Two of Estrella Mountain's long-time directors, Maria Reyes and Adolfo Gamez, shifted positions on June 1, 2008 to continue to meet the needs of Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), a Maricopa Community College, and its students.
Maria Reyes, who has worked at the college since 2002, most recently served as director of grants and corporate development. She will now work under the umbrella of occupational education as associate dean, occupational education. In her new role, Reyes will provide operational assistance to the vice president, occupational education at Estrella Mountain, in the areas of planning, direction and management of the occupational programs at the college and the SouthWest Skill Center. She brings extensive experience in working with faculty and staff in building pipeline partnership programs and will provide leadership for the development and implementation of new programs and services within all occupational areas. "Working with occupational education is an exciting change for me. I'm looking forward to enhancing the college's occupational programs and the successes that our students will experience as a result," she said.
Adolfo Gamez has been with Estrella Mountain Community College for 17 years serving in several capacities including recruitment and multicultural services, and most recently, as director of the SouthWest Skill Center. As of June 1, 2008, Gamez, who is also mayor of Tolleson, stepped into the role of director, corporate and foundation relations and development operations. With his extensive background and community leadership, Gamez will be responsible for leveraging the college's fundraising efforts to result in financial resources for the college, its initiatives and programs. "My new role will afford me the opportunity to cultivate and nurture new philanthropic sources that will provide our students with the means they need to meet their educational goals," he said.