Five finalists listed for CCS chancellor job

Community Colleges of Spokane has named five finalists for the job of chancellor, following a national search.

Open forums start Wednesday for the candidates who come from a range of backgrounds and locations – Colorado, Indiana, Nebraska, Louisiana and one internal candidate.

The new chancellor will replace Gary Livingston, who announced his retirement last year. He has been the top leader of the CCS system – Spokane Community College, Spokane Falls Community College and the Institute for Extended Learning – since 2002.

The candidates are: Don Doucette, senior vice president and provost, Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis, Ind.; Eileen Ely, president, Western Nebraska Community College, Scottsbluff, Neb.; Christine Johnson, special assistant to the provost, University of Colorado, Denver; Linda McDermott, chief financial officer, Community Colleges of Spokane; and Luke Robins, chancellor, Louisiana Delta Community College, Monroe, La.

No deadline has been set for a decision by the CCS Board of Trustees. However, “At this point, we feel confident a new chancellor will be in place on or near July 1,” said Greg Bever, board chairman.

The new chancellor will step into the leadership role as the district grapples with its second year of budget cuts and steep enrollment increases. Livingston will stay on for the first two months to help with the transition.

Salary for the incoming chancellor will be negotiated. Livingston’s base salary is $183,000.