Whittier, California – For more than 35 years, Reneé Gallegos has been dedicated to ensuring Río Hondo College’s (RHC) leadership and governance runs smoothly and efficiently, a commitment that was recognized on Aug. 8 when the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) honored her with the Professional Board Staff Member Award.

Gallegos, RHC’s Executive Assistant to Superintendent/President Dr. Marilyn Flores and the Board of Trustees, earned the ACCT award for the Pacific Region in 2024. The ACCT’s five regional honorees are in the running for the national Professional Board Staff Member Award, which will be announced at the 2024 ACCT Awards Gala on Oct. 25 in Seattle.

“Reneé embodies the dedication and excellence Río Hondo College strives for every day,” said Board Clerk Rosaelva Lomeli, who nominated Gallegos for the award. “Her tireless work behind the scenes has been pivotal in supporting our leadership so we can focus on serving our students and community. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team.”

The ACCT is a non-profit educational organization of governing boards, representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern more than 1,000 community, technical, and junior colleges in the United States and beyond.

Gallegos has supported RHC’s leadership by managing schedules, coordinating meetings and preparing necessary materials to support both the superintendent/president and the Board of Trustees, including the organization of all Board meetings. She serves as the primary point of contact and handles communications for both entities, while also acting as a liaison between the president, board members and other RHC departments.

“Reneé has been the backbone of Río Hondo College’s leadership team for more than three decades, and is so deserving of this prestigious award,” Dr. Flores said. “Her commitment to our community and attention to detail have been instrumental in our success.”

PHOTO CAPTION

GALLEGOS1: Reneé Gallegos, Río Hondo College’s Executive Assistant to the President and Board of Trustees, earned the ACCT 2024 Professional Board Staff Member Award on Aug. 8.