The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry’s Alumni Association — one of the largest and most active networks of dental alumni in the country — has new leadership with the appointment of Kimberly LaRocca ’06 DH to serve as director of the association.

LaRocca brings deep experience and strong connections within the dental school’s alumni community, as well as more than two decades of expertise in healthcare, education, stakeholder engagement and strategic leadership.

“I am deeply honored to step into this role and continue serving the Dugoni School family,” said LaRocca. “The Alumni Association is where lifelong friendships, mentorship and shared pride in our profession and the Dugoni School come together to create a powerful, supportive community. I look forward to working alongside our board, fellow alumni and school leadership to strengthen those bonds and create new opportunities for engagement, growth and impact.”

A proud graduate of the Dugoni School’s Dental Hygiene program, LaRocca also holds a bachelor’s degree and a Leadership in Health Education Certificate from University of the Pacific. She has served the school in numerous capacities, including most recently as program manager for Continuing Dental Education, member of the Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee, and coordinator of the Dental Faculty Council. She also served as president of the Alumni Association in 2016–2017, becoming the first dental hygiene graduate to hold that position. Additionally, LaRocca brings leadership experience as a board member with the Association for Continuing Dental Education, serving as the organization’s president in 2024-2025.

“I am truly excited to welcome Kimberly as our new director,” said Dr. Wesley E. Wong ’98, president of the Alumni Association. “Having had the privilege of knowing her both personally and professionally, I can say with confidence that the Dugoni School of Dentistry alumni are fortunate to have such a dedicated and capable leader at the helm. Kimberly’s vision, energy and commitment will not only strengthen our alumni community today, but will also create lasting opportunities for future generations of alumni to benefit from her talents and leadership.”

LaRocca’s appointment was part of a broad search to fill the role following the retirement of Joanne Fox, who most recently served as the association’s director.

“We thank Kimberly for her passion in serving our alumni community and are excited to see her lead the association into the future in partnership with our board members, dedicated staff and entire Dugoni School family,” said Interim Dean Dr. Elisa M. Chávez.

The Alumni Association is more than 9,000 members strong and hosts a variety of events and programs to promote social and mentorship opportunities, communications, leadership and networking among alumni. One of the association’s signature events is the upcoming 127th Annual Alumni Association Meeting, scheduled for January 23-24, 2026 in San Francisco. 

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