In a video update posted today, Peralta Community College District (PCCD) Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson announced the retirement of Interim Vice Chancellor of General Services Atheria Smith, effective April 19. Smith’s retirement is set to be approved by the PCCD Board of Trustees at its regular meeting Tuesday.
“I extend my deepest gratitude for her dedicated service to the District,” Gilkerson said, “and rest assured, the District General Services team remains steadfast in their support for maintenance, operations, and capital projects.”
An emailed request for comment sent to Smith’s inbox today elicited an automated response announcing her decision to retire “after a great deal of consideration.”
“My last day of service will be Friday, April 19, 2024,” the response states. “I have enjoyed being a contributing member of the Peralta community.”
The Citizen reached out today to Mark Johnson, PCCD’s Executive Director of Marketing, Communication & Public Relations, to ask how the vacancy will be managed in the interim. Johnson did not respond in time for publication.
Smith was appointed Interim Vice Chancellor of General Services on May 11, 2021 and has served in the role since. She took on the role after serving as Director of Facilities Planning and Development for several years.
At a Feb. 27 Board of Trustees regular meeting, Smith’s appointment in her previous position of Director of Facilities Planning and Development was extended through June 30, 2025.
Smith’s retirement follows the chancellor’s March 1 announcement to eliminate two district leadership positions, Vice Chancellor of General Services and Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance, and fold them into the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Currently, the COO position is filled in the interim by Stephanie Droker.
PCCD’s District Leadership webpage has not yet been updated to reflect the change at time of writing.
Other announcements
Gilkerson also announced that the position of Associate Vice Chancellor of Educational Services, currently held by Tina Vasconcellos will be “realigned” to a Vice Chancellor position.
The district also plans to recruit a new General Counsel, the chancellor said. Searches for the positions of College of Alameda President, PCCD Chief Operating Officer, and PCCD Vice Chancellor of Human Resources are ongoing.
A link to a survey on safety and security will be sent to the PCCD community Tuesday, the chancellor said. Additionally, a hybrid listening session on safety and security will be held Monday.
PCCD is also recruiting an Interim Executive Director for Public Safety and Security, the chancellor said.
Gilkerson asked viewers to “keep an eye out” for announcements regarding the district’s new “Flying Pig Awards” and a district-wide quilt project. She closed off by sharing her excitement for Berkeley City College’s 50th anniversary celebration and groundbreaking ceremony for the Berkeley City College Milvia Street Expansion Project, which will be held Tuesday.
Update 4/24/24 at 2:36 PM: According to Johnson, PCCD Facilities Project Manager BC Hoff will continue to oversee day-to-day staffing and operations. For leading capital projects districtwide, PCCD Associate Director of Public Safety, Amy Marshall, will split responsibilities with Hoff per the chancellor’s interim transition plan for the Department of General Services.
