NSCC Trustees Announce Pick for New College President

The trustees at North Shore Community College have concluded their nine-month-long search and are recommending Dr. Patricia Gentile for the top job at the Danvers-based institution.

Gentile's appointment must be confirmed by the state Board of Higher Education first before she can become the fourth president at NSCC. That vote will occur Oct. 22.

If approved, Gentile will take over from Interim President Janice Forsstrom effective January 2014. Forsstrom was temporarily promoted to replace Dr. Wayne Burton, who retired in July after 13 years at NSCC.

"We found in Dr. Gentile someone who met all of our requirements for experience, commitment and values. In addition we believe she will be a charismatic, transformational leader who will help elevate NSCC to its next level," said NSCC trustees chairman Richard Yagjian in a statement.

Gentile is coming to Danvers from Atlantic Cape Community College in New Jersey, where she's currently the Dean of Advancement, Enrollment Management and the Cape May County Campus.

She's spent 14 years at Atlantic Cape Community College in different administrative roles as well as an adjunct business instructor and previously was a CEO for the Children's Defense Fund, two mid-Atlantic Girl Scout Councils and the Women's Humane Society in Pennsylvania. She also volunteers in various capacities and spent her early career teaching in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Gentile holds degrees in finance and public policy/management from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and in educational leadership and higher education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  

The trustees say 72 candidates applied for the job and 13 were selected for interviews. From there, five finalists were chosen by a 16-member search committee and invited to the campus as part of a two-day interview process in September.

"I am deeply honored to be chosen by the Board of Trustees as the next president of North Shore Community College. I have found the North Shore community to be composed of passionate educators, caring and dedicated professionals, and mission-driven leaders who create real opportunity for each and every student that experiences the college. It will be a joy to join such a dynamic and visionary team," said Gentile in a statement.

The college's main campus is in Danvers on Ferncroft Road with satellite campuses in Lynn, Beverly and at Essex Aggie on Maple Street in Danvers.