The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is pleased to announce the selection of three new executive leaders; Lee Ann Bohn, Chief Operating Officer; Dr. Heather Carter, Senior Vice Chancellor of External Affairs; and Dr. Lisa Armour, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost. The three well-respected leaders will enhance the System’s already robust administrative talent.
“Our employees are our most valuable assets,” said MCCCD Chancellor Dr. Steven R. Gonzales. “We’ve put a great emphasis on expanding our executive leadership team, attracting those whose industry experience and knowledge align with our strategic vision. I look forward to working hand-in-hand with Ms. Bohn, Dr. Carter, and Dr. Armour as we lead Arizona’s largest community college system into a new era.”
Bohn begins her role as the System’s Chief Operating Officer on Monday, December 11, 2023, filling a critical position that has been vacant since June 2021. As MCCCD moves forward with the implementation of the systemwide strategic plan, Excellence 2026, Bohn will play an integral role in ensuring strategies are incorporated into the institution’s daily operations.
Prior to joining MCCCD, Bohn worked for Maricopa County for over 23 years and served as the Assistant County Manager since 2018. Her areas of oversight included health services, social services, legal services, budget/finance, risk management, and emergency/security services. In addition to her service to Maricopa County residents, Bohn actively engaged with the County’s Workforce Development Board, Mental Health Taskforce, and Deferred Compensation Committee. She has served as a Board Member for the Valley of the Sun United Way and as a member of Mercy Care’s Governance Committee.
“I’m excited to join a system that is known nationally for its ability to innovate and serve a diverse student population and community at large,” said Bohn. “By working hand-in-hand with faculty, staff, and administrators, we will find new ways to strengthen operational efficiencies while meeting the economic needs of the growing region.”
Dr. Heather Carter joined MCCCD on Monday, November 27, 2023, as the System’s Senior Vice Chancellor of External Affairs. In her role, Dr. Carter will oversee the planning, development, and coordination of MCCCD’s strategic workforce, economic, government, and community affairs initiatives. She will be instrumental in shaping and implementing workforce development programs that support public and private sectors.
Dr. Carter’s extensive background in public policy, mission-driven leadership, and education spans over 25 years. Before joining MCCCD, Dr. Carter served as the Executive Vice President for Greater Phoenix Leadership, where she led policy advancement, political engagement, and strategic planning, with a focus on healthcare, education, and workforce initiatives, including Prop 308 and the creation of the Arizona Education Game Plan. As an elected official, Dr. Carter served eight years in the Arizona House of Representatives and one term in the Arizona State Senate.
“I am honored to join Maricopa Community Colleges and lead the Division of External Affairs, with a focus on advancing economic development through innovative workforce offerings,” said Dr. Carter. “As a strong advocate of higher education, I look forward to continuing the dynamic transformation focused on meeting employer and community needs, while equipping students with the skills necessary to gain high-paying jobs in today’s market.”
Dr. Lisa Armour joined MCCCD on Monday, December 4, 2023, as the new Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost. Dr. Armour’s extensive expertise in student academic affairs, strategic planning, and baccalaureate degree programs are valuable additions as MCCCD continues to develop additional bachelor’s degree programs that will address critical workforce gaps throughout the growing region. Additionally, she will collaborate with Arizona’s universities, fostering partnerships that create seamless pathways for baccalaureate degree graduates to further their educational journey to pursue graduate degrees.
Prior to joining MCCCD, Dr. Armour served as the Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Planning at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. In this position, she led a dedicated team of faculty, staff, and administrators who ensured student success across associate degrees and certificates, applied baccalaureate degrees, early college high school programs, continuing education, workforce development, and customized training programs.
“The Maricopa County Community College District is an inspiring system dedicated to the success of all students,” said Dr. Armour. “I am excited to be joining Chancellor Gonzales and MCCCD faculty and staff in their commitment to excellent education for a better future.”
As an economic engine, MCCCD added $7.9 billion to the Maricopa County economy during the 2021–22 fiscal year, supporting 108,295 jobs. As the largest community college system in the state, with ten colleges and 31 satellite campuses, MCCCD supports nearly 10,000 jobs and careers. To learn more, visit maricopa.edu.
SOURCE: https://www.maricopa.edu/news/2023/mcccd-welcomes-new-leadership-drive-innovation-growth