For the Reporter
Covington resident Josh Gerstman has been named vice president at Highline College.
Gerstman will oversee the college’s Institutional Advancement division, which handles the school’s marketing, communications, alumni relations, outreach and grant procurement efforts. He will also be in charge of the Highline College Foundation.
For the past 19 years, Gerstman has worked for the Green River College Foundation, most recently as director of philanthropy.
Gerstman brings to Highline more than 26 years of experience strengthening organizations and communities through relationship building and fundraising leadership.
“Josh is a talented individual. He is deeply passionate about student success, equity and the power of higher education,” said John Mosby, president of Highline College. “I believe that we found the perfect next vice president to lead Institutional Advancement.”
Gerstman has led private fundraising efforts raising more than $600,000 and overseeing a scholarship program awarding more than $500,000 to students. He provided leadership and vision to programs within the Green River College Foundation, including the Veterans Educational Transition Fund, Faculty Excellence Endowment Grant Program and staff and faculty recognition programs.
His campus commitment was also evident as a founding member of the Green River Diversity and Equity Council and the Green River College Council, providing leadership and input for the college’s participatory governance structure.
“I’m proud of my time at Green River College. I value the role our colleges play in the community and I’m excited for the opportunity to be part of Highline and Dr. Mosby’s leadership team,” Gerstman said.
Gerstman will serve as one of Highline’s four vice presidents. His appointment fills the vacancy left by Lisa Skari, who joined Mt. Hood Community College (Gresham, Ore.) as president in July 2018.
Gerstman has been actively involved in the South King County community for more than two decades. He volunteers with Kent Rotary, Kent public schools, and the King County Search Dogs/King County Search and Rescue, just to name a few.
Gerstman has a master’s degree in education from Wayne State University, Detroit, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Michigan.
His first day at Highline will be Tuesday, Oct. 16.
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