Josh Gerstman has been named vice president at Highline College. He will oversee the college’s Institutional Advancement division.

The division handles the college’s marketing, communications, alumni relations, outreach and grant procurement efforts. Gerstman will also be in charge of the Highline College Foundation.

For the past 19 years, he has worked for the Green River College Foundation, most recently as director of philanthropy.

Gerstman brings to Highline more than 26 years of experience strengthening organizations and communities through relationship building and fundraising leadership.

“Josh is a talented individual. He is deeply passionate about student success, equity and the power of higher education,” said Dr. John Mosby, president of Highline College. “I believe that we found the perfect next vice president to lead Institutional Advancement.”

Gerstman has led private fundraising efforts raising more than $600,000 and overseeing a scholarship program awarding over $500,000 to students. He provided leadership and vision to programs within the Green River College Foundation, including the Veterans Educational Transition Fund, Faculty Excellence Endowment Grant Program and staff and faculty recognition programs.

His campus commitment was also evident as a founding member of the Green River Diversity and Equity Council and the Green River College Council, providing leadership and input for the college’s participatory governance structure.

“I’m proud of my time at Green River College. I value the role our colleges play in the community and I’m excited for the opportunity to be part of Highline and Dr. Mosby’s leadership team,” says Gerstman.

Gerstman will serve as one of Highline’s four vice presidents. His appointment fills the vacancy left by Dr. Lisa Skari, who joined Mt. Hood Community College as president in July, 2018.

A resident of Covington, Gerstman has been actively involved in the South King County community for more than two decades. He volunteers with Kent Rotary, Kent School District, and the King County Search Dogs/King County Search and Rescue, just to name a few.

Gerstman has a master’s degree in education from Wayne State University, Detroit, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Michigan.

His first day at Highline will be Tuesday, Oct. 16.

Scott Schaefer

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