Board of Trustees

A board of trustees, appointed by the governor of the state of Washington for five-year terms, governs Everett Community College.

Board Meetings

The board meets on the third Tuesday of each month except August and December at 5 p.m. at the Henry M. Jackson Conference Center. The meetings are open to the public. Current agenda and minutes from previous meetings can be found on the Trustees Meetings and Minutes page. For more information regarding meetings, the agenda, and board actions call the Office of the President at 425-388-9572.

Board of Trustees 2023-24 Priorities

In 2023–2024 the Board has established annual priorities in support of the achievement of the Core Themes. Read more.

EvCC Board of Trustees Statement: Commitment to Social Justice 2020

Board Members

Jerry Martin, Chair

Jerry Martin was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee in February 2020. From his days as a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy until now, Mr. Martin has had several successful careers serving his communities with pride and dignity. As an industry leader throughout his various business ventures, Jerry strove to 'set the standard' with his entrepreneurial spirit and a strong desire to succeed. He is currently a consultant with RE/MAX Northwest Realtors and still has a passion in helping clients with their real estate wants and needs, both in residential and commercial dealings. His spirit of volunteerism includes recently serving as president of the WA Realtors Association, and he also continues to serve as a director and past president of the EvCC Foundation. There are numerous other organizations that he has been a part of and he continues to lend support whenever called upon. As a Trustee at EvCC, Jerry intends to be engaged within the college’s community and other activities in support of the schools’ outstanding leadership, staff, and student body whenever and wherever possible; all for the personal growth and betterment of others.

Kelly Shepherd, Vice Chair

Kelly Shepherd of Mukilteo was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee in October 2021. Ms. Shepherd is the Principal at Sequoia High School, OnlineHS, and Port Gardner School in the Everett Public Schools. She has worked in Everett Public Schools for almost 20 years, spending the time as a principal in her current role and also at North Middle School. Previously she was an Assistant Principal at Explorer Middle School and teacher in Puyallup School District. She has a bachelor's degree in education from Pacific Luther University and a master's degree in leadership from Western Washington University. She is chair of the Everett YMCA Board, a member of the Rotary Club of Everett, Everett Elks 479, and has served as a board member of Everett Public Schools Foundation.  Kelly recently served on the City of Everett Youth Homeless task force and is passionate about advocating for youth and adults in our community to have equitable access to opportunities. 

Bob Bolerjack

Bob Bolerjack of Everett was appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire in October 2012. Mr. Bolerjack retired in July 2020 after serving as the Executive Director of Governmental Affairs for the City of Everett. Prior to working for the City, he worked in Communications for the Snohomish County PUD, and before that he worked for The Daily Herald in Everett for 25 years - the last 10 as editorial page editor. During his years at The Herald, he also served as news editor and sports editor. Before joining The Herald in 1987, he worked at The Post-Star newspaper in Glens Falls, NY, and The Times-News in Twin Falls, Idaho. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism (with a minor in Political Science) at Western Washington University, and an Associate in Arts degree at  Bellevue College.

Dr. Betty Cobbs

Dr. Betty Cobbs of Everett was appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire in March 2009 and reappointed in 2013. Dr. Cobbs is the Principal at Woodside Elementary School in the Everett Public Schools District. She has worked in Everett Public Schools for more than 30 years, spending the first nine years of her career as a classroom teacher before moving into administration and serving as a school principal for 25 years. She has a bachelor's degree in education and master's degree in administration from Western Washington University and a doctorate from the University of Washington in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Dr. Cobbs is a Civil Service Commissioner for the City of Everett and a member of the board of directors for Volunteers of America Western Washington. In 1993, she was named "Woman of the Year" by the Business & Professional Women, Inc. of Snohomish County. She has also served as a member of boards for the Imagine Children’s Museum, Everett Parks and Recreation, Northwest Regional Educational Lab, Everett Performing Arts Theater, Everett Youth Symphony, Luther Child Center, and PTA. Dr. Cobbs served as board chair from 2011 to 2013 and 2019-2021 and as vice chair from 2010 to 2021.

Toraya Miller

Toraya Miller of Lake Stevens was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee in November 2015 and reappointed in November 2020. Ms. Miller is the Director of Training and Consulting at GSBA. Past Board Chair for United Way Snohomish County. She attended DeAnza Community College in Cupertino, California. She then graduated from the American Bankers Association National Intermediate Compliance School, the American Bankers Association National Graduate School of Compliance Risk Management and University of Washington’s Pacific Coast Banking School.