City College Officials Select Different Finalist For Chancellor After Several Meetings

Kimberlee Messina, president of Spokane Falls Community College in Washington, was selected by City College of San Francisco officials to be the school's new chancellor on Friday.

The vote was unanimous, aside from President Anita Martinez, who was absent, Vice President Luis Zamora said.

“Dr. Messina’s personal and professional journey reflects a commitment to social justice, civic engagement, and expanding access to opportunity — values that deeply align with the mission of City College of San Francisco,” Martinez said in a statement.

The college had announced Carlos Cortez, former head of the San Diego Community College District, as the college's new chancellor, but then did not vote him in.

Mary Bravewoman, president of the college faculty union, American Federation of Teachers 2121, said she's looking forward to building a relationship and rapport with the incoming chancellor and seeing what innovative ideas she has for moving the college forward so it will be here for another 90 years.

"We're glad the board has finally made a decision, and I would be remiss if I didn't say that I feel that the hiring process was mishandled, and it's unfortunate that Cortez was put on such a roller coaster ride, as well as the entire college community."

She added that she believes the San Francisco Chronicle and the board of trustees owe Cortez an apology. A college official, most likely a board member, leaked to that Cortez had been selected in a closed session meeting to the Chronicle. (Note: The Ingleside Light welcomes leaks! Here's how.)

Messina's contract will be formally voted on at the college board's June 26 meeting.

Messina has more than 28 years of leadership and instructional experience with community colleges.

“City College of San Francisco has a rich tradition of innovation and student success, grounded in diversity, equity and inclusion," Messina, who declines to be interviewed by The Light, said in a statement. "I am honored to join the CCSF community and to work alongside students, faculty, staff, trustees and the broader public to eliminate equity gaps, strengthen student pathways, and lead transformational change. I look forward to returning home to the Bay Area and co-creating a bold and inclusive vision for the future of City College.”

Messina's career started as a Spanish professor at Santa Rosa Junior College, where she later became a two-term academic senate president and an instructional dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. In 2011, Messina joined Foothill College, part of the San Mateo Community College District, as the vice president of instruction and institutional research. She served as the school's interim president during the 2015-2016 academic year.

Messina has leaned into leadership positions. In 2013, she was a finalist for president of Napa Valley College. In 2017, Messina was a finalist for president of Diablo Valley Community College. Two years later, she was hired as president of Spokane Falls Community College.

In 2023, Messina was a finalist for president of Santa Rosa Junior College. (City College eliminated its president position after a minor corruption scandal several years ago.)

Messina holds a bachelor’s degree from CSU Sacramento, a master’s degree from CSU Sacramento and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of California, Davis. She participates in statewide organizations and policy groups in Washington and served on the Board of the Association of California Community College Administrators and the Advisory Committee for the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative.

Messina is expected to begin her tenure with City College on July 1.

This is breaking news. Check back for updates.

Disclosure: Alex Mullaney is a City College faculty member.