The College of Lake County appointed Jesus Gerena of Wadsworth to fill the seat of former Board of Trustees member Gerri Songer until a successor can be elected in April to serve the remainder of her term.
Songer, who was elected to the board in April 2021, resigned on Oct. 3. Her term expires in April of 2027. CLC is governed by a seven-member board elected by voters of Community College District 532.
Gerena’s appointment was approved at the Nov. 19 board meeting. He is senior pastor of the Christian Fellowship of Lake County, and has been a member of the CLC Lakeshore Campus Advisory Committee since 2017.
In a news release, Gerena said serving on the advisory committee had provided him with valuable lessons about addressing barriers students face to access education, making college affordable and bringing programs to CLC that allow graduates to compete in the job market.
He is eager to bring his skills and experience to support the overall mission of the College of Lake County, the release said.
Gerena has served as a commissioner for the Waukegan Housing Authority for six years, working with the organization’s board to oversee a capital improvement budget of $200 million to create new housing units in Waukegan for families and seniors. The experience has given him a “strong foundation” for board governance, teamwork and collaboration, he said.
“I am committed to fostering transparent decision-making and supporting policies that prioritize student success, equity, inclusion and financial responsibility,” Gerena said.
He was “particularly inspired” by the advancements made by CLC in the community with healthcare, technology, business and human service programs, among others.
“I will serve with integrity, passion, dedication and utmost commitment to the vision and mission of the college,” Gerena said.
CLC Board of Trustees Chair Torrie M. Newsome welcomed Gerena, saying he looked forward to the pastor’s “active engagement in support of the college’s mission.” He highlighted CLC’s designation as a Hispanic-serving institution; 46% of the currently enrolled student body is from the Latino community, he said.
“I look forward to Pastor Gerena’s insights and contributions to deepening the board’s relationship within the Lake County Latino communities,” Newsome said.
