Goodrum appointed to Coconino County College Governing Board

Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director sworn in Dec.18 and replaces former board member Jack Hadley

Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce President Gioia Goodrum recently began serving on the Coconino Community College (CCC) District Governing Board.

Goodrum replaces former board member Jack Hadley, who was sworn in on Jan. 25, 2011 and resigned in November. His term was set to expire on Dec. 31, 2016.

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Robert Kelty swore in Goodrum to serve on the board on Dec. 18.

"I'm very excited about it," Goodrum said of her new position. "I have a background in higher education and I think CCC is a great school. It does a great service for our community, and I'm really honored to serve."

Goodrum spent about 20 years working in higher education, including eight years at Yavapai College in Career Services. She also worked at three other schools on the East Coast as an assistant dean and assistant director.

Before her appointment, Goodrum had already been involved with CCC through serving on the President's Advisory Council for about a year.

Higher education is important to Goodrum.

"We've got to support our community colleges because they are affordable education and they offer a lot to our community members," she said, adding that community colleges offer continuing education and career and technical education classes.

Goodrum said she does not have any specific goals for her time on the board, since the board will determine its goals collectively.

"It's just another opportunity for me to be a representative for Williams and keep Williams in the minds of people in other communities like Flagstaff," she said.

While Goodrum's appointed term will expire Dec. 31, 2014, she plans to run for a full six-year elected term in November.

"I think it's a great opportunity for me, for Williams and the college," Goodrum said.

The next District Governing Board meeting is at 4 p.m. on Jan. 28 at CCC's Lone Tree Campus, 2800 S. Lone Tree Road in Flagstaff.