Message from CLC Board Chair Allena Barbato - Presidential Search, September 29, 2026
Published September 29, 2026
We are pleased to share that the Board of Trustees is ready to move forward with the next phase of the presidential search. After carefully considering the feedback received from open forums and surveys, the Board has implemented enhancements to the search process that will strengthen stakeholder engagement and support the selection of the College's next president.
To ensure broad engagement and opportunity for meaningful input from all members, the Board has decided to form two committees. While the list of 21 individual participants remains the same as communicated via e-mail on August 20, the process will be divided into two phases, and committee members have been assigned to one of the two groups outlined below. With this model, there will not be a co-chair. This approach aligns with recommendations from our search consultant, Dr. Keith Miller, from the Association of Community College Trustees.
Phase One Search Committee
The Phase One Committee is charged with providing final input into the presidential profile prior to Board approval. Additionally, this group will screen applicants, select and interview semifinalists, and recommend three to four finalists to the Board of Trustees.
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Allena Barbato | CLC Trustee and Search Committee Chair |
| Jan Gibson | CLC Trustee |
| Michael Karner | Director, Lake County Regional Office of Education |
| Allison Bolisay | CLC Student Trustee |
| Ben Shin | Career Specialist, Lake County Workforce Development |
| Myra Gaytan | Executive Director, University Center of Lake County |
| Jay Wiltshire | Instructor, Academic Success |
| Ken Kikuchi | Instructor, Psychology |
| Nancy Cook | Professor Emerita, Art |
| Jesus Ruiz | Dean, Lakeshore Campus |
| Leon Hussissian | Media Technology Specialist, Information Technology |
| James Beckom | Vice President, Business Services and Finance |
| Michelle Grace | Director, Student Health and Wellness |
Phase Two Search Committee
The Phase Two Search Committee is charged with interviewing the finalists during their campus visits and providing comprehensive feedback to the Board of Trustees.
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Allena Barbato | CLC Trustee and Search Committee Chair |
| Kevin Considine | President and Chief Executive Officer, Lake County Partners |
| Maria Rivera-Ripoll | CLC Foundation Board Member |
| Anne O’Connell | CLC Retiree |
| Mark Coykendall | Instructor, Biology and Faculty Senate Chair |
| Chris Utecht | Instructor, Criminal Justice and Faculty Union President |
| Karen Florian | Adjunct Faculty, Mathematics and Adjunct Faculty Union President |
| Tricia Rosado | Dean, Southlake Campus |
| Troy Dawson | HVAC Engineer and Staff Council Union President |
Presidential Search Timeline
Recruitment Period – October/November 2026
Following Board approval of the Presidential Profile at a Committee of the Whole Meeting on October 8, 2026, the Search will officially open for nominations and applications on October 9. During this period, extensive advertising will be placed while Dr. Miller actively engages in outreach and recruitment of prospective leaders from higher education and other relevant sectors whose experiences align with the Presidential Profile.
Search Committee Screening and Interviews – November/December 2026
The Phase One Committee will review applications during November and identify semifinalists for interviews in early December.
Finalist Visit Schedule Announcement – December 2026
The schedule for finalist campus visits, including interview dates and open forum opportunities, will be announced in December 2026.
Finalist On Campus Interviews – January 2027
It is anticipated that finalists will be on campus for interviews and forums during the last week of January 2027. The finalist process will include candidate interviews with the Phase Two Committee.
Board Selection and Approval – February 2027
Board action to appoint the next president is expected by mid-February 2027. The president-elect’s start date will be determined based on availability and is anticipated to be in June or July 2027.
On behalf of the Board, we appreciate the thoughtful input and continued engagement of the CLC community. Your participation will remain an important part of the process as we move toward finalist campus visits and the selection of the College’s next president.
Sincerely,
Allena Barbato, JD, MACP
Chair, Board of Trustees and Search Committee
Dr. William M. Griffin
Vice-Chair, Board of Trustees