NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release: December 19, 2024
For further information contact:
Ryan Brown: Phone: 408-531-6172 | Email: ryan.brown@sjeccd.edu
New Trustees Join SJECCD Board; Board President, VP Elected
(San José, Calif.) —Two new members were sworn in to their positions on the San José – Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD) board of trustees during its regular meeting on December 17, following their successful election results in November.
Marsha Grilli was sworn in to represent Trustee Area 1, which comprises much of north San José—including the Berryessa neighborhood—as well as the City of Milpitas. Buu Thai was sworn in as the trustee for Area 5, which represents areas of south San José, including much of the Parkview and Almaden Valley neighborhoods. While they are new to the SJECCD board of trustees, both are experienced local political leaders.
Prior to joining the SJECCD Board, Grilli served on both the Milpitas Unified School District board of education and as a councilmember on the Milpitas City Council.
Thai is a longtime resident of San José who has worked extensively in the local government and non-profit sectors. She previously served on the Franklin McKinley School District board of education.
“We are very fortunate to have two new trustees with the level of experience, expertise, and knowledge that Trustees Grilli and Thai bring to our District,” said Dr. Beatriz Chaidez, SJECCD chancellor. “I am confident they will both play pivotal roles in advancing our mission and enhancing the services we provide to our students and the broader community.”
Grilli fills a vacancy created in Trustee Area 1 when former trustee Bob Livengood resigned from the board last June. Thai replaces former trustee Wendy Ho, who did not seek reelection after serving 12 years on the SJECCD board of trustees.
Two incumbent trustees who won reelection in November were also sworn in during the meeting. Tony Alexander will continue to represent Trustee Area 3 while Clay Hale was reelected to represent Trustee Area 7.
The SJECCD board of trustees also elected new leadership for 2025, as Alexander was chosen by his colleagues to serve as board president and Trustee Jeffrey Lease was elected to serve as board vice president.