A veteran official of the U.S. Department of Education who has led its efforts on student access, completion and retention will soon focus on similar areas for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

Gail Schwartz, who since 2006 has served as a senior advisor on community colleges at the department, joins AACC next month as its senior vice president for academic, innovation and student success. She also served as the Education Department’s director of academic and technical education, which included overseeing the $1.1-billion Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education State Grant Program.

AACC President and CEO Walter Bumphus, who assumed leadership of the association last January, said the addition to his senior leadership team reflects the growing importance and visibility of community colleges.

“Community colleges are increasingly regarded as central players in U.S. economic recovery and global competitiveness,” he said. “Dr. Schwartz understands our colleges and will bring solid experience and dynamic leadership to our work.”

“I am thrilled to assume this role during this extraordinarily exciting time for community colleges,” said Schwartz, adding that she is looking forward to working with Bumphus, AACC’s 21st-Century Commission on the Future of Community Colleges and the association’s membership—with a focus on helping member colleges meet President Barack Obama’s goal of significantly increasing the number of college graduates by 2020.