Dr. Marielena DeSanctis, was appointed September 10 as chancellor of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), which includes FRCC. She will be the first Latina to lead the system.
DeSanctis is experienced in leading educational systems in both K-12 and higher education. She has been the president of the Community College of Denver since 2021.
“I am excited to partner with our institutions, communities, and industry leaders to advance our bold 2023 Strategic Plan,” she said.
Dr. Landon Mascareñaz, chair of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE), said that DeSanctis’s “experience, energy, and strategic mindset make her the right leader for this time.”
Photo courtesy of CCD and Dr. Marielena DeSanctis.
Diane Duffy, who has worked closely with DeSanctis, said she has confidence that DeSanctis “will continue to build on our momentum and guide CCCS into a bold new era.”
CCCS serves over 124,000 students across 13 colleges – including FRCC – and 37 campuses.
Prior to working in CCCS, she served at Broward (Fla.) College in multiple positions and was a high school principal.
DeSanctis will officially replace current chancellor Diane Duffy on October 1, 2025.
