FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | RELEASE DATE: October 30, 2026 | CONTACT: Dalilah Davaloz (562) 692-0921
Valladares continues his rise in national leadership, championing student success and educational opportunities.
(Whittier, Calif.) — Río Hondo College Board of Trustees Member Oscar Valladares has been elected chair-elect of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Board of Directors for 2026-27 marking his third consecutive year serving in a national executive leadership position.
Trustee Valladares was elected during the 2026 ACCT Leadership Congress in Chicago, Illinois. His election follows his service as vice chair in 2025-26 and secretary-treasurer in 2024-25, reflecting his continued leadership and commitment to strengthening community colleges nationwide.
ACCT represents more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern more than 1,000 community, technical and junior colleges across the United States and beyond. The organization advocates for policies, resources and effective governance practices that expand educational opportunities and support student success.
“I am honored to have been elected chair-elect and grateful for the confidence of my fellow trustees,” said Trustee Valladares. “As a former undocumented community college student and current trustee, I know firsthand the transformative power of education and the importance of ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. I look to building on this commitment by strengthening our national advocacy efforts, advancing student success and expanding opportunities for community college students across the country.”
Trustee Valladares has served on the Río Hondo Community College District Board of Trustees since 2018, representing Area 5, which includes East Whittier. A former undocumented community college student and alumnus of East Los Angeles College, Valladares brings a personal understanding of the challenges faced by first-generation, immigrant and historically marginalized students.
His leadership and advocacy have focused on expanding educational access, improving college completion rates, addressing students’ basic needs and removing barriers to academic success.
“We congratulate Trustee Valladares on his national leadership role and are proud to support his continued service,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Moya-Miller. “His steadfast commitment to expanding student access and advancing student success reflects our shared dedication to educational opportunity and excellence.”
As chair-elect, Trustee Valladares will continue collaborating with community college leaders from across the country to advance ACCT’s mission, strengthen advocacy efforts and promote policies that ensure community colleges remain accessible pathways to higher education and economic mobility.
For more information about Río Hondo College, visit riohondo.edu. Learn more about ACCT, go to www.acct.org.