New CEO
Star Rivera-Lacey will become the next chancellor of California’s Riverside Community College District (RCCD) on January 1. She currently serves as the district’s deputy chancellor and provost, a position she has held since joining RCCD in 2025.
“Dr. Rivera-Lacey brings a strong combination of experience, vision and a deep commitment to student success,” said Jose Alcala, president of the RCCD board of trustees. “Her leadership experience, understanding of California’s community colleges and dedication to serving diverse communities position her well to lead our district into its next chapter.”
Rivera-Lacey previously was superintendent/president of the Palomar Community College District (California). Throughout her career, she has held numerous academic and administrative leadership positions within the California community college system, including roles at San Diego College of Continuing Education, San Diego City College, San Diego Miramar College and San Diego Mesa College. Her experience spans instruction, student services, institutional planning and organizational leadership, the district said in a release.
Rivera-Lacey is recognized for her contributions to higher education leadership and student advocacy. She is a UC Davis Wheelhouse Fellow and has served in leadership with the National Community College Hispanic Council. In 2025, she was named Woman of the Year by California State Assembly District 76 in recognition of her contributions to education and community advancement.
Kudos
Anne Kress, president of Northern Virginia Community College, has been named to the Washington Business Journal’s 2026 Power 250 list, recognizing the region’s most influential business leaders. Honorees are selected for their leadership, impact and influence in business, community and economic development. The list includes executives, entrepreneurs and other leaders across industries, with representation from multiple sectors.
John Rainone, president of Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) in Virginia, was recently inducted into the Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Alumni Hall of Fame. This honor celebrates alumni whose professional achievements and community contributions exemplify the university’s commitment to excellence and service. Rainone was recognized for his 35 years of dedication to higher education.
Rainone earned both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the college, when it was known as New Hampshire College. Since 2013, Rainone has served as the fourth president of MGCC, where he has championed workforce development, student retention, educational equity and regional economic growth.
“To Southern New Hampshire University, thank you for giving a first-generation college student the foundation to dream bigger, lead with purpose, and dedicate a career to helping others discover their potential,” Rainone said in a release.
Vicky Wood, president of Trident Technical College, has been recognized by SCBIZ as one of the South Carolina 500. The recognition celebrates influential and accomplished leaders who are driving innovation, creating opportunities and making South Carolina a better place to live and work, according to a release.
“Her leadership approach emphasizes accessibility, workforce development and student achievement,” SCBIZ said. “Throughout her career, Wood has focused on strengthening connections between technical education and regional economic needs, positioning institutions to serve both students and their communities effectively.”
Nancy L. Norman-Marzella, dean of health and human sciences and director of nursing at Maryland’s Cecil College, has been selected as one of just 10 distinguished nursing leaders nationwide for induction into the 2026 Class of Fellows of the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing. The academy, housed within the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing, recognizes individuals whose exceptional leadership, scholarship, advocacy and service have made enduring and substantial contributions to associate degree nursing education and practice.
Appointment
Karen Paez is now interim vice president for academic affairs at Portland Community College (PCC) in Oregon. She previously was associate vice president for academic and career pathways at PCC, a position she held since 2021.
