A survey consisting of multiple choice and free response questions was administered to California Community Colleges (CCC) chief executive officers (CEOs) in fall 1996 to identify some of the similarities in the professional practices and patterns to success among this group. Of 125 CEOs surveyed, 81 or 65% responded. Multiple choice results included: the majority came from within the community college field; most were from blue collar homes; 64% were in their first presidency; more than half had been in their current position for 5 years or less; 69.14% were white; 69% were men; most were between 51 and 60 years of age; 88% had earned a doctoral degree with over half having the Ed.D.; more than half belonged to the Rotary as a civic membership; the majority did not feel affirmative action helped them to become community college presidents; and 74% had a role model. Free response question results included: collective bargaining issues were a major problem; shared governance (brought about by AB 1725) undermines the president's authority; some women and most non-white males reported that gender and sexism were obstacles on the pathway to becoming president. (Contains 27 references and a copy of the survey instrument.) (PGS)