Campus Leadership
Superintendent/President
Jeff DeFranco
A native Californian, Jeff DeFranco started at LTCC in 2012. Before accepting the
position as superintendent/president, he served as the college’s Vice President of
Administrative Services. Jeff brings a unique array of experience, having worked in
K-12, community colleges, and at four-year institutions. He earned his undergraduate
degree from California State University, Chico and his Master’s degree in Educational
Leadership from the University of Oregon. He is currently a doctoral student in Pepperdine
University’s nationally-ranked Global Leadership and Change Ph.D. program. Jeff is
an active member of the South Lake Tahoe community with his wife, Kasey, and their
two sons. He is an enthusiastic believer in life-long learning and consistently strives
to broaden his thinking, especially in the areas of leadership and driving positive
change.
Vice President, Administrative Services
Russi Egan
Russi Egan has dedicated nearly two decades of her career to the California community
college system, where her passion for higher education and unwavering commitment to
student success have left a lasting impact. Throughout her career, Russi has been
a driving force in shaping educational experiences that not only meet the academic
needs of students but also support institutional growth.
Russi’s academic background is equally impressive. She earned a Master’s degree in Accounting from National University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ashford University, creating a strong foundation in her field. Her experience and dedication to making a difference make her a valued member of our campus community.
Vice President, Academic Affairs
Vice President, Student Services
Dr. Michelle Batista
Michelle joined LTCC in August 2021, coming from Skyline College in CA where she served
as Student Crisis Support Manager, Director of Student Support, and Deputy Title IX
Coordinator. She brings deep experience as both a counselor and an administrator,
serving at K-12 and community colleges in California during her career. She earned
her BA in Spanish and MA in School Counseling from Saint Mary's College. Michelle
earned her EdD in Educational Leadership with a focus on Equity & Social Justice from
San Francisco State in 2023. She is also one of the co-founders, volunteer executive
board members, and communications officer for COLEGAS (California Community Colleges’ Organización de Latinx Empowerment, Guidance, Advocacy
for Success), a statewide organization for Latina/o/x professionals who provide advocacy
and groundwork leading to transformative change within California’s Community College
system, including efforts around closing equity gaps and systemic oppression.
Chief of Staff for Strategic Initiatives
Ali Bissonnette
Ali began her career in education as a teacher in Los Angeles, and then went on to
work at a non-profit that used community organizing to help parents transform their
local schools. Most recently, Ali worked at the University of Southern California
as the executive director of the Center for the Political Future. Despite Ali’s non-traditional
career path, she has always grounded her work in education. Ali is thrilled to now
be a part of the South Lake Tahoe community, along with her husband, Adam, and her
daughter. She is inspired by the trajectory of the California Community College system,
and LTCC in particular, and believes in the system’s ability to provide a quality
education for all students. Ali holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations
from the University of Southern California, and a Master’s Degree in Urban Education
from Loyola Marymount University.
Dean, Instruction
Keely Carrol
Keely Carroll joined LTCC from Sierra College, a leading institution in the community
college space, where she served as the Interim Associate Dean of Science and Mathematics.
In this role, she scheduled and staffed over 470 course sections across 11 departments
in all modalities. Keely's background and experience in science and math will be a
significant benefit to LTCC as we implement our HSI STEM grant, launch our new science
spaces, and reimagine math education.
Keely’s commitment to equity will shine in our campus community. She served as an Equity Coach in Sierra College’s peer-to-peer support program, where she helped faculty reflect on the impact of their teaching practices and policies and ensured that the curriculum represented and elevated a diversity of perspectives.
Dean, Workforce Development & Instruction
Brad Deeds
For the six years prior to joining LTCC, Brad Deeds served as the Director of Adult
Education for the state of Nevada. In this role, he oversaw programs in Adult Education,
High School Equivalency, Distance Education, Alternative Education, and Corrections
Education within the Nevada Department of Education. Before his position in Nevada,
Brad managed the Workforce Development and Continuing Education divisions at Truckee
Meadows Community College in Reno for an additional six years. During his tenure at
TMCC, he also taught as an adjunct faculty member in English as a Second Language
and served as a program coordinator.
Brad holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism from the University of Southern California and a Master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Senior Director, Government Relations & Grant Development
Laura Metune
Laura joined LTCC's senior leadership team in May 2020, where she focuses on identifying
and securing grants and funding, and establishing state-level relationships and partnerships
to help support securing additional funding for various college purposes. Before joining
LTCC, Laura served as Vice Chancellor of External Relations with the California Community
Colleges (CCC) Chancellor’s Office, where she and her team represented the CCCs before
the legislative and executive branches of the state and federal governments. She developed
the agency’s policy and advocacy direction, supported budget advocacy and negotiations,
and secured grant resources for specific projects including monies to support research
for DACA students and to support the California Promise Program. Prior to working
with the CCCCO, she served as the chief consultant for the Assembly Committee on Higher
Education, helping to write and win passage of numerous landmark pieces of education-related
legislation. She has worked with a number of legislators as legislative director and
consultant since 2001. Laura is a first-generation college graduate and a former community
college student. She transferred from American River College to earn her bachelor's
degree in Government from CSU Sacramento.
Director, Institutional Effectiveness
Dr. Elizabeth BalintDirector, Human Resources
Shelley Yohnka
Shelley Yohnka has dedicated nearly 20 years of her career to LTCC, contributing her
expertise across various departments, including Fiscal Services, the Instruction Office,
and most recently, the Human Resources department. Her extensive experience reflects
her commitment to the college and its mission. In addition to her work at LTCC, Shelley
has produced a live, local morning show in South Lake Tahoe for over a decade, demonstrating
her passion for community engagement and media.
Shelley holds a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Technology from Pacific Union College. Her educational background complements her diverse professional experience, making her a valued and multifaceted member of our campus community.