CoBA Graduate, Local CEO Honored as Influential Leader
Cal State San Marcos College of Business Administration alumnus A.J. van de Ven is one of 24 business school graduates honored by AACSB International, the world’s largest business education alliance, as part of the 2025 Class of Influential Leaders.
This is the 10th year that AACSB’s Influential Leaders member spotlight program highlights the value that business schools bring to business and society.
Van de Ven, who graduated from CSUSM in 2004, is the CEO of Calsense, an irrigation smart system provider. Calsense has designed irrigation control systems for a diverse array of applications for over 30 years. While working there, van de Ven has driven significant impact through innovative ventures like Irrigation Managementas a Service (IMaaS), which has expanded access to smart irrigation technology.
Van de Ven has proven how he is deeply committed to water conservation and sustainability. With the introduction of IMaaS, the company was able to address financial barriers faced by organizations when adopting smart irrigation technology. Because of his efforts, different organizations such as school districts and universities can access these solutions without having to face financial difficulties. In addition to his work at Calsense, van de Ven has volunteered as a chairperson for ECOLIFE Conservation, contributing to projects
that protect wildlife and support underserved communities.
“Van de Ven’s work demonstrates how business schools can fuel solution-minded leaders to create new business ventures and solve complex challenges,” said Lily Bi, AACSB president and CEO. “Through entrepreneurial approaches and visionary thinking, van de Ven is creating meaningful change in the world.”
AACSB’s Influential Leaders have all earned an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree from one of the more than 950 AACSB-accredited business schools worldwide.
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ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314