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After over two years at the helm, Contra Costa Community College District Chancellor Fred Wood announced this week that he plans to retire next March.
Wood is the latest leader to depart from Tri-Valley junior college ranks after former Chabot-Las Positas Community College District chancellor Jannett Jackson suddenly left last August. CLPCCD is still searching for its next permanent chancellor, meaning the two neighboring districts will be recruiting at the same time.
“After considerable and thoughtful deliberations, I have decided to retire after a four-decade career in higher education due to increased personal obligations and because I firmly believe the district is ready for new leadership,” Wood said in a statement. “Although there is never a perfect time for a leadership transition, the district is in a great place with a very strong financial position, stabilized enrollment, and doing a tremendous job of serving our students and community.”
In addition to building stronger relationships with educational and community partners, approving a new district five-year strategic plan and a capital construction bond program that is “moving along well,” Wood said the district is in a good spot right now for new leadership.
A Martinez native and Diablo Valley College alum who joined CCCCD in early 2017, Wood was credited by district representatives for “bringing stability to the district during a time of enrollment challenges and significant changes in the funding formula for California community colleges.”
Board President Vicki Gordon called Wood “a hard act to follow” that will be missed by his colleagues.
“We have been extremely fortunate to have Fred’s leadership over the past few years,” Gordon said. “His honesty, integrity, thoughtful leadership, and passion for students were exactly what the district needed during this time.”
The Governing Board, which hopes to find Wood’s replacement before his departure, will discuss recruitment for the next chancellor at its upcoming meetings.
CCCCD includes Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill (plus the DVC satellite campus in San Ramon), Los Medanos College in Pittsburg and Contra Costa College in San Pablo.
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