Wenatchee Valley College trustees attend leadership conference in Yakima

YAKIMA - On May 2 and 3, Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) Trustees Paula Arno Martinez, vice chair of the WVC Board of Trustees, and Wilma Cartagena, the board's legislative liaison, attended the Association of College Trustees (ACT) conference in Yakima, Washington. They were accompanied by WVC President Dr. Faimous Harrison.

The ACT conference provides a platform for trustees from Washington State's 30 community and technical colleges to connect, share ideas, and enhance their leadership and advocacy skills. The event offers valuable opportunities for attendees to network with their peers and discuss strategies for effective governance at their respective institutions.

"Attending the conference in Yakima afforded us, as trustees, the invaluable opportunity to connect with our peers while receiving leadership education and reinforcement on the vital responsibilities of effective governance at our institutions," said Cartagena.

Arno Martinez emphasized the importance of the conference, stating, "ACT conferences are invaluable because they provide opportunities for us to connect with trustees from other community and technical colleges and help us become more effective leaders at our own institutions."

During the conference, trustees, state board members, and college presidents convened to discuss the 2024-25 budget and elect board and committee members. These discussions and decisions are crucial in shaping the future of community and technical colleges in Washington state.

Community and technical colleges in Washington are governed by boards of trustees appointed by the governor. The ACT plays a vital role in supporting these trustees by providing conferences and other opportunities for leadership development and advocacy for students and colleges.