Meet the Chancellor Candidates
The candidates for Chancellor will participate in livestreamed public forums to answer pre-submitted questions from students, faculty, staff, and the general community. A limited number of audience seats will be available to attend the forums in-person.
- Monday, December 8, 2025
- 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 am
- Livestreamed on YouTube (link posted on or before December 8, 2025)
- District Office, Board Room: 1919 Spanos Court, Sacramento (RSVP required)
Candidate Feedback
We invite you to submit feedback on the candidates during the forums. A feedback form will be posted here starting at 9:00 am on December 8, and closing at noon on December 9.
Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson
Superintendent/President, San Joaquin Delta Community College District
Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson is a proud graduate of ARC. She earned a BA in English from University of Puget Sound, an MA in English from Western Washington University, and a Ph.D. in Education from Oregon State University. She has 32 years of experience working in community colleges, including 12 years as a tenured English/Humanities professor and 14 years as an administrator in Los Rios. She has served as Dean of Humanities (ARC), Associate Vice President of Instruction (ARC), Interim Vice President of Instruction (CRC), Interim Vice President of Student Services (ARC), and Vice President of Instruction (ARC).
She currently serves as Superintendent/President of San Joaquin Delta Community College District. Under her leadership, Delta secured a $598 million facilities bond in 2024. Throughout her career, she has championed inclusive practices and strategic, authentic collaboration to build organizational and community trust and to elevate learning outcomes, institutional achievement, and regional impact.
Dr. Art Pimentel
President, Folsom Lake College
Dr. Art Pimentel has over two decades of experience in the California Community College system and currently serves as President of Folsom Lake College. A first-generation, low-income student, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sacramento State and his doctorate from UC Davis.
His career spans leadership roles across three colleges with over six years of experience as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in two multi-college districts. As President of Woodland Community College, Art expanded dual enrollment, strengthened fiscal stability during the pandemic, and updated the college’s strategic plan. He later served as interim Chancellor of the Yuba Community College District during a period of transition. Since joining Folsom Lake College, he has led historic enrollment growth, secured major philanthropic investments, launched new academic and workforce programs, and strengthened regional partnerships.
Art has also served in multiple roles across higher education, including as a classified professional, lecturer, Director of TRIO, Dean in West Sacramento for Sacramento City College, and District Director for Los Rios. Beyond higher education, he served as an elected official on the Woodland City Council, including being elected Mayor, and on the Woodland School Board of Trustees.
Art has been recognized as a Sacramento Bee Latino Changemaker, Choose Folsom Educator of the Year, and Sacramento State Distinguished Alumni. A native of the Sacramento region, his life, education, and family are rooted locally, guiding his leadership in equity, community, and student success.
Dr. Torence Powell
Superintendent/President, Napa Valley College
Dr. Torence Powell has served as the Superintendent/President at Napa Valley College since 2022. Prior to his current position, he served in the Los Rios Community College District for 12 years at Cosumnes River College (CRC) as the Director of GreenForce Projects, the Dean of Communication, Visual and Performing Arts and the Associate Vice President of Instruction. Dr. Powell also served as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Instruction at the LRCCD District Office, and currently teaches as an adjunct at Cal Poly, Pomona.
A first-generation college student, Dr. Powell started college at CRC as a high school junior, just months after nearly dropping out of high school. He credits his time at CRC as a turning point that helped enable his later academic achievements.
Dr. Powell holds a Bachelors degree in Social Science from CSU, Los Angeles, a Masters degree in Education from the University of Redlands, a Masters degree in Urban Planning from the University of Washington and a Doctorate degree in Education from UC, Davis.