CCCS Internal 
Today, Dr. Marielena DeSanctis, Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), announced two finalists for the position of president of Community College of Denver (CCD) following a national search that attracted more than 100 applicants.
“I want to thank the many faculty, staff, students, and community members who shared their perspectives during the development of the presidential profile,” said Chancellor DeSanctis. “Their input helped shape the qualities and leadership priorities we sought in this search.”
“I am also deeply grateful to the members of the search advisory committee for their time, thoughtful review of candidates, and dedication to identifying leaders who align with the mission and future of the Community College of Denver.”
“I want to thank the many faculty, staff, students, and community members who shared their perspectives during the development of the presidential profile. Their input helped shape the qualities and leadership priorities we sought in this search.”
THE FINALISTS ARE:
Dr. Jesse Mason
Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Office
Dr. Bishane Whitmore
Deputy Commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing
Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota
The finalists will visit campus and participate in open town halls with faculty, staff, students, and community members as part of the presidential search process.
CANDIDATE BACKGROUNDS
Dr. Jesse L. Mason currently serves as Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Office, where he oversees systemwide initiatives in academic innovation, transfer and academic pathways, accreditation, and student-centered teaching and learning. In this role, his work has focused on academic quality, equitable outcomes, and collaborative approaches to institutional effectiveness.
Previously, Dr. Mason held leadership roles at North Hennepin Community College and Century College. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology (Cognitive and Biological Sciences) from the University of Minnesota and a B.S. in Psychology from Morris Brown College.
Dr. Bishane Whitmore currently serves as Deputy Commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, where he leads multi-unit operations, a $70M annual budget, and $3.8B in infrastructure. His work has focused on workforce development, strategic planning and governance, and STEM partnerships with local governments and universities.
Previously, Dr. Whitmore served as a Medical Laboratory Technician in the United States Air Force. His academic credentials also include a Bachelor of Arts, four master’s degrees, and a Doctor of Philosophy.
TOWN HALLS
Community members are invited to attend open town halls with each finalist. These town halls provide an opportunity for faculty, staff, students, and community members to hear from the candidates and engage in the presidential search process.
Details about the town halls, including dates, times, location, and virtual participation options, are available on the CCD Presidential Search webpage.
SEARCH PROCESS
The search process has included participation from a search advisory committee representing faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders, with support from CCCS Chief Human Resources Officer, Christina Cecil.
