AURORA, Colo. — The Community College of Aurora (CCA) is thrilled to welcome the newest members of the President’s Advisory Council, state Senator Rhonda Fields and Adams County Commissioner Lynn Baca. The two most recent members were approved by the Colorado Community College System in December, while two other members, Papa M. Dia and Matt Sturgeon, joined earlier this year.
These latest additions round out the Council to full capacity. With the full roster of members in place, the group will now work on ideas to advance CCA’s mission and goals.
“Our institution is deeply grateful to welcome such incredible leaders to our advisory council. Their wealth of experience, invaluable expertise, and heartfelt commitment to our community reflect the shared values that drive the success and growth of the Community College of Aurora,” said CCA President, Dr. Mordecai Brownlee. “This collaboration emphasizes the power of working together, and I look forward to the meaningful impact we will create as a team to build a brighter future for our students and our region.”
Senator Fields has served in the Colorado General Assembly, first as a Representative beginning in 2010 and then as a Senator in 2016, representing Colorado’s 28th senate district. Just recently, she was elected to serve as a Commissioner of Arapahoe County.
Commissioner Baca represents District 5 in Adams County. She assumed office on January 12, 2021. Commissioner Baca served two terms on the Brighton City Council and held positions on several regional boards.
Papa M. Dia is Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit African Leadership Group (ALG). Papa serves on the boards of the Denver Botanic Gardens and Energize Colorado and is a member of the prestigious Livingston Fellowship.
Matt Sturgeon serves as the Centennial City Manager. He serves on various boards, including, the Rifle Regional Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors; Rifle Gap Land Company Board of Directors; Community Builders Board of Director; Aspen Valley Land Trust Board of Directors.
Members of the Advisory Council collaborate closely with Dr. Brownlee and the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education to address the long-term educational needs of the community served by CCA. They also serve as liaisons between the college and local employers, facilitating assessments of employment, training, and educational needs in the area. Additionally, the council plays a vital role in promoting CCA’s programs and services within the local community.
The full panel of Advisory Council members includes: Chris Smith, Superintendent of Cherry Creek Schools; Jason P. Batchelor, City Manager for the City of Aurora; Joel Boyd, Washington Prime Group; Jonathan Woodward, Director of Development for the Aurora Economic Development Council; Lynn Baca, Adams County Commissioner; Matt Sturgeon, Centennial City Manager; Michael Giles, Superintendent of Aurora Public Schools; Naomi Colwell, President and CEO of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce; Papa M. Dia, Founder and Executive Director of the African Leadership Group; and Rhonda Fields, CO State Senator.
About the Community College of Aurora:
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) provides high-quality instruction and student support services to Aurora and Denver, Colorado. With a vision to aspire to be a college where every student succeeds, CCA is the most diverse college in the State of Colorado. Focused on creating social and economic mobility for its students, the college offers courses on two (2) campuses, online, and through its high school concurrent-enrollment programs. For more information, visit www.ccaurora.edu.
Contact:
Courtney Butler
Director of Strategic Communications and Special Initiatives
Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement
P: 303-340-7201 | E: [email protected]