George sole finalist for college presidency

By Dennis Webb
Thursday, January 6, 2011

A Rifle resident is looking to further broaden his wide range of public service by becoming a college president.

Russell George has been named the finalist being considered for the presidency of Colorado Northwestern Community College, according to an announcement this week by Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System.

George, a graduate of the Harvard Law School, currently is serving as executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation.

He served in the Colorado House of Representatives from 1993-2000 and was the House speaker for two years. He also served as executive director of the state Department of Natural Resources from 2004-07, and was director of the Colorado Division of Wildlife for four years.

Gov. Bill Ritter appointed George to his current position in January 2007. The Denver Business Journal reported in mid-December that George notified employees in an e-mail that he wasn’t being considered for reappointment by Gov.-elect John Hickenlooper.

McCallin and George will visit CNCC’s Rangely and Craig campuses for open forums in January.

George said in a prepared statement, ”I am interested in this position because I understand the importance of the educational and training opportunities that are needed in rural areas, and know the value CNCC brings to the large area it serves.”

Current president John Boyd has resigned to become president of Mayland Community College in North Carolina. His last day is Friday, and Cliff Richardson, CNCC’s vice president for finance and administration, will serve as interim president.