A leader of Education Forward Arizona has been named president of South Mountain Community College.

The college and the Maricopa County Community College District have announced Dr. Richard C. Daniel will lead the institution starting Nov. 7.

Daniel’s professional experience spans 30 years in Arizona higher education. He is executive vice president and chief operating officer of Education Forward Arizona, where he works “to identify partnerships and fundraising opportunities for the organization’s growth and impact,” a release stated.

“Dr. Daniel’s extensive background in higher education impressed system, college and community stakeholder groups,” MCCCD Chancellor Dr. Steven R. Gonzales said.

“His passion and advocacy for education of all levels will support our diverse student population.”

Prior to joining Education Forward Arizona, Daniel served as the COO at College Success Arizona, where he worked “to connect transformative opportunities of higher education to students from underserved and underrepresented communities across Arizona,” the release stated.

His background in higher education includes senior leadership positions at public research universities and community colleges, including Arizona State University, the University of Texas at El Paso and SMCC. 

Daniel will replace Interim President Dr. Janet Ortega, who assumed the interim role on Aug. 12 after the retirement of Dr. Shari Olson.