Foundation Vision

College and Workforce Training has the power to strengthen our community. We envision a future where Columbia Gorge Community College is accessible to all, empowering every student to achieve their goals.

Foundation Mission

The Foundation connects with students, donors, and the community to support scholarships, programs and initiatives that improve the accessibility and quality of education at Columbia Gorge Community College.

Guiding Principles

Open Communication: Engaging in honest and transparent communication
Respect: Celebrating diversity of lived experience based in empathy and understanding
Integrity: Committing to continuous ethical conduct and accountability
Collaboration: Cooperating on solving shared challenges while leveraging the richness of diverse experiences and perspectives
Inclusion and Equity: Ensuring access to resources, providing people what they need to achieve their goals

Fundraising is a major responsibility of each board member which includes providing leadership, financial support, and connection to donors and potential donors. The CGCC Foundation board of directors serve as representatives of the community.

2026 Board Officers

Corliss Marsh, Foundation President, Retired Community Member
Christy Holtman, Foundation Vice President & Secretary, Retired Educator
Martha Capovilla, Foundation Treasurer, Retired Educator

2025 Board Directors

Martha Capovilla, Retired educator
Rachel Carter, Columbia Gorge Toyota and Honda
Susanna Flores, Worksource The Dalles
Michael Held, Business Oregon
Christy Holtman, Retired educator
Corliss Marsh, Community volunteer
Carmen Myers, Columbia Bank
Adam Smith, Google
Rebecca Wimberly, Hewlett Packard

2026 Ex-Officio Board Members

Lisa AbuAssaly George, Executive Director DEI
Karly Aparicio, VP Student Services
Dr. OraLee Branch, CGCC Board of Education
Kasey Buckles, Student Liaison
Pam Koop, Faculty
Dr. Kenneth Lawson, President

Staff

Sue Davis, Executive Director of College Advancement & CGCC Foundation
Heidi Leeson, Executive Assistant to the President’s Office & the CGCC Foundation