Lake Tahoe Community College Names Russi Egan Interim Superintendent/President

August 3, 2026

Interim President Russi Egan in front of college sign

The Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Russi Egan to serve as the college's Interim Superintendent/President, effective August 1, 2026. The Board approved her employment agreement at its June 23, 2026 meeting.

Egan succeeds Jeff DeFranco, who led LTCC since January 2017 and concluded his tenure at the end of the 2025–26 academic year. DeFranco has transitioned to Arizona State University, where he serves as Special Advisor to the Provost on Academic Alliance Strategy. Egan will serve through June 30, 2027, or until the Board appoints a permanent Superintendent/President, whichever comes first.

Egan previously served as LTCC's Vice President of Administrative Services. Over nearly two decades in the California community college system, she has been a driving force in shaping educational experiences that meet students' academic needs while supporting institutional growth. She holds a Master's degree in Accounting from National University and a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Ashford University.

"In Ms. Egan, the Board has appointed an Interim President with proven leadership capability to help us transition to our next permanent Superintendent/President," said Tony Sears, President of the LTCC Board of Trustees. "We have both high expectations and great confidence in her ability to keep the College on stable footing, continue the planned projects and growth, and guide us into the future. We look forward to working closely with her well into the future, just as we have in the past."

"I am honored by the Board's confidence and excited to step into this role," said Egan. "LTCC has been my professional home for nine years, and I have a lot of respect for the people and the community we serve. My focus will be on keeping our momentum strong, supporting our students, our faculty and staff, and the projects already underway, while we prepare for the next chapter in the college's leadership."

The Board extended its sincere appreciation to DeFranco for his leadership and service to LTCC, and for the ample notice he provided regarding his departure, which allowed for a thoughtful and orderly transition. During his presidency, he guided a period of institutional transformation that fundamentally reshaped the college's programs, physical campus, student outcomes, and financial standing.

"Being president of LTCC has been the highlight of my career and fulfilled a lifelong dream to be a college president. I am extraordinarily proud of what we have built together at LTCC, and I leave knowing the college is on a stronger footing than ever," said DeFranco.

Looking ahead, the Board is committed to conducting a comprehensive search for the college's next permanent Superintendent/President. That process is expected to begin this fall and will include meaningful engagement with campus stakeholders and the broader community. The Board anticipates naming LTCC's sixth Superintendent/President, with an expected start date of July 2027.

For more information, please contact the President's Office at president@ltcc.edu.