Job Listing

Montana’s Flathead Valley Community College Launches Search for Next President

Date Posted: Apr 6, 2026

Flathead Valley Community College

Job Description

April 6, 2026 — Kalispell, Mont. — Flathead Valley Community College has begun the search
for its next president. The national process invites input from across campus and the community
and includes multiple opportunities for public engagement. Feedback gathered throughout the
process will help identify priorities for the college’s next leader and inform the final selection.
The FVCC Board of Trustees has partnered with the Association of Community College
Trustees (ACCT) Searches, the executive search division of ACCT, to lead the process. This is
the college’s first presidential search in 25 years.

ACCT Searches is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to community
college executive searches. The organization brings more than 40 years of experience and a
track record of more than 750 successful CEO searches. Their work provides access to a broad
and highly qualified national candidate pool while ensuring a structured and well-supported
search process.

At the same time, ACCT Searches works closely with each college it serves. Throughout the
process, the firm will engage with the FVCC community to ensure the next president reflects
both the needs of the institution and the priorities of the Flathead Valley.

Community Input

The first phase of the search focuses on gathering input to define leadership qualities,
challenges and opportunities that are important to the community.

Community members, students and employees are invited to participate in public forums and an
online survey. Feedback from these efforts will directly inform the presidential profile, which will
guide recruitment and candidate evaluation.

– Open Public Forums | April 20, 2026 | 10:00am, 12:30pm or 4:00pm

All forums will be held on campus in the Arts & Technology Building, Room 139. Each
session will last approximately one hour and will be facilitated by ACCT Search
Consultant Jill Wakefield, Ed.D.

– Online Survey | The survey is anonymous and the results will be summarized in
aggregate form. Everyone is invited to submit their survey feedback by 8:00pm (MT) on
April 20. Access the survey here.

Search Committee and Selection Process

The search committee was appointed by the FVCC Board of Trustees and reflects the breadth
of the college’s community. Members include representatives from the Board of Trustees,
faculty, administration, staff, the FVCC Foundation, students and community leaders. This
composition ensures a wide range of perspectives informs the selection of the college’s next
president.

The committee is responsible for:

– Reviewing and evaluating confidential applications using the presidential profile
– Identifying and interviewing semifinalist candidates
– Recommending three to four finalists to the Board of Trustees

A full list of search committee members is available on the presidential search webpage
(fvcc.edu/presidential-search).

While much of the committee’s work must remain confidential to protect applicants and maintain
a strong candidate pool, the process includes key points for campus and community
engagement. Finalists will be invited to campus to participate in open forums and meet with
students, employees and community members.

These forums will be open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend and share feedback
as part of the selection process. Details about finalist visits, forum schedules and how to provide
input will be posted on the presidential search webpage as they are confirmed. Community
members are encouraged to check the webpage and timeline for updates and opportunities to
participate.

Recruitment, Timeline and Updates
The position will be advertised nationally, with recruitment efforts focused on experienced
community college leaders from Montana and across the country. ACCT will also conduct
targeted outreach to identify highly qualified candidates.

Applications will be reviewed by the Search Committee beginning in July, followed by
semifinalist interviews. Finalists are expected to visit campus in September, when open forums
will provide opportunities to meet candidates and share feedback. The Board of Trustees will
then conduct final interviews, select and announce the next president.

A detailed timeline, along with updates throughout the search, is available on FVCC’s
presidential search webpage (fvcc.edu/presidential-search). The page serves as the central
source for information as it becomes available, including the presidential profile, application
details and upcoming opportunities to engage at each stage of the process.

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Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) focuses on student success and meeting the needs
of our communities. Our world-class faculty and staff provide an outstanding learning
environment for students of all ages. FVCC offers career-ready degree programs, customized
transfer options for students looking for an affordable start to their education, as well as
certificate programs to help students quickly enter the workforce. Thanks to extensive
partnerships with business and industry, FVCC offers more than 50 career and technical
programs providing students with the skills and knowledge to move quickly into local careers.

How To Apply