​New CEOs

Michael Flores has been named the sixth president of Palo Alto College (PAC) in Texas. He is the first president of the college to come from within its ranks. Flores, 42, has held all three vice president positions since joining the college in 1999. He came aboard as an employee in the office of institutional research, planning and development. He most recently served as interim vice president of academic affairs.

Kudos

Richard Carpenter, chancellor of Lone Star College System (LSCS) in Texas, was recently honored by the NAACP Houston Branch at its Annual Freedom Fund Gala. Carpenter received the organization’s President’s Award based on his leadership and the positive impact that LSCS makes in the community.

Ronald Chesbrough, president of St. Charles Community College (Missouri), has been recognized among the “Beyond the Best: Top 50 in Business Awards” by StreetScape Magazine, which recognizes individuals who make a significant difference in the community. Since he arrived at the college in 2011, Chesbrough has launched a long-range planning effort, strengthened four-year institution partnerships, completed a reorganization of key areas to support student success and enhanced internal communications.

William Loope, vice president of institutional advancement and workforce education at New River Community and Technical College (West Virginia), has received the Campus Impact Award for Outstanding Grants Professional from the Council for Resource Development (CRD), which represents community college advancement professionals. Loope was recognized for his leadership in the acquisition of a former Excel Homes manufacturing facility for use as a regional center for technical training. 

Appointments

Eric Lee is now executive director of Colorado Community Colleges Online, a consortium comprising 13 community colleges in the state. He previously served as president of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce since 2009.

Lisa Marasso is the new director of the Ridley Gallery at Sierra College in California. Marasso has taught drawing and sculpture at Sierra College since 2005, while serving as associate director at Verge Center for the Arts from 2008-11.

Peter Usinger, director of institutional research at Polk State College in Florida, has been named president-elect of the Association of Florida Colleges, which represents 28 community colleges in the state. He will serve a one-year term. Usinger said his priorities will be defending against state budget cuts for education, improving student completion rates and helping colleges to develop and enhance programs that will contribute to Florida’s economic growth.

Trustees and directors

In Georgia, Terry Lemmons and Mary Warnell have been appointed as members of the Savannah Technical College board of directors. Lemmons is vice president of Willis Insurance Services. Warnell is the mayor for the City of Pembroke, Ga., and treasurer for Groveland Farms.