LYNNWOOD — Edmonds College is pleased to announce the appointments of Maria A. Montalvo and Blessing Jere to its Board of Trustees. Both appointees bring unique perspectives and a strong commitment to student success and policy governance.
Governor Bob Ferguson appointed Montalvo to a five-year term running through September 2031. Jere was appointed Student Trustee for the 2026–2027 academic year.
“We are thrilled to welcome Maria Montalvo and Blessing Jere to our Board of Trustees,” said Edmonds College President Dr. Amit B. Singh. “Trustee Montalvo’s vast experience in nonprofit leadership and deep roots in Snohomish County will be invaluable as we continue to expand our regional impact. At the same time, Student Trustee Jere’s commitment to student advocacy and global perspective will ensure our leadership remains grounded in student needs. Both bring extraordinary insight to our campus leadership team.”
Board Chair, Dr. Courtney Wooten added, “The Board welcomes our new trustees with gratitude for their service to and enthusiasm for Edmonds College. Our student trustee fills a unique role in terms of perspective and firsthand expertise. Trustee Montalvo brings deep experience in community leadership and a long history of support for our students. We look forward to working diligently and collaboratively to help ensure student success and a sustainable, welcoming Edmonds College for years to come.”
Montalvo brings decades of executive leadership, higher education advocacy, and civic engagement to the Board. She founded M’AM Consulting, LLC, where she specializes in impact strategy for nonprofits and educational institutions. Her extensive background includes serving as executive director of a national higher education foundation recognized by the White House, leading partnership development for a national infrastructure firm, and previously owning a business in Edmonds.
“I am excited to serve as a Trustee for Edmonds College because of the critical role it plays in our community, creating educational pathways for students from varied backgrounds and opportunities but with a shared belief in the power of learning,” said Montalvo. “In my years in higher ed, I saw first-hand how students could thrive when they felt valued and a part of a network of teachers, mentors, and fellow students. What draws me most to this opportunity is the chance to support an institution that is deeply committed to innovative and student-focused options within our very complex higher education system.”
Montalvo has a long-standing relationship with Edmonds College as an instructor with the Creative Retirement Institute and is a former member of the Edmonds College Foundation Board. Her leadership in the local community is extensive; she has served on the boards of the Hazel Miller Foundation, Edmonds Center for the Arts, the City of Edmonds Diversity Commission, and the Edmonds Veterans Plaza.
Montalvo holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Political Science and Economics from the University of New Mexico, as well as multiple executive coaching credentials.
Blessing Jere, originally from Lilongwe, Malawi, began her studies at Edmonds in 2025 and is currently in her second year pursuing an Associate of Business – Transfer degree. In addition to her role as a trustee, she serves as an activities programmer for the college’s Office of International Programs.
As Student Trustee, Jere brings a deep understanding of the student experience and a passion for inclusive governance. After graduating from Edmonds, she plans to earn a bachelor’s degree and pursue a career in international business as a Marketing Analytics Manager.
“What excites me most about joining the Board is the opportunity to represent students and contribute to the continued growth of Edmonds College,” said Jere. “It allows me to give back to a college community that has played such an important role in my own journey as an international student and student leader. I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of feeling heard, seen, empowered, and supported. I am excited and pleased to bring that same perspective to the Board and help create that same experience for other students just like myself in our community.”
The Edmonds College Board of Trustees is composed of six members appointed by the Governor. The Board establishes college policies, oversees performance, and ensures the institution fulfills its mission to provide accessible, high-quality education to the community.
Edmonds College | edmonds.edu
Edmonds College is a public college accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and governed by the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. Edmonds mission is: Teaching I Learning I Community. The college serves approximately 15,000 students annually, including approximately 900 international students from about 60 countries. The college currently offers four bachelor of applied science degrees (with approval to offer one more in 2024), 66 associate degrees, and 111 professional certificates in 30 programs of study. Edmonds College offers robust athletics programs for men and women, including baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and cross-country. The college operates two on-campus residence halls housing approximately 400 students. In addition, the college has a wide range of comprehensive offerings: College credit in high school, basic education skills to receive a high school diploma/GED or to prepare for college, short-term non-credit training, continuing education, online degrees, and certificates, offered day, night, and weekend. Support services include childcare, a campus food pantry, 211 navigator, and mental health resources. The school operates on a quarter system. The average age of students is 30.
Source: Edmonds College
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
