The three finalists are: Dr. Jack Dillenberg of Jerome, Mrs. Stephanie Harrison of Sedona, and Mr. Toby Payne of Clarkdale; Cathy Ransom from Cottonwood didn’t make final cut; winner to be announced March 10
Yavapai County School Superintendent Tim Carter has announced the finalists to fill the Third District Yavapai Community College Governing Board seat. They are Dr. Jack Dillenberg of Jerome, Mrs. Stephanie Harrison of Sedona, and Mr. Toby Payne of Clarkdale; Cathy Ransom from Cottonwood didn’t make the final cut; winner to be announced March 10.
The following is a portion of Mr. Carter’s press release regarding the selection:
As has been the historical precedent for community college appointments, Superintendent Carter has appointed a five (5) member Candidate Review Committee. Committee members reside in District 3. The committee is made up of a taxpayer, a faculty member, a student, an elected official, and a person who works in the area of workforce development.
The committee met on Tuesday, February 28th in Cottonwood to review letters of interest, resumes, and letters of recommendation. The committee drafted a set of questions to be used for the interviews and determined three finalists who will be interviewed in Sedona on March 6th.
The candidates are listed in alphabetical order:
Dr. Jack Dillenberg of Jerome. Bachelor of Science from Tulane University, Masters Degree in Public Health from Harvard and Doctorate at New York University, College of Dentistry. Previous Assistant Director and Director with both the Arizona and California Department of Health Services and Dean Emeritus of the A.T. Still’s University’s Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. Former Mayor of Jerome. Serves on the Arizona State Supreme Court Attorney Discipline Committee.
Mrs. Stephanie Harrison of Sedona. Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University in Dental Hygiene and a Masters of Arts in Health Services Management from Webster University. Previous administrative work with both Delta College and the Community College of Denver, holding several senior leadership positions. Currently working part time with Dr. Whetman’s Dental Office in Sedona. She and her husband enjoy an active lifestyle. She is active with several outdoor groups.
Mr. Toby Payne of Clarkdale. A native of Phoenix. Attended Phoenix College. As an entrepreneur, founded Stage Sound and began touring with Andy Williams, Sammy Davis Jr., Waylon Jennings, etc. Designed and supplied the sound system for The Papal Visit at ASU. Clients include major sports arenas and churches of all sizes. Served on the Cave Creek Unified School District Governing Board, serving as President twice. Married 41 years. Member Clarkdale-Verde Kiwanis Club.
Members of the public from District 3, will have an opportunity to email their views of the candidates to Mr. Carter (Tim.carter@yavapaiaz.gov) or to meet personally with him for a 10-minute meeting from noon to 4 pm on Thursday, March 9th at the Sedona Campus of Yavapai College. The meetings will be on a first come, first basis. Prior to making the final selection, the Superintendent will also meet separately with each of the currently seated Yavapai College Board Members for their input on the finalists.
The appointment should be announced by Friday, March 10th. The term begins upon taking the Oath of Office on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 and will be valid through December 31, 2024. To continue beyond that date, the successful candidate will need to run for the seat in the 2024 general election for a new six-year term beginning January 1, 2025. If you have any questions, please call Mr. Carter at 928-925-6560 (cell).