Maureen Banks*
Parkland College, IL
I believe in the community college. Serving as a trustee has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my professional life. My service at Parkland College, especially as board chair, has allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative power of education. Each of my leadership roles – from working with the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA), to serving on the State of Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and the Midwest Higher Education Compact (MHEC) – has deepened my commitment to student success and community impact. My more than 30 years in higher education administration complement my board-level experiences. My service as a trustee at a private four-year university and as a Rotarian has broadened my perspective and reinforced my belief in service. I am passionate about fostering equity, transparency, and resilience, and will strive to ensure our colleges remain places where all students can thrive.
Donald D. Dantzler, Jr.*
Madison Area Technical College, WI
Donald D. Dantzler Jr. is Board Chairman of Madison Area Technical College in Madison WI.
Since appointed in 2022, Donald has been active at various levels.
- Locally, Donald has collaborated closely with the college’s executive cabinet to develop the new Strategic Framework and has taken the leading role in the national presidential search process.
- Regionally, he serves on the District Board Association’s (DBA) board and the Bylaws Committee.
- Nationally, Donald has represented the college at all ACCT events, including the Leadership Congress and National Legislative Summit. He has also contributed significantly through his roles on various committees and panels:
- Trustee Panelist, Governance Leadership Institute (2024)
- Member, Education and Communication Committee (2023-2024).
- Member, Finance and Audit Committee (2024-Present)
- Member, African American Trustee Caucus (2022-2024)
Donald’s commitment to governance, education, and leadership reflects his dedication to advancing the mission and purpose of community colleges.
Trinh Nguyen*
Bunker Hill Community College, MA
ACCT promotes high governance standards for students, faculty, institutions and industries, so that it can provide a competitive talent pool to meet the workforce demand of employers. Now, more than ever, this effort is essential to the rapidly changing labor market, federal policies, and needs of different student bodies. I see these challenging dynamics as an opportunity to think creatively and innovatively about how community colleges shape (and will shape) the future of our workforce, and thus contribute to the U.S. economy.
My skill set in operational excellence and strong financial management, and understanding of the core values and programs of community colleges can help the ACCT leadership and board to successfully accomplish its mission and goals. Additionally, my personal experience as a refugee and immigrant from Vietnam will offer a strong foundation to work together to quickly help identify issues, and to provide solutions for success. Equally important, however, is that being an ACCT board member will help me learn, grow, and share a network of amazing resources so that I can be a better leader as a Trustee at Bunker Hill Community College and public servant for the City of Boston.
Keyatta Priester*
Aiken Technical College, SC
I am Keyatta Priester, honored to serve as a commissioner appointed to the Aiken County Commission for Technical and Comprehensive Education, the governing board for Aiken Technical College. I am grateful to Governors Nikki Haley and Henry McMaster for the opportunity to serve a third term.
I serve as Manager of Community Development at Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc., and am proud to be the first African American woman to hold this role. With more than two decades in the utility industry, my work focuses on community engagement, education, and economic development.
I currently serve on the Student Success and Impact Committee (formerly the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee) for the Association of Community College Trustees. I am also the first African American female President of the Rotary Club of Aiken and Past Chair of the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners. I remain actively engaged in civic and nonprofit leadership dedicated to strengthening our community.
Andrew Speer*
Mt. Hood Community College, OR
Andrew Speer has served on the Board of Trustees at Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) since 2019. Andrew has served MHCC as committee chair, board vice chair, board chair, and chaired the MHCC political action committee for the successful May 2025 bond campaign, the first bond passed in over 50 years. Andrew has also served on the board of the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) and has served as board vice president and board president for OCCA. He has also served ACCT four consecutive years on committees through service on the Finance (2x) and Public Policy and Advocacy (2x) Committees in addition to a two-year term on the Pacific Region Nominating Committee. Andrew holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics from Portland State University and is a graduate of MHCC. Professionally, he works for the City of Portland in Oregon as a program manager and public policy expert.
Oscar Valladares*
Río Hondo College, CA
As a proud former Dreamer and graduate of East Los Angeles Community College, and a current Trustee on the Río Hondo College Board, I respectfully ask for your support and vote for Director – Pacific Region. Community college transformed my life, and now I have the honor and privilege to collaborate with Trustees across the country to strengthen our community college system.
Since 2020, I have volunteered with ACCT as a committee member, Board Director, Secretary-Treasurer, and currently as Vice-Chair. Access and success in postsecondary education made it possible for me—and many other Americans to change our social and economic realities.
In my role as a public servant with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, I serve my community by providing vital mental health services. As a Trustee, I am deeply committed to Student Success through access and completion, ensuring that students’ basic needs—such as housing, food, technology, and mental health services are met.
I believe that together we can continue building a 21st-century community college experience that empowers all students to transform their socioeconomic futures.
Olivia Zepeda*
Arizona Western College, AZ
I am honored to seek election to the ACCT Board of Directors, representing the Pacific Region. For 14 years, I have served as a Trustee for Arizona Western College, including six years as Board Secretary, advocating for strong governance, equitable access, and student success in diverse rural and border communities. With more than 40 years in education and leadership experience across school districts, community colleges, and universities, I bring a deep understanding of P–20 systems, community engagement, and workforce needs.
My ACCT involvement includes attending 11 Leadership Congresses, five National Legislative Summits, and serving on four Associate Committees. In 2025, I was appointed by ACCT President Carol Del Carlo to complete a one-year term on the Board.
I am committed to advancing ACCT’s mission by promoting effective governance, accessible and affordable education, strong advocacy, and trustee development. I bring dedication, collaboration, and a meaningful regional perspective.