Central Regional Director Candidates
Jermaine Reed*
Metropolitan Community College, MO
I have proudly served on the ACCT Board of Directors for the past three years, working to advance the mission and vision of community colleges nationwide. Advocacy, equity, and student success are central to my commitment. I actively engage in lobbying efforts to increase federal support for community colleges, ensuring institutions and their students have the resources needed to succeed.
Through education and governance, I have supported trustees and campus leaders by promoting professional development opportunities such as seminars, conventions, and publications. I am deeply dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, advocating for equal access to high-quality education for all, particularly underserved communities. Additionally, I champion redefining student success through research-driven strategies that improve outcomes for learners.
During a prospective second term, I will remain steadfast in my commitment to ACCT’s goals, ensuring community colleges across the country are empowered to serve as engines of opportunity and innovation.
(1) One-Year Partial Term
Kathleen Bruinsma*
Grand Rapids Community College, MI
I respectfully request your vote as a Regional Director from the Central Region.
I am passionate about community and tribal colleges because they address inequalities – racial, ethnic, gender, income, and geographic. They provide open access to quality education; they strengthen our families, communities, and democracy; and they bolster our economy by educating students for careers that pay a thriving wage.
My commitment to ACCT’s mission is reflected in my service. Since 2017, I have been an elected trustee for Grand Rapids Community College. I am a member of the Michigan Community College Association Board of Directors; Chair of the MCCA Legislative Committee; and a member of the Michigan Cohort of the SHEEO Funding Model Unintended Disparities Learning Community. Since 2022, I have served the ACCT as an associate member of the Bylaws and Public Policy Committees and have actively engaged in NLS and the Leadership Congress.
Thank you for your consideration.
Northeast Regional Director Candidates
Deborah Briggs*
SUNY Ulster, NY
As a first-generation college student, I know the effect that a college degree can have. Growing up, it was not “if you go to college” but rather “when you go to college”. I went on to earn my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The importance of a college degree was instilled in me, and I try to instill this in students today.
I have served on the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees since 2018, and as Board Chair since 2022. I attended the ACCT National Legislative Summit since 2023 and the Leadership Summit in 2024. I served on the Finance & Audit Committee in 2024 and will serve on the Public Policy & Advocacy Committee in 2025. I am a member of NYCCT.
My career was focused on Hospital Administration, and I still serve as the Executive Director of the Hospital Foundation in my retirement.
Community is important to me. Currently, I serve on several local boards and committees, and as Treasurer of the Ellenville Fire District.
My experiences have provided me with tools that I need to serve as a member of the ACCT Board of Directors, and I look forward to your support. Thank you.
Pacific Regional Director Candidates
Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg*
Kern Community College District, CA
Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg is an elected trustee in her second term with the California Kern Community College District. She serves as Vice President of the board, recently chairing a chancellor’s search and has chaired various board committees. Her community college leadership roles at the state level include both elected and appointed positions. She is actively engaged at the state level on the executive boards of the Community College League of California and the Board of the California Community College Trustees association (CCCT) where she serves as President. She is also on the executive boards of the CCC Latino Caucus and the CCC Women’s Caucus. This past year the governor appointed her to the California Community College Board of Governors. At the national level, she was appointed to the Ad Hoc DEI Committee, served on the Finance and Audit Committee and is serving a second term on the Communication and Education Committee. She is entering her second year as Pacific Region Chair.
Nan’s trustee and leadership experience is built on nearly 40 years of service to community college students at the campus level. She understands the importance and challenges of reaching f irst-generation students in small, rural, communities and in larger urban areas. She understands the challenges students face and the impact of workforce and economic development in communities. She understands the dynamic nature of the community college landscape and why continuous trustee education is essential.
Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg is focused on outcomes and is committed to working collaboratively to advance the mission and values of ACCT.
Southern Regional Director Candidates
Yvonne Barnes*
Trident Technical College, SC
I am a seasoned educator who believes in the value of service and the concept of being open to challenging the impossible. When we harness the power of imagination, belief, and action, the impossible can become possible. ACCT’s Vision and Mission, leverage the possibilities that can be achieved for community college students and those who serve them.
My time on ACCT’s Board has been rewarding in numerous ways, and I am proud of the services ACCT provides to its members. I have taken the time to observe, participate, learn, and engage with staff, board, and ACCT constituents to broaden my understanding of ACCT’s function as an organization, and the role of its board members. All those things, in addition to my years of personal/ professional training, and experiences, in other fields and positions, have contributed to preparing me to offer my continuing service as a member of ACCT’s Board of Directors.
Western Regional Director Candidates
Pat Wojcik*
Northeast Community College, NE
As a passionate and dedicated advocate for students, I enjoy looking for solutions to address the evolving needs of the community. Actively participating on several boards has enabled me to grow in my knowledge of student challenges and opportunities.
Serving as a licensed realtor for 28 years in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota, and most recently employed as the Siouxland Community Manager for HoChunk, Inc., I am in touch with the pulse of the community. HoChunk is the economic development arm for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, and I have assisted with tasks from finding rental properties on the reservation to helping clients obtain a mortgage.
During my time on the Northeast Community College Board and serving in the community, I know the impact that education can have in lifting people from all backgrounds.
I look forward to continuing my service to our colleges and students as a member of the ACCT Board of Directors.