Pastor Jesus Gerena appointed to CLC Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of the College of Lake County Community College District 532 has announced the appointment of Pastor Jesus Gerena to fill its vacant seat. This appointment was approved at the board meeting on Nov. 19. Gerena will serve as an appointed trustee until a successor is elected to serve the remainder of the unexpired term at the next Consolidated General Election for open trustee positions on April 1, 2025.
Gerena is Senior Pastor of Iglesia Rebano Condado de Lake (Christian Fellowship of Lake County). He has been a member of the CLC Lakeshore Campus Advisory Committee since 2017. Gerena expressed that serving on the advisory committee has provided him with valuable lessons about addressing barriers students face to access quality education, making college affordable and bringing programs to CLC that allow students and graduates to compete in the current job market. He is eager to bring his skills and experience to support the overall mission of the College of Lake County.
For the past six years, Gerena has served as a commissioner for the Waukegan Housing Authority, working with the organization’s board to oversee a capital improvement budget of $200 million to create new housing units in Waukegan for families and seniors.
“I have developed a strong foundation in the principles of board governance, teamwork and collaboration,” Gerena said. “I am committed to fostering transparent decision making and supporting policies that prioritize student success, equity, inclusion and financial responsibility.”
Gerena added, “I am particularly inspired by the advancements the College of Lake County has made in our community with programs in the health care field, technology, business, human service and others. I will serve with integrity, passion, dedication and outmost commitment to the vision and mission of the college.”
After the appointment of Pastor Gerena, CLC Board of Trustees Chair Torrie M. Newsome said, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I welcome Pastor Jesus Gerena and look forward to his active engagement in support of the College’s mission as a comprehensive community college committed to equitable high-quality education, cultural enrichment and partnerships to advance the diverse communities it serves. College of Lake County is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, with 46% of its currently enrolled student body representing the Latino community. I look forward to Pastor Gerena’s insights and contributions to deepening the Board’s relationship within the Lake County Latino communities.”
CLC is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees who are elected by the voters of Community College District 532.