Governor appoints Sarah McDonnell to BBCC board
Gov. Bob Ferguson has confirmed the appointment of Sarah McDonnell of Ephrata to a five-year term on the board of trustees at Big Bend Community College.
MOSES LAKE — Gov. Bob Ferguson has confirmed the appointment of Sarah McDonnell of Ephrata to a five-year term on the board of trustees at Big Bend Community College.
McDonnell is a BBCC graduate and former Ephrata City Council member. Currently, she is the program administrator and director of the Non Profit Insurance Program with Clear Risk Solutions, where she has worked in various roles since 2009.
McDonnell’s first trustees’ meeting is scheduled today, Jan. 22. The five-member board also includes chair Amy Parris, vice chair Bethany Martinez, Gary Chandler, and Rosendo Alvarado. McDonnell replaces former trustee Anna Franz, who served on the panel since 2012.
“Big Bend Community College plays a critical role in empowering families and contributing to the long-term economic vitality of Grant County,” McDonnell said in a press statement. “I am honored to be joining their board of trustees, and I look forward to working with educators and community partners in support of their mission.”
Her term is effective through September 2030.
In their roles, trustees establish policies, set strategic direction, approve budgets, represent the public interest, and ensure fiscal integrity of the college. To be considered for appointment by the governor, trustees must be a resident and qualified elector of their respective college district. They may not be an employee of any state community or technical college system or a governing board member of any public or private educational institution or school district.
In addition to serving on the Ephrata City Council from 2019-2025, McDonnell is a past member of the Grant County Economic Development Council’s board of directors. She is also a graduate of the University of New Mexico, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in biology.
McDonnell said she is an advocate for "access to education for all.”
“Higher education is a catalyst for opportunity and a path for individuals of all backgrounds and ages to unlock their personal potential,” she said. “I am committed to supporting BBCC’s mission and together, we can inspire every learner to see what’s possible for their future by strengthening and expanding access and success in BBCC’s learning opportunities.”
