Leaders - Page 36

Pennsylvania – The Board of Trustees of Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) announced Elizabeth MacLeod Walls, Ph.D., will become the college’s 14th president. Dr. Walls currently serves as president of William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. She will succeed Dr. John C. Knapp, who

California – Jim Light has become Redondo Beach’s mayor — succeeding Bill Brand, who died earlier this month. The Redondo Beach City Council voted 3-2 this week to appoint Light to see out Brand’s term. 

Washington – The Thurston County Board of Commissioners has appointed Leonard X. Hernandez as county manager. He has a distinguished career in public administration, most recently serving as chief executive officer for San Bernardino County, California. He begins his tenure April 1. 

California – Stephen J. Agostini has been appointed UCLA’s vice chancellor and chief financial officer. He will officially start May 6. Agostini currently serves as vice chancellor for finance and budget for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Missouri – University of Missouri (UM) President Mun Choi has named Chad Higgins chief engagement officer for the UM System and vice chancellor for extension and engagement. Before coming to the University of Missouri, Higgins served as senior director of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Florida – The Tarpon Springs City Commission voted to appoint former Mayor Frank DiDonato to fill a vacant commission seat. He will hold the seat until a special election in August. 

California – Marin County has appointed Derek Johnson to serve as county executive. Johnson will succeed Matthew Hymel, who will be retiring at the end of March. Johnson brings over 25 years of experience in local government management. He previously served with the city

Washington – C-TRAN has chosen Alexandra Mather to serve as the agency’s director of government and community relations. Mather will handle the agency’s intergovernmental affairs, community relations and outreach. She will also be tasked with lobbying efforts and working on critical projects. Mather will