician, Safety Captain, and Coach. They are also responsible for ensuring that every member has a defined role and is proficient in their area of interest by the beginning of the 2026–2027 season.

The Team Manager will oversee the FRC department’s Monday.com boards and ensure that information is consistently updated and accessible to all relevant team members and staff.

Preston Chang-Johnson

FTC Team Manager

The FTC Team Manager is responsible for overseeing both FTC 5921 and FTC 23838, including the organization and overall development of both teams. This includes managing business and outreach efforts, organizing independent subteams such as programming, mechanical, and electrical, and assigning members and leadership positions based on their interests and strengths.

The Team Manager will coordinate with the FIRST Executive Branch and Manager of Resources, work with mentors to schedule team sessions, and select the Competition Driver, Operator, and Human Player. They are also responsible for ensuring that every member has a defined role and is proficient in their area of interest by the beginning of the 2026–2027 season.

The Team Manager will oversee the FTC department’s Monday.com boards and ensure that all information is kept accurate and up to date for team members and staff.

Yeon-Seo Chung

FLL Team Manager

The FLL Program Lead is responsible for coordinating and supporting all LCEC FLL teams throughout the year. This includes assisting with summer sessions, team-building, robot kit preparation, mission props, and in-season activities. The Program Lead will ensure teams are prepared for competitions, maintain consistent communication with all seven FLL teams, and assist with recruiting volunteers for potential FLL tournaments.

The role also involves coordinating with the FIRST Executive Branch and Manager of Resources, as well as managing and regularly updating the FLL department’s Monday.com boards. The Program Lead will work closely with the Executive Director of Strategy and Engagement to support team preparation and overall success.

These responsibilities represent the minimum expectations of the role. The FLL Program Lead is expected to serve as a leader and positive example for all LCEC FLL teams and other FIRST teams within the organization, demonstrating strong communication, organization, initiative, and accountability.

Alexander Konakov

Media Manager

The Media Manager is responsible for documenting, promoting, and managing the public presence of LCEC across all programs. This includes documenting club events, competitions, and activities through photography and video, as well as creating and editing media content for promotional use.

The Media Manager will oversee LCEC’s social media accounts, including platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, and promote LCEC events, programs, and achievements across these platforms. They will coordinate with team managers to ensure their events are properly documented and promoted.

The Media Manager will also oversee the Media department’s Monday.com boards, ensuring that information and tasks are consistently updated and accessible to the rest of the team.

Noah Hwang

Resource Manager

The Resource Manager is responsible for maintaining the organization, accessibility, and functionality of LCEC resources across all operating rooms. This includes coordinating with the Executive Branch of FIRST to obtain necessary resources and keeping an accurate record of resources across all levels of FIRST.

The Manager will also promote and coordinate room-optimization events during and outside of the competition season to ensure spaces remain organized and efficient. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining the functionality and proper condition of essential resources, including machines, tools, water stations, and other equipment.