Jeff DeFranco picked as LTCC's new vice president for administrative services

Lake Tahoe Community College’s Board of Trustees announced Tuesday that Jeff DeFranco, the current director of communications and facilities at Springfield Public Schools in Oregon, will be the college’s next vice president of administrative services.

DeFranco holds a master’s in educational leadership with an emphasis in higher education administration from the University of Oregon. He earned his undergraduate degree from California State University, Chico.

“I have a really strong personal value in the importance of public education,” DeFranco said. “For me the Lake Tahoe Community College position seemed like the perfect fit for my skills and the type of work that drives me.”

DeFranco also shares a Tahoe connection.

“South Lake Tahoe has really been my home away from home for my entire life. My grandfather built a cabin in Meyers in the 60s, and we still go there every year,” DeFranco said. “With Tahoe I didn’t really feel like I was going to new unknown place. I felt like I was coming home.”

DeFranco said he feels his experience in the K- 12 realm has prepared him to help the college navigate California’s fiscal waters.

“I have been dealing with a very similar reduction environment here in Springfield. I believe community colleges have the capacity to be a real economic driver. When you are dealing with declining state revenue you must be as entrepreneurial as possible and use the power of partnerships to grow the revenue pie,” DeFranco said.

"The Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and management are very excited about Jeff DeFranco joining our college," said LTCC President Kindred Murillo. "Jeff brings an incredible skill set and energy to our college and community."

DeFranco, who is moving to Tahoe with his wife and two young sons, said he and his family are excited about being a part of the community.

“This role at the college gives me a chance to be a leader at the community level. My model is very collaborative and engages staff and community as partners. It is that spirit of collaboration that I want to bring to this job,” DeFranco said.

DeFranco’s start date is June 29.