Professional headshot of Dr. Kim Armstrong in a black suit jacket

Dr. Kim Armstrong, Chair

President | Clovis Community College

Dr. Kim E. Armstrong is President of Clovis Community College. Dr. Armstrong is a distinguished and accomplished educational professional with extensive experience in Enrollment Management growth methodology, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Fundraising. With exceptional strengths in taking programs through change and challenge to successful growth and fulfillment, Dr. Armstrong is a visionary leader who streamlines business operations, facilitates change, and responds effectively to the needs of faculty, staff, students, and community. She has an unyielding commitment to continual growth and learning to ensure students achieve their full academic potential and become socially and civically minded members of our local and global communities.

Leticia L. Barajas, Peer Reviewer

Associate Professor | Continuing Education & Workforce Development, East Los Angeles College

Leticia L. Barajas is an Associate Professor in Continuing Education & Workforce Development at East Los Angeles College. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Barajas's passion is helping students develop and reach their goals. She believes teaching is her purpose and calling, encouraging students to consider new experiences and professions while learning more about themselves.

Professional headshot of Thad Russell in a black shirt and tan suit jacket

Dr. Thad Russell, Vice Chair

Vice President of Instruction | Porterville College

Dr. Thad Russell has devoted more than three decades to helping community colleges create opportunities for students, strengthen communities, and prepare the workforce of tomorrow. As Vice President of Instruction at Porterville College, Russell provides leadership for instructional programs, accreditation, enrollment strategy, workforce development, and institutional planning. He believes community colleges are strongest when people work together around a shared purpose and remain connected to the communities they serve.

Headshot of Arlene Satele in a blue and green blouse

Arlene Satele, Peer Reviewer

Vice President of Administrative Services | Santiago Canyon College

Arleen Satele is Vice President of Administrative Services at Santiago Canyon College. Satele has more than two decades of experience in community college administration and leadership. Since 2014, Satele has brought vision and expertise in institutional operations and strategic management to Santiago Canyon College.

Headshot of Kaneesha Tarrant in a black jacket and fuschia shirt

Dr. Kaneesha Tarrant, Peer Reviewer

Vice President, Student Services | Norco College

Dr. Kaneesha Tarrant is Vice President of Student Services at Norco College. Dr. Tarrant previously served as vice president of Pathways and Student Affairs at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. Prior to LA Trade-Tech, she served as Dean of Counseling and Student Support Services at Long Beach City College, and held several dean positions in outreach and relations, student services, and recruitment. She also served as an adjunct assistant professor at USC for twelve years. Dr. Tarrant earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Boston University and her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California.

Professional Headshot of Kevin Bontenbal in a blue suit and yellow and brown checked tie

Kevin Botenbal, ACCJC Staff Liaison

Vice President | Accrediting Commission for Community & Junior Colleges (ACCJC)

Kevin Bontenbal joined the ACCJC team in August 2020. He brings with him 23 years of accreditation and college leadership experience, and a strong commitment to the higher education community college system. For the past five years, Dr. Bontenbal has served as an academic commissioner chairing the Substantive Change and Policy Committees and as a peer reviewer on many external visits. Most recently, he was the Instructional Technologist Librarian/Faculty at Cuesta College. In 2014, Dr. Bontenbal received the Cuesta Presidential Leadership Award for his role in leading the college from show cause to reaffirmation. He has a strong background in college governance and leadership having served in many roles, including Academic Senate President, Curriculum Chair, Accreditation Co-Chair, and Faculty Professional Development Coordinator. From 2010-2013, he also served on the Executive Committee for the statewide Academic Senate of California Community Colleges. Dr. Bontenbal holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a Master of Library Science from Syracuse University, and two bachelor's degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies from California State University, Chico.