Community and tech colleges executive director announced

OLYMPIA — A press release by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges on June 7 stated that Paul Francis had been selected as the board’s next executive director.

"Paul Francis brings an exciting perspective to our system of colleges," said State Board Chair Jay Reich in the release. "His experience leading strategic initiatives, working with community and education partners, and advancing innovative ideas in service of students will prove invaluable. I'm confident Paul will build upon Washington's community and technical colleges' reputation as national leaders in higher education."

The release said Francis currently serves as executive director of the Council of Presidents, and a member of the Washington Student Achievement Council and the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board. He will assume his new role Aug. 1, pending successful contract negotiations.

"Being selected as executive director is an enormous honor," Francis said in the release.

Francis is a first-generation college student, according to the release, and received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Arizona, graduating summa cum laude. He also earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arizona, serving as president of the MPA student association and was named a Rombach Scholar. Francis also completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program through the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

“In my role with the Council of Presidents, I’ve had the great fortune of partnering closely with our state’s community and technical college system,” said Francis. “I’ve seen firsthand how colleges transform lives by giving Washingtonians of all ages and backgrounds the training and education to enter careers and universities. I’m excited to jump in and strengthen the great work already underway.”