CEO Tenure & Retention Report 11th Edition Now Available

The Community College League of California (League) announces the release of the CEO Tenure & Retention Report, 11th update, analyzing leadership trends from late summer 2022 to July 31, 2024. The report highlights the unique challenges facing California community college presidents, chancellors and superintendent/presidents (CEOs) amid economic volatility, legislative pressures and enrollment uncertainties, while providing key data on tenure, diversity and retention trends.

Download the CEO Tenure & Retention Report, 11th update 

Key findings reveal that the average tenure of California community college CEOs during the past decade was five years, with a median of four years. Recent data from the last two years shows a further decline, with average tenure dropping to 4.3 years and a median of 3.1 years. These figures reflect the challenging nature of the role, exacerbated by state budget fluctuations, legislative mandates, and enrollment disparities caused by the pandemic.

“The CEO role is tremendously demanding, yet those who lead California’s community colleges are steadfast in their commitment to students and commitment to advancing educational equity,” said Larry Galizio, Ph.D., League President & CEO. “The League is proud to stand alongside these leaders, providing them support and tools to guide their critical work shaping the future of our communities and workforce.”

The report identified notable findings in ethnic diversity and gender equity.

  • Since 2020, the representation of Latine and Black/African American CEOs has seen notable increases, marking the largest gains in over 20 years.
  • As of 2024, Latine leaders comprise over 20 percent of California community college CEOs, while Black/African American leaders represent 17.3 percent, exceeding national averages.
  • Additionally, women now lead 43.8 percent of California community colleges, surpassing the national average for female college presidents.

The CEO Tenure & Retention Dashboard details data that informed the report.