Prior to his role as Superintendent/President, Chris Vitelli was the Vice President of Student Services at Merced College. He has extensive years? experience in management and administration, including senior administration-level experience serving in various capacities, including Chief Student Services Officer (CSSO), Chief Instructional Officer (CIO), and Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO). Vitelli has also served as Dean of Instruction and interim Vice President of Student Services at Columbia College in Sonora, California. Other professional experiences include Director of Student Services for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida and Director of Business, Industry, and Community Services at Merced College. Each of these roles required leadership, innovation, and collaboration with the implementation of educational and instructional programs, special projects, and budget management. These experiences have shaped Vitelli?s career trajectory as a ?can do,? innovative leader with strong vision and have prepared him to lead MCCD by providing a deep knowledge base and familiarity with all aspects of a community college organization. Vitelli has led efforts to make ?students first? while at Merced College. Since his arrival as Vice President of Student Services, the College has expanded outreach efforts in the community and strengthened relationships with high school partners and four-year institutions, increased student equity and success initiatives, supported efforts to grow special services and programs such as veterans? resources and foster youth, and enhanced student support services through technology and data. During his tenure as President of Merced College, Vitelli has championed numerous initiatives that have significantly advanced the institution's mission of providing innovative and accessible education. One of the most transformative projects under his leadership has been the introduction of Dreamscape Learn, an immersive learning platform that redefines how students engage with their coursework. He also established a cutting-edge Innovation Center, featuring state-of-the-art recording studios, embedded instructional designers, technicians, and versatile learning and development spaces. These advancements have been complemented by an emphasis on Credit for Prior Learning and Competency Based Education, ensuring that students receive credit for their real-world experiences and can progress at their own pace. Under his leadership, Merced College has secured more than $60 million in grants, including the largest Economic Development Agency grant awarded in 2022. This funding supports the development of a new Ag Innovation Center and the Ag Food Systems and Technology Program, which aims to upskill thousands of incumbent farmworkers in the California Central Valley. His efforts have also led to the flourishing of partnerships with four-year universities and high schools, creating seamless educational pathways for students. Additionally, he has launched a comprehensive prison education program to support incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. One of Vitelli?s has been to establish a positive work culture with the development of an Employee Wellness & Happiness Initiative, striving to make Merced College one of the most desirable workplaces in the community college system. Furthermore, he has significantly expanded student support services, inaugurating a new Veteran's Center, food pantry, Career/Transfer Center, foster youth center, and Hub Diversity Center, among other essential resources. Vitelli?s value of education is derived from a broad perspective of its benefits, as well as from personal experience. As a first-generation college graduate, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida, a Master of Education in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from Harvard University, and Doctor of Education from Arizona State University.