Presidential Search

Chancellor DeSanctis Names Dr. Bishane Whitmore as Next President of the Community College of Denver

April 8, 2026 (Denver, CO) — Marielena DeSanctis, Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System, has named Bishane Whitmore as the next president of the Community College of Denver following a nationwide search. He will begin October 1, 2026.

A Colorado native and U.S. Air Force Colonel, Dr. Whitmore brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in operations, strategy, and organizational management. He currently serves as Deputy Commander, overseeing a large, multi-site operation with thousands of personnel and significant fiscal and infrastructure responsibilities.

“Dr. Whitmore is a proven leader with the vision and experience to lead CCD into its next chapter,” said Chancellor DeSanctis.

Dr. Whitmore expressed enthusiasm for returning to Colorado to serve the Denver community, emphasizing the critical role of community colleges in expanding access, strengthening workforce pathways, and supporting student success.

CCD plays a vital role in connecting diverse learners to in-demand careers and advancing economic mobility across the region. Dr. Whitmore’s background in leadership, collaboration, and talent development positions him well to build on that mission.

Dr. Bishane Whitmore

Dr. Bishane Whitmore is a mission-driven executive leader committed to advancing student success, workforce development, and community prosperity through inclusive leadership and disciplined strategy. A senior United States Air Force officer and scholar-practitioner, he brings more than two decades of experience leading complex military organizations whose missions parallel public higher education: talent development, fiscal stewardship, governance, innovation, and civic partnership.

He began his military career in 2001, when he enlisted as a Medical Laboratory Technician and rose to his current role as Deputy Commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. There, he assists in leading 2,200 Airmen across multiple operational units, overseeing a $70 million annual budget and $3.8 billion in infrastructure, and invigorating over $198 million in local economic impact.

In this capacity, he integrates strategy, personnel policy, infrastructure planning, and public accountability. He has chaired senior governance boards responsible for budget prioritization, workforce development, morale and welfare funding, and institutional policy alignment. He has also partnered with local government entities and universities to advance STEM-focused educational collaborations and cooperative research agreements.

Dr. Whitmore understands firsthand the transformative power of the community college system, as his three associate degrees opened the door for further educational pursuits. His academic credentials also include a Bachelor of Arts, four master’s degrees, and a Doctor of Philosophy. His distinctions include designation as an Art of War Scholar from the Army’s Command and General Staff College, four times Distinguished Graduate from various military schools, selection as a Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award winner, and a Distinguished Flying Cross recipient for saving coalition lives during combat operations.