Open Forums on Apr. 28 will help define qualities of Cincinnati State’s next President
The search process to select the next President of Cincinnati State has started, and employees, students, and community members with interest in the College are encouraged to participate in defining the desired qualities for the next President.
President Monica Posey will retire at the end of August 2026, after serving as President of the College for more than 10 years.
The next President will be selected by the College Board of Trustees, after a search process that includes input from employees, students, and others with interest in Cincinnati State.
- The Board of Trustees is the governing body of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, and is responsible for the College’s financial, physical, and human assets and operations.
- Each of the Board members is appointed by the Governor of the State of Ohio to serve a six-year term. To see a list of current Board members, visit the Board of Trustees page of the College website.
In an announcement on April 16, 2026, Trustee Chair Jane Garvey said the Board of Trustees is “fully committed to conducting an equitable, inclusive, and transparent national search that will attract a strong and diverse pool of candidates from throughout Ohio and the nation.”
Dr. Bradley Ebersole from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) will serve as Search Consultant and will assist the College throughout the search and selection process. ACCT has provided assistance for over 750 community colleges in searches for executive leaders.
President Profile Development: Public Forums & Survey
On Tuesday, April 28, employees, students, and others with interest in Cincinnati State are invited to attend Public Forums to provide input about the qualities, characteristics, and qualifications of the next President of Cincinnati State, and the opportunities and challenges facing the College.
The input from these forums will assist in the development of a President Profile. The discussions will be facilitated by the Search Consultant, Dr. Ebersole, who will also answer questions about the search process. No RSVP is needed to attend a forum.
Forums on April 28 are offered:
- 9 to 10 a.m. – Advanced Technology & Learning Center Auditorium (ATLC 211)
- Noon to 1 p.m. – Main Building Conference Center (Room 346)
- 5 to 6 p.m. – Main Building Conference Center (Room 346)
If you are not able to attend one of the forums, you’re encouraged to provide input using a brief online survey. Online responses are anonymous.
To use the survey go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QBX7Q79. Please submit your survey feedback no later than 7 p.m. on April 28.
The Presidential Search Committee
The Presidential Search Committee will review the confidential applications, interview semifinalist candidates, and identify the final candidates to be forwarded to the Board of Trustees for consideration.
Members of the Search Committee are:
- Justin Howe, Committee Chair (Trustee)
- Jane Garvey (Trustee)
- Ted Scherpenberg (Trustee)
- Mark Walton ’78 (Trustee)
- Elliott Ruther (Chief of Institutional Advancement)
- Milene Donlin (Faculty)
- Paula Smith (Faculty)
- Abbey Yee (Faculty)
- Melissa Scott (Staff)
- Bonnie Smith (Administrator)
- Audrey Woods (Administrator)
Candidate Recruitment
Recruitment efforts will involve an open and thorough national search, seeking qualified candidates from all regions of the country. ACCT specializes in one-to-one recruitment of community college leaders. Additionally, advertisements will be placed in the Chronicle of Higher Education and other major publications and websites.
Open Forums with Final Candidates
All final candidates will participate in Open Forums at Cincinnati State, open to all employees, students, and community members. The finalists will be interviewed by the Board of Trustees. Feedback forms completed by those who attend forums will be reviewed as part of the Board’s final selection process.
The open forums are expected to take place in July 2026. Additional information will be provided when forum dates and times are confirmed.
Presidential Search Web Page
The Cincinnati State website will include information on all aspects of the search process. The Presidential Search web page is under development and will include key information including the timeline, the President Profile, and information on how candidates can apply.
If you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to the Search Consultant, Dr. Bradley Ebersole, at bradleyebersole@gmail.com or (740) 538-7989.