Kimberly Kaznowski to succeed Trent Saxton on FRC board
By Debra Moore
Feather River College has appointed a new Trustee for Area 1, filling the seat left vacant by Trent Saxton. Area 1 represents the eastern end of Plumas County.
Kimberly Kaznowski, of Graeagle, was selected for the position following an interview with the other trustees July 15.
Originally three individuals submitted applications for the position: Kaznowski, along with retired hospital administrator Tom Hayes, and long-time educator and insurance man Graham Wright. However, Hayes later withdrew his application and did not participate in the interview process.
FRC president Kevin Trutna said that both Kaznowski and Wright did exceedingly well during their interviews and the trustees were impressed with both applicants. Though Kaznowski was ultimately chosen, Trutna said he invited Wright to join the Feather River College Foundation as a way to support FRC.
Kaznowski taught high school mathematics before becoming a school psychologist. She serves on the board of High Sierra Rescue, and formerly served on the board of the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. She holds a bachelor’s in business and a master’s and doctorate in educational psychology.
In her letter of interest to the board of trustees, Kaznowski cited her educational experience as well as her governing board experience as to why she would make a good board member.
“The years I spent teaching high school mathematics and working as a school psychologist taught me that many students struggle academically, emotionally and financially. Many are not prepared for higher education, nor do they have a vision for their future,” she wrote. “A small, rural community college such as Feather River College can be the ideal environment for these students; nurturing, supporting and making them feel safe while providing them with a quality education.”
“As a board member I have been involved in financial, personnel, strategic direction, facilities, marketing, and fundraising decision making. … Finally, my education and experience in business will be an asset to the board of trustees when they analyze and plan for resources to support the FRC mission.”
She concluded with “Above all, my passion and commitment to education and life-long learning is my driving force for applying to become a board member.”
Following the roughly one-hour interview process, which was conducted in open session, her fellow trustees appointed Kaznowski to the board. She took the oath of office and then participated in the scheduled closed session and then the regular meeting of the board.
“Feather River College is an invaluable asset for our community and I’m grateful to be a part of it,” Kaznowski said following her first meeting.
