CEO on the move
Lena Tran has been named chancellor of Yosemite Community College District (YCCD) in California, effective November 1. She has served as the district’s interim CEO since May 2025.
During her tenure as interim chancellor, Tran has advanced initiatives that expand student access and achievement, strengthen regional workforce pathways, and extend educational opportunities to rural and underserved communities, the district’s board of trustees noted in a release. Her leadership centers on the role of YCCD’s colleges as engines of opportunity, preparing students for meaningful careers while supporting the region’s economic vitality.
“Her ability to bring people together, expand educational opportunity, and build meaningful workforce and community partnerships will strengthen our colleges and the communities we serve,” said board president Milton Richards.
As chancellor, Tran will lead Modesto Junior College and Columbia College. Her priorities include expanding educational access throughout the district’s service area; strengthening workforce and industry partnerships; preparing students for emerging industries and the evolving needs of a modern workforce; and securing state and federal resources to enhance facilities, infrastructure, academic programs and student support services.
Tran previously served as president of Columbia College, where she expanded workforce training opportunities, strengthened industry and community partnerships, and advanced student support programs. Before joining Columbia College in 2022, she held executive leadership positions at San Jose City College and Evergreen Valley College in California. Throughout her career, Tran has been recognized for innovative program development, collaborative leadership and strong partnerships with employers and community organizations.
Kudos
Paul Carlsen, president of Lakeshore College, has been named a 2027 Wisconsin Titan 100 recipient in recognition of his leadership, innovation and impact on higher education, workforce development and the regional economy. The Titan 100 recognizes the state’s top 100 CEOs and C-level executives for their leadership, vision and contributions to their industries and communities. Carlsen is the only Wisconsin technical college president named to the 2027 list and has been the only representative of Wisconsin’s technical college system recognized since the Titan 100 Wisconsin program began in 2023.
Summer DeProw, chancellor of the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College, has been selected for the 2026 Top 100 Women of Arkansas list, presented jointly by Little Rock Soirée magazine and the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas. The triennial honor highlights women executives, innovators and public servants who are driving progress and shaping the future of Arkansas across key industries.
“The Top 100 Women of Arkansas is more than a recognition, it is a powerful reflection of the leadership, vision and service shaping our state’s future,” said Mandy Richardson, Little Rock Soirée publisher, Arkansas Business Publishing Group consumer division president and Soirée Women’s Leadership Symposium founder.
Deborah E. Preston, president of Mercer County Community College, has received the NJBIZ Executive Excellence Award, which recognizes New Jersey’s most accomplished senior business leaders who set the direction for the state’s businesses and nonprofits with their leadership. Now in its second year, the program honors nearly 60 senior executives across the state. The program selects honorees through an open nomination process and evaluates them using a points system by a panel of independent judges to assess leadership, integrity, values, vision, and commitment to excellence and community service.
Madeline Pumariega, president of Miami Dade College, is the recipient of the Presidential Medal for Leadership & Educational Excellence from Nurses Magazine. The award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication in advancing nursing education and healthcare. Pumariega’s recognition reflects her long-standing commitment to student success, workforce development and community engagement. The magazine will present the award at its annual symposium this week in Orlando, Florida.
Molly Dodge, Ivy Tech Community College‘s senior vice president of workforce and careers, has been named the 2026 Dan Elsener Workforce Leader of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
“Molly and Ivy Tech are critical pieces of the puzzle when it comes to connecting Hoosier talent with employers throughout the state,” said Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders. “By championing education, workforce development and opportunity, she has helped countless individuals build brighter futures while strengthening employers and fueling statewide growth.”
Appointment
Larissa Coleman is returning to Cleveland State Community College (Tennessee) as coordinator for its Advanced Technologies Institute (ATI). She previously worked at Cleveland State as the GIVE grant coordinator from 2020 to 2021, when ATI was funded through the grant.
