This content was published: January 30, 2017. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Kali Thorne-Ladd tapped as chair of PCC Board of Directors
Photos and story by Kate Chester
Kali Thorne-Ladd is sworn in as chair by President Mark Mitsui.
On Thursday, Jan. 19, the Portland Community College Board of Directors named Kali Thorne-Ladd as chair of the board from her previous position as vice chair. She replaces former chair Gene Pitts (Zone 6) who resigned last month.
Appointed in 2012 and elected in 2013, Thorne-Ladd represents Zone 2, which includes North Portland and portions of Columbia County. She is the first African-American woman to serve as PCC’s board chair, and at 39 years old, she is also the youngest.
“I am deeply honored to serve in this role on behalf of the college,” said Thorne-Ladd. “PCC is an economic engine for the region, committed to offering equitable access to education and job opportunities for its students. This is a cause I am passionate about, and I look forward to continuing to throw my energy toward this mission and our students’ success.”
Added Mark Mitsui, president of PCC, “Kali’s skills, strengths and experience make her an asset to the board. We are fortunate to have her as part of the PCC team.”
Thorne-Ladd is co-founder of KairosPDX, a non-profit organization focused on access to quality early learning opportunities for historically underserved children. She also worked for the City of Portland Mayor’s Office as the education strategies director overseeing policy and direction for the mayor’s key education initiatives. Her involvement with the college’s Future Connect Scholarship Program is where Thorne-Ladd was first introduced to PCC, which prompted her to pursue a board position. She holds a master’s degree in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University.
Background and Next Steps
The PCC Board consists of seven members elected by zones to four-year terms. Board members govern the college, which includes selecting the president, approving the budget, and establishing policies that govern the operation of the college.
A vice chair will be named and sworn in at the next board meeting, to take place Thursday, Feb. 23. Meanwhile, the board is now accepting applications from those interested in filling the current vacancy for the remainder of the term – through June 30, 2017. Applicants must reside in Zone 6, which includes Yamhill County, east Washington County and southwest Portland. Applications are due Friday, Feb. 10.
Interested candidates are encouraged to forward a cover letter, resume and three letters of recommendation to Jeannie Moton, executive coordinator for PCC’s Office of the President and Board of Directors, at jeannie.moton@pcc.edu. Visit the Board of Directors web page, under Zone 6, for additional details.
The board intends to interview finalists for the interim director role as part of the work session at the Feb. 23 board meeting. A candidate will be selected and sworn in at a special board meeting on Thursday, March 2. Candidates interested in the permanent director role will need to run for election in May 2017, with the term beginning July 1, 2017.