The Californer - VCCCD Board of Trustees Selects Executive Management Firm for New Chancellor Search

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Greenwood/Asher & Associates, LLC will immediately launch national recruiting efforts

CAMARILLO, Calif. - Californer -- The Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees voted to retain the executive management firm Greenwood/Asher & Associates, LLC to lead a nationwide search for the selection and appointment of its new chancellor. The firm will begin work immediately to seek a replacement for Chancellor Greg Gillespie, who announced his retirement from the District at the end of June.

Greenwood/Asher has extensive experience with executive search, consulting and training in PreK-12 and higher education, both nationally and internationally. The firm's founders and partners, Jan Greenwood and Betty Asher, have deep roots in higher education, having served as presidents and tenured professors in universities. VCCCD trustees voted to contract with the firm during its Dec. 20 meeting. Greenwood/Asher was one of several firms considered following a Request for Proposals for Executive Management Search Firm Consultant for Chancellor.

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"Chancellor Gillespie has done an outstanding job of leading the District and its colleges, especially during the pandemic," said Board Chair Dianne B. McKay. "We're looking for someone of the same caliber who has visionary leadership capabilities and can continue to build and maintain campus services and community partnerships that benefit our students, provide for an equitable workforce and create economic development opportunities in Ventura County."

During a special meeting of the board on Jan. 8, trustees discussed that the primary role of the new chancellor will be cultivating a mutually shared vision and providing a common direction for Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges.

Gillespie was named chancellor in July 2017 after a nationwide search. Prior to his current position, he was president of Ventura College from 2013-2017. Under his guidance, the District has enacted academic programs and support services to advance student success and create a culture that promotes social justice and equity.

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Greenwood/Asher soon will hold forums at the District's campuses in Moorpark, Oxnard, Santa Paula and Ventura to seek feedback from students, faculty and staff. Community members are invited to attend the community forum by Zoom on Jan. 24 from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. (PST). Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86010301882?pwd=Nko4Z3kwRDFFd2pnZERENXE0bExpZz09

The District will provide regular updates on the chancellor selection process following board meetings on its website at VCCCD.edu.