Colorado Community College System Launches Search for Next Community College of Denver President

CCCS invites community input through survey and stakeholder conversations

November 6, 2025 (Denver) — The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) has launched a national search for the next president of the Community College of Denver (CCD), following the appointment of former CCD President Dr. Marielena DeSanctis as CCCS Chancellor on October 1, 2025. 

CCCS is committed to an inclusive and transparent process to identify a visionary leader who will continue CCD’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of Denver’s diverse community. The search will be guided by a representative advisory committee and supported by AGB Search, a national firm specializing in higher education executive searches. 

“This search is about more than selecting a new president—it’s about charting CCD’s next chapter of impact,” said CCCS Chancellor Dr. Marielena DeSanctis. “I am grateful to the advisory committee for their service and to the many faculty, staff, students, and community partners who will contribute their perspectives. Their input will be essential as we identify a leader who embodies CCD’s values and bold vision for the future.” 

To inform the process, CCCS and AGB Search are inviting feedback from CCD stakeholders and community members through a brief online survey and a series of virtual stakeholder conversations scheduled in November. 

Opportunities to Participate 

Faculty, staff, students, and community members are encouraged to share their perspectives through the feedback survey link and to attend one of the upcoming virtual stakeholder conversations: 

Details and meeting links are available on the CCD Presidential Search webpage. 

Timeline 

Following the stakeholder input process, a presidential position profile will be developed to guide recruitment and assessment. AGB Search will begin outreach later this fall, with candidate review and interviews taking place in early 2026. The strongest candidates will be invited to meet with campus and community members in late spring, and a new president is expected to be announced by late April or early May. 

Search Advisory Committee 

The search advisory committee, composed of CCD faculty, staff, students, and community members as well as CCCS representatives, evaluate applicants and recommend finalists to Chancellor DeSanctis. Finalists will then engage in a series of campus and community forums to share their leadership perspectives and priorities. Feedback from these conversations will guide the Chancellor’s final selection of CCD’s next president.  

Members of the search advisory committee include: