In an announcement that underscores the transition phase for the community college network, Diane Duffy has stepped up as the interim chancellor of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), with her tenure commencing on July 1. As reported by CCCS, Duffy, taking the reins following Joe Garcia's retirement on June 30, is set to guide the system until a permanent successor is found. Her appointment by the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE) aims to maintain the system's operations without disruption.

The Chair of the SBCCOE, Dr. Landon Mascareñaz, expressed strong support for Duffy, acknowledging her as the ideal candidate to navigate CCCS through the impending change and her contribution to the 2030 Strategic Plan which, not only has Duffy proven her mettle in building trust among colleagues, she has also shown a profound capability to drive change, and listened intently which has garnered her respect across the board, according to Mascareñaz. "Diane has the full confidence of the Board, our system, our presidents, and our partners—she is the right leader to guide CCCS through this transition," Mascareñaz affirmed, as per CCCS.

Duffy's past involvement with strategic planning and her perceived aptitude for leadership are some of the key reasons she has been trusted with this critical role. Actively partaking in the drafting and implementation of the vision for the community college system leading up to 2030, she has become a familiar figure amongst those invested in the future of CCCS.