MARTINEZ, CA – The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) has selected Phyllis Carter as the next Associate Vice Chancellor, Chief Financial Officer (AVC CFO). Following a nationwide search that began in February 2021, the 4CD Governing Board approved Carter’s contract at their August 11, 2021, meeting.
“Phyllis Carter’s varied background in higher education and outside industries provides her a fresh perspective and unique approach to the changing fiscal landscape we find ourselves in,” said Chancellor Bryan Reece. “We are excited to welcome her and look forward to her leadership.”
Carter brings with her more than 30 years of experience leading education, nonprofit and corporate organizations to greater financial health, efficiency, and sustainability. At institutions of higher learning where she has served for more than 10 years, she has been a thought leader who provides strategic, financial, and operational business advice to governing boards, presidents, chancellors, administrators, faculty, staff, and students. Among her previous positions, Carter has served as Interim Vice President of Strategy, Innovation and Operations and Chief Operating Officer at Samuel Merritt University; Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Administration and Finance at San Francisco State University; Director of Business and Administrative Services at Laney College; and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, an international post-doctoral research organization located at UC Berkeley.
Carter’s passion for education has extended beyond administration to academics given her service as a former adjunct accounting instructor at Merritt College. During that period, she launched a career speaker series where diverse professional accountants shared insights on real world work experiences with students in her accounting classes.
“I’m very thrilled to join a District with a history of financial integrity and stability,” shared Carter. “I look forward to providing 4CD the leadership needed in building a sustainable, fiscally-strong institution and thus insuring future students will also have the opportunity to change the trajectory of their lives by pursuing a community college education in the District’s service area.”
Carter’s education includes a Master of Business Administration from Washington University Olin Business School, an Advanced Certificate in International Affairs from Washington University, a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Missouri and through the Kansas Board of Accountancy, she became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA not licensed).
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves a population of 1,019,640 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.
