2027 Regional Director Candidates

Kathleen Bruinsma*

Grand Rapids Community College, MI

I have proudly served as a Director for the Central Region since my June 2025 appointment to a vacated seat and my October 2025 election to complete the third year of that appointed term. I now respectfully request your vote for a three-year term as a Director for the Central Region. 

I am passionate about community colleges because open access to quality public education strengthens families, communities, and democracy; and bolsters our economy by preparing students for careers that pay a thriving wage. 

My engagement reflects my commitment. I am in my ninth year and second term as an elected trustee for Grand Rapids Community College. I also serve as a member of the Michigan Community College Association Board of Directors and Chair of the MCCA Legislative Committee. I am a staunch advocate for our students during and beyond NLS. I would be honored to continue serving ACCT and its members.

Allen K. Williams*

Monroe Community College, NY

Monroe Community College Trustee Allen K. Williams has helped to increase opportunities for MCC students to achieve academically and professionally through public higher education. His advocacy reinforces the College’s reputation for institutional excellence and innovation and helps the College effectively respond to challenges faced during times of economic uncertainty and systemic racism. His insights and experience help ensure MCC prioritizes inclusion and a sense of belonging in its programs, policies, campus life, employment, and community involvement. MCC is consistently invited to the table when the Greater Rochester community and New York state seek solutions to increase student success, economic recovery, and workforce development. His work has improved the early childhood to K-12 to college pipeline and responded to the needs of regional employers through MCC’s robust career-technical programs. As a trustee Allen Williams inspires MCC to deliver an exceptional educational experience to the college’s diverse student population.

Reza Jafari*

Chesapeake College, MD

Serving as the Chair of the Chesapeake College Board of Trustees, Reza Jafari has a proven track record in making significant contributions to the ecosystem of community colleges as the engines of economic empowerment through student success. He has served on the ACCT Communication and Education; Finance and Audit; and Government Relations and Policy Committees. He is currently serving on the ACCT Finance and Audit Committee and as the ACCT State Coordinator for Maryland. He is a Board member and Treasurer of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges. He is a successful entrepreneur who has created several innovative and high impact companies focusing on training and education and workforce development. He is a strong advocate of providing opportunities and equitable access to education for all throughout his professional career at small and very large companies as well as his volunteering services at local, state, national and international organizations. He has been a leading participant in strategic planning for Chesapeake College. He is a recipient of the Gold Award from the Council for Advancement of Science and Technology in Education.

Jose Alcala* 

Riverside Community College District, CA

As a Trustee of The Riverside Community College District and in my career as an educator for 23 years, I have been committed to advocating for access of all students. 

When truly advocating for all students, our goal should be to provide our students to equal access to all educational opportunities. Access should not be denied because of gender, ethnicity, language, special needs, immigration status, or socioeconomic status. 

Working to a fully integrated society means that we eliminate by statute and practice, barriers of race, color, national origin, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, economic status and genetic characteristics that prevent some individuals, adult or juvenile, from exercising rights enjoyed by others. 

Our institutions can truly be transformative for the people we serve because we are not only a partner to our communities; we are the community’s colleges.

Terry W. Atchley*

South Florida State College, FL

I am honored to seek the role of Southern Region Director for ACCT. My Service as Past President of South Florida State College Foundation and current Chair of the District Board of Trustees at South Florida State College has strengthened my commitment to advancing student achievement and long-term success. I am dedicated to ensuring that our colleges remain the engines of opportunity, especially within the small and rural communities we proudly serve. 

With a deep understanding of governance, community partnerships, and the unique challenges facing rural students, I am committed to advocating for policies and resources that elevate educational access and outcomes across our region. I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our institutions, our students, and our communities through this important leadership role. 

I humbly and respectfully ask for your consideration and support. 

Carol Scott*

Del Mar College, TX

With two decades of service in public and higher education, she is currently serving her fourth term as Chair of the Del Mar College Board of Regents. She is past chair of the Community College Association of Texas Trustees and served on the Texas Commission on Community College Finance revamping the model for community finance in the state.

She is the current Western Regional Chair for ACCT and has previously served on the Audit and Finance Committee and was Texas State Coordinator for ACCT for five years. 

Carol is a Distinguished Alumni from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Other leadership roles include: Corpus Christi ISD Board, Leadership Texas, Leadership Corpus Christi, Chamber of Commerce, Texas Public Relations Association (TPRA). She received the TPRA’s highest individual honor for service to the profession, is a member of Public Relations Society of America’s College of Fellows and received PRSA’s Paul M. Lund Public Service Award.