OCCA Board Leadership & Governance Summit
September 5-6, 2025
Chemeketa Community College Eola Center, Salem
WHAT: Join community college board members and presidents from around the state for this leadership development, governance & networking opportunity on Saturday, Sept. 6. You’re invited to join your colleagues for an engaging social and networking dinner the night before (Sept. 5).
WHO: This summit is ideal for ALL community college board members and presidents in Oregon.
Theme: “Growing Board Impact Through Governance”
Start with connection. Stay for impact.
Gather with fellow board members over a relaxed networking dinner the evening before (Friday, Sept. 5), then dive into a day filled with insight, strategy, and certification on Saturday, Sept. 6. Hear directly from Oregon legislators, discover how trustees shape accreditation, learn hard-won lessons from experienced colleagues, and complete your public meeting law training — all in one energizing event.
Why Attend?
Board leadership is more than attendance and oversight — it’s about cultivating mission-driven progress. This summit is your opportunity to:
- Engage directly with policymakers shaping Oregon’s education future
- Gain practical wisdom from experienced colleagues
- Understand how your leadership affects accreditation outcomes
- Fulfill training requirements with confidence
- Deepen your impact with renewed clarity and connection
What You’ll Learn
Governance in Action: A Conversation with Legislative Leaders
Senator Lew Frederick, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, and Representative Zach Hudson, Chair of the House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, offer candid perspectives on the role of elected board members in advancing Oregon’s community colleges. Discover how their legislative viewpoints on college governance help shape education policy, funding priorities, and the long-term success of Oregon’s community colleges.
Governance that Strengthens Accreditation: What Works, What Undermines
Presenter: Selena Grace, President of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Accreditation matters — and elected board members play a key role. This session explores how board members can contribute meaningfully to the accreditation process by staying focused on strategy, mission, and oversight. You’ll learn how to ask the right questions, support institutional improvement, and understand how board decisions show up in accreditation reports — all while staying grounded in your governance role.
Wisdom from Experience: A Panel of Seasoned Trustees
Veteran board members share pivotal lessons learned during their service — from navigating tough decisions to building meaningful partnerships. This candid conversation offers insights for both new and returning trustees.
Transparency & Accountability: Oregon Public Meetings Law Training
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) requires that every member of a governing board of a public body — including community college boards — complete certified training on Oregon’s Public Meetings Law at least once during their term of office. This interactive training satisfies Oregon’s certification requirement and empowers board members to lead with transparency and integrity as governing bodies. Gain clarity on public meeting laws including meeting requirements, serial communications, executive sessions, and how to avoid public meetings law violations.
Common Stumbles, Smarter Solutions
Explore real-world governance missteps and the best practices that fix them. From micromanagement to mission drift, this session offers practical tips, proven examples, and a few laughs to help board members lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Networking Dinner: Friday, Sept. 5
We hope you’ll join us for a Networking Dinner on Friday, Sept. 5, starting at 5:30 p.m. Since we’ll be at Chemeketa Community College’s renowned wine studies facility, wine from Chemeketa Cellars will be available for purchase.
Hotel Accommodations
The Grand Hotel, Salem – Group rate is $159 plus taxes & fees for a Deluxe King room. Guests should call (503)-540-7800 and reference “Oregon Community College Association” to receive the discounted group rate. Rooms are limited, so early booking is encouraged.
