Jeff DeFranco selected as next LTCC superintendent/president

Jeff DeFranco will become the fifth superintendent/president of Lake Tahoe Community College on February 1, 2016, succeeding Dr. Kindred Murillo who is leaving to take the same position at Southwestern College in Chula Vista.

The LTCC Board of Trustees announced their selection at Tuesday's board meeting. DeFranco is currently the school's vice president of administrative services, a job he has held since 2012.

"This is very surreal," DeFranco said as he addressed the trustees after the announcement. "It's a dream come true."

DeFranco worked for Springfield Public Schools, a K–12 district in Oregon, for nine years as a senior-level district administrator. A lifelong educator committed to supporting quality instructional programs and student success, he has worked in multiple educational settings including K-12, community college, and four-year institutions.

After the announcement of the selection, Board President Dr. Fritz Wenck said, “Having seen him in action for several years now, we all knew we couldn’t go wrong with Jeff. He’s a natural leader, and a decisive person without being heavy handed. He knows how to reach consensus and bring folks along with him.”

DeFranco thanked Dr. Murillo for the guidance she's provided him at LTCC, and for the highly functional team she's put together at the college, making it easier for him to take the helm. He also thanked the staff, students and community and told those present at the meeting that he wants to be their choice as well as that of the trustees.

Over the past four-and-one-half years, DeFranco has worked alongside Dr. Murillo in moving the school to one with a more secure financial status after the passage of the $55 million Measure F general obligation bond which will improve and renovate campus facilities.

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity,” said Mr. DeFranco. “I am so excited about the huge potential of this small college. Our core purpose is to serve our students, and I look forward to working with and supporting our excellent staff and faculty as we consider students and their needs in all decisions.”

Mr. DeFranco expressed his intent to lead a successful reaffirmation of the college’s accreditation, to construct the University Center and bring in key partners to provide advanced degrees to South Lake Tahoe, and to continue efforts to create a class schedule that improves student access and success while stabilizing enrollments at LTCC.

The selection of Mr. DeFranco was made following a nationwide search that began in August 2016 with more than 40 applicants vying for the position. Potential candidates were reviewed and interviewed by a screening committee made up of campus and community stakeholders. Four finalists were selected to participate in public forums and board interviews in November.

Mr. DeFranco is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in global leadership and change from Pepperdine University's Organizational Leadership Program. He earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Chico, and his master's degree in educational leadership with an emphasis in higher education administration from the University of Oregon. He also received a professional certificate from Stanford University in strategic decision and risk management.

“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 when he was originally hired at LTCC. “With Tahoe I didn’t really feel like I was going to new unknown place. I felt like I was coming home.”