Office of the President
Bellingham Technical College was pleased to welcome President James Lemerond to our campus community in January 2023.
With more than 20 years of experience in higher education in a technical college setting — and as a graduate of a technical college program himself — Dr. Lemerond understands the power of technical college education. The knowledge, skills, and abilities students get at Bellingham Technical College prepare them for high-demand and high-earning careers that can be transformational for students and their families, in fields that include Nursing & Allied Health, Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences, Culinary Arts, Information Technology, Business and Transportation.
Dr. Lemerond has worked in higher education, focused on student achievement, since 2000. He started at Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, WI, as an adjunct faculty in 2001. From there, he transitioned to teaching and managing a medical imaging program in Milwaukee, WI. In 2007, he moved back to Lakeshore Technical College full-time, where he served as Radiography Program Faculty/Chair, Dean of Health and Human Services, and Dean of Business, Technology, and Hospitality. In 2018, he became the Vice President of Instruction at Lakeshore Technical College.
Dr. Lemerond earned his doctorate of education in education leadership from the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, KY; a master of science in training and development and a bachelor of arts in health arts from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL; and an associate of science in radiography from Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, WI.
Following his move to Bellingham in December 2022 with his wife, Carie, he is excited to continue to get to know the on- and off-campus community and help foster an educational environment where BTC’s students can thrive.
Important Links
BTC Notable News
BTC's Strategic Plan, Mission, and Vision
Diversity at BTC
Legislative Advocacy
Bellingham Technical College’s office of the president is responsible for bringing together campus members including, BTC Board of Trustees, Associated Student Body, Administrators, Deans and other constituents to advocate and influence public policy and opinions about BTC and the CTC system priorities and challenges. These participants uphold BTC’s vision and mission by sharing the college's accomplishments, and highlighting BTC's long-standing dedication to the community through education, which strengthens the colleges connectivity, reputation and perception within the community and beyond. Read more about BTC's Legislative Advocacy.
Board of Trustees
BTC is governed by a five-member Board of Trustees. Each member is appointed by the governor, and serves a five-year term.
The Board’s activities include strategic planning, policy creation, appointing the College President, approving operating budgets, and awarding tenure.
For additional information regarding the Board of Trustees please contact the College President's office at 360.752.8334.
Bradley Smith
Appointed to the BTC Board of Trustees in March 2018.
CAREER PROFILE:
Dean of Huxley College of the Environment at WWU (1994-2012); Prior experience includes: Director of the Office of Environmental Education for the US Environmental Protection Agency; Special Assistant to the administrator of the EPA; and, Acting Associate Administrator for the EPA. Dr. Smith was appointed to the U.S. Senior Executive Service in 1991. In addition, he was a professor of political science and biology, Director of Michigan’s Tobico Marsh National Refuge and also served as adjunct faculty at the Air Force Institute of Technology and the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment
EDUCATION PROFILE:
Ph.D. from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and the Environment.
COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission, current Chair; Bering Sea Fisheries Advisory Board; National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology; National Environmental Education Foundation; North Pacific Research Board; member of the Arctic Working Group; Washington State Sea Grant Board; and, Washington State Sustainability Commission.
Richard Kaiser
Appointed to the BTC Board of Trustees in July 2020. Current Board Chair.
CAREER PROFILE:
Project Manager, AIS Software; Owner, Seaprest Company. Prior work experience: Sehome High School, AP Computer Programming Instructor; Anvil Engineering, Mechanical Engineer; Whatcom Community College, Intertidal Ecology Instructor; Rocket Research Company, Development Engineer, Test Engineer, and Computer Programmer; University of Washington College of Oceanography, Oceanography Instructor.
EDUCATION PROFILE:
Bachelor of Arts & Sciences, Biological Oceanography, University of Washington, 1977; Master of Science in Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, University of Washington, 1984.
COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
Current: Technology Alliance Group, Member; Rotary Club of Bellingham, Member. Past: WWU College of Science & Engineering, Advisory Board President; Mount Baker Theatre, Board Member; Northwest Washington Engineers Club, President; Bellingham Bay Aquarium Project, Board of Directors.
Jim Groves
Served as a BTC Trustee from 2009-2020; reappointed to the Board of Trustees in February 2022.
CAREER PROFILE:
Retired Journeyman Electrician, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 191.
Ann McQuade
Appointed to the BTC Board of Trustees in February 2022. Current Board Vice Chair.
CAREER PROFILE:
Retired Lt Col United States Air Force Nurse Corps Staff Nurse Medical Surgical Unit and Emergency Department. Element Leader Family Medicine Clinic, Flight Commander Family Practice and Pediatric Clinics. Flight Nurse, Flight Nurse, Aeromedical Technician, BattleField Nursing, and Critical Care Air Transport Course Instructor. Flight Commander Medical Readiness and Training.
EDUCATIONAL PROFILE:
University of Nebraska Bachelor of Science Nursing, University of the Incarnate Word, TX Master of Science Nursing.
COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
Society of Air Force Nursing Pacific Region, Brighton Crest HOA and Septic Assn Secretary/Treasurer, Former Assumption School Chair School Commission and Parent Teacher Club.
Hours & Contacts
- president@btc.edu
- 360.752.8334
- 360.752.7099
- College Services (CS) Room 214