Staff Reports | Community Updates
Maricopa Community Colleges is announcing the selection of two new executive leaders.
Dr. Eddie Genna will serve as the Senior Vice Chancellor of External Affairs, a role he has held in an interim capacity since September 2024.
Valerie Jones joins the system as the new Vice Chancellor of Workforce & Economic Development, beginning in the role on July 1, 2025.
Dr. Genna has served in numerous leadership positions during his 21-year career with the system, including senior advisor to the Chancellor, associate vice chancellor for faculty affairs, associate vice chancellor for public affairs and collaborative governance, and president of Maricopa Community Colleges Faculty Association, according to a press release.
Over the last 10 months, Dr. Genna has worked to align the district’s external affairs division more closely with the system’s mission, overseeing workforce development, government relations, corporate and employee training, and marketing and communications.
“It is an extraordinary privilege to step into this role and work with this terrific team at a time when the Maricopa Community Colleges are poised to shape the future of higher education in Arizona,” Dr. Genna said in a prepared statement.
“Throughout my career, I have been guided by a commitment to collaborative leadership, academic integrity, and creating opportunities for everyone. As we deepen our engagement with industry, government, and community partners, I look forward to advancing the Chancellor’s vision—one that aligns workforce innovation with the enduring values of education.”
Valerie Jones selected as vice chancellor of Workforce & Economic Development
Ms. Jones brings more than 25 years of experience across the human resources, finance, and workforce development sectors. Since October 2023, Ms. Jones has served the system as an executive leader on loan from Bank of America. The innovative program provides supplemental resources to community-focused organizations, with BofA covering the employee’s salary and benefits.
“I am excited to join the Maricopa Community Colleges and lead the team as we work to fulfill the District’s strategic priority aligned to workforce development,” said Ms. Jones. “My Leader on Loan experience gave me a unique opportunity to collaborate with the colleges, government, and industry partners, which will serve as the foundation for continued success.”
As the largest provider of workforce training in Maricopa County, Ms. Jones will play a key role in advancing Maricopa Community Colleges’ workforce development and economic growth efforts.
Ms. Jones is expected to develop and implement best practices and programs related to career and technical education, customized training, innovation sectors, and accelerator offerings.
