Presidential Search
Presidential Search
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) has announced a nationwide search for the next Trinidad State College (TSC) President. CCCS is committed to a thorough and inclusive search process, which will identify the best leader for TSC from a deep and diverse pool of candidates. The Chancellor has appointed a representative search advisory committee to guide the search process, with assistance from CCCS Chief Human Resources Officer, Christina Cecil.
Seeking a deep and diverse pool of candidates
Stakeholder feedback was gathered from TSC faculty, staff, students, alumni and community to help define the qualifications and characteristics desired in the next president. That feedback has been incorporated into the TSC President Position Profile. This profile will serve as the guiding document for the search advisory committee in identifying the best candidates for consideration.
CCCS has partnered with RPA Inc. to support recruitment efforts for this search. Throughout its 38 years in business, the RPA Inc. team has established a record of success in recruitment and search facilitation for institutions of higher education across the nation. RPA Inc. brings a sound understanding of the student-focused community college mission and understands that no other segment of higher education is as responsive to the needs of students, the community, and business and industry. Isaac Karaffa, Vice President and Senior Consultant, will lead recruitment efforts for the TSC President search.
Isaac Karaffa’s recruitment efforts are underway to develop a candidate pool for the search advisory committee to review, interview and assess in early 2026. The strongest candidates in that pool will be invited to meet with a larger group of campus constituencies in April. It is the Chancellor’s expectation to announce the next TSC President by early May 2026.
We know you are excited about this process and what is to come. The TSC community can stay informed about the progress of this search through this webpage where appropriate details will be shared publicly. Please understand it is important for us to adhere to a process where our candidates can rely on the discretion of those involved in the search process and our guarantee of confidentiality.
Applications
For full consideration, applications should be submitted by March 17, 2026.
Candidates should provide the following:
- Letter of interest addressing the experience and qualifications identified in the position profile.
- A curriculum vitae/resume.
Applicants are encouraged to keep their materials to no more than 10 pages. Application materials should be submitted to RPA Inc. at TrinidadPresident@rpainc.org.
Contact Information
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity or to make a nomination, please contact Isaac Karaffa, Vice President and Senior Consultant, at TrinidadPresident@rpainc.org.
General questions regarding the search process can be directed to Christina Cecil, CCCS Chief Human Resources Officer, at Christina.Cecil@cccs.edu.
Search Advisory Committee
CCCS Chancellor DeSanctis has appointed a search advisory committee to guide the selection process and make recommendations for a group of finalists to visit the Trinidad and Valley campuses and meet with a larger group of stakeholders. Selecting committee members is a thoughtful, deliberative process, and includes representatives from all aspects of the CCCS and TSC community – colleagues who will bring a variety of relevant professional, cultural and personal experiences to the table.
Search Advisory Committee Members:
| Yvette Atencio | Director of Human Resources, TSC |
| Desi Maxwell | Faculty, TSC |
| Linda Perry | Executive Assistant to President, TSC |
| Mathilda Westerman | Student Services Specialist, TSC |
| Lindsay Haras | Student, TSC |
| Karl Gabrielson | TSC Community Representative |
| Dr. Landon Mascareñaz | SBCCOE Board Member |
| Dr. Kimberly Zant | President, Otero College |
| Dr. Sarah Heath | Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, CCCS |
President Search Timeline Page
President Position Profile
FAQs
The State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (Board) has delegated to the CCCS Chancellor the personnel authority to manage the selection and employment of the College Presidents. The Chancellor will make the final selection of the next TSC President in consideration of the feedback gathered throughout the selection process.
The search advisory committee has been charged with assisting in the development of the position profile. They will consider potential candidates and review applications against the Chancellor approved position profile. The search advisory committee will conduct initial interviews with semi-finalist candidates and make recommendations of a group of finalists for the Chancellor’s consideration.