Interim President Selected for West Valley College

Brad Davis, associate vice chancellor of the West Valley-Mission Community College District, has been selected as West Valley College’s interim president, taking over for Lori Gaskin, who is leaving to head up Santa Barbara City College as superintendent/president. Davis will begin July 7.

Outgoing Chancellor John Hendrickson selected Davis after consulting with Gaskin, WVC’s senior administrative team and the college’s Academic and Classified Senates. Hendrickson said selecting an internal president at a time when both he and Gaskin are leaving will facilitate the transition.

“A large part of being successful in the interim role is having institutional knowledge and understanding of how to get things done,” said Hendrickson, who is retiring. “As a member of the district’s executive management team for the past three years, Brad has proven to be a strong consensus builder and decision-maker with a demonstrated commitment to improving the district community for all employees.”

Davis’ main priority as interim president will be to offer leadership in the accreditation process and to help steer the college through difficult budget times.

“I am honored and excited serve as West Valley’s president and continue working together with faculty, students and staff as we build on the college's already stellar accomplishments and reputation,” Davis said. “It is humbling to be chosen to carry on the outstanding work of President Lori Gaskin and I look forward to sharing my deep commitment to the academic mission of the college and clear support for the work of the faculty and staff.

“Although my move is just across campus, I am certainly aware of the need to balance a new range of responsibilities and hope to reward the college community’s confidence in my leadership by demonstrating the kind of collaboration, energy and skill that it so richly deserves.”

Davis has worked for the two-college district since 2009, setting the strategy for the district’s advancement, communications and human resources operations. He also works as the district’s chief labor negotiator and liaison with its four labor unions and two employee associations, oversees diversity programs, employee benefits, fundraising, government and public affairs, learning and professional development, legal compliance, personnel and recruitment.

This experience, said Adrienne Grey, WVMCCD Board of Trustees president, will provide continuity. “We are excited to have someone with that level of talent and ability and who is also very familiar with West Valley College and all the people involved,” she said.

Trustee Chad Walsh said: “Brad has displayed a unique combination of skills that make him well-suited for the role.”

Trustee Jack Lucas described Davis as a true people-person in everything he does. “Having worked with Brad in district services, I have always been impressed with his knowledge and skills,” Lucas said. “We are fortunate that these attributes will be carried into West Valley College.”

As associate vice chancellor, Davis has forged strong relationships across the district.

“He has demonstrated a thorough understanding of the workings and needs of both college organizations and I am certain he will bring that understanding and ability to collaboratively move the district into its future,” said MC President Laurel Jones. “His capacity to serve extends not only to West Valley but also to the district leadership team. He is a wonderful addition to the West Valley family and I look forward to a positive and effective partnership that will promote our respective college staff and students.”

At WVC, Classified Senate President Laurel Kinley said Davis’s selection will provide stability during a time of change. “I have had the pleasure of working with Brad on district councils and committees,” she said. “We welcome his leadership on the administrative team and look forward to working together to implement the goals and mission of the college as envisioned by outgoing president, Dr. Gaskin.”

Gaskin said she is delighted that Davis will be leading the college through this year of transition.

“He brings a strong sense of purpose about what West Valley College is all about and what we seek to accomplish and provide to our students,” Gaskin said. “He has earned the respect and high regard of everyone across the district and at West Valley College as well. He will be warmly embraced and will carry on with the incredible momentum that we have in key initiatives and areas across our programs and services.”

Prior to beginning with WVMCCD, Davis served for 10 years in a variety of leadership positions at San Jose State University, most recently as the AAVP for faculty affairs. Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Gannon University and a law degree from Syracuse University’s College of Law.

A nationwide search for a permanent replacement for Gaskin will begin sometime in 2013.