PALM DESERT, Calif. – College of the Desert has named four finalists in its nationwide search for a new Superintendent/President, marking the final phase of a months-long recruitment effort.

The college received 73 applications from qualified candidates across the country, and after a comprehensive review led by national search firm AGB Search, LLC, four higher education leaders have been selected to move forward:

Dr. Monica Chahal, Interim President, Clovis Community College
Val Martinez Garcia, Acting Superintendent/President, College of the Desert
Dr. Kimberlee S. Messina, President, Spokane Falls Community College
Dr. Don Moya-Miller, Vice President/Assistant Superintendent, Rio Hondo College

“The COD Superintendent/Presidential Search has attracted an exceptional group of candidates, each demonstrating a strong commitment to student success, community engagement, and academic excellence,” said Dr. Joel Kinnamon, Chair of the COD Board of Trustees.

As part of the final selection process, the public is invited to meet the candidates during an open forum scheduled for Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Pollock Theatre on the Palm Desert campus. The forum will also be livestreamed on YouTube to ensure access for those unable to attend in person. The college will announce the forum time in the coming days.

Community members can submit questions for the forum online at https://forms.office.com/r/iYWTxxdKB3.

Following the public forum, the Board of Trustees will hold final interviews with each candidate in a closed session on Friday, May 2, 2025. A final decision and announcement are expected during an upcoming board meeting.

For updates and more information, visit www.collegeofthedesert.edu/president.

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