December 9, 2021 10:50 a.m.

After a nationwide search, the Umpqua Community College Foundation is welcoming Jessica Paugh as the new chief executive officer.

Paugh will lead the organization to provide operations, fiscal management, and fundraising for the foundation, which is a 501-c-(3) nonprofit organization of the college.

UCC President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt said “We are excited to have Jessica Paugh join our leadership team. Jessica’s unique skillset will enable her to step in and support the work the foundation does to support our students, and programming”. Dr. Pokrandt said the generosity the community has shown to the college over the years is astounding. She said the foundation will continue to be effective and efficient stewards of those contributions. Dr. Pokrandt said UCC is committed to increasing engagement with all sectors of the community in Douglas County and Paugh will plan an important role in those efforts.

Paugh comes from Parachute, Colorado where she served as the community development director. She has worked as assistant dean at Colorado Mountain College and held several faculty and teaching positions in Maryland public schools. She holds a Master of Science in education from John Hopkins University, and a Bachelor of Science in human and consumer science education, from Ohio University.

A release said in this newly established role, Paugh will work closely with the UCC Foundation’s volunteer board to support the college’s strategic mission, vision and goals.