Forest Jones has been named the 2012-2013 chairman of the Virginia Western Community College Local Advisory Board. Jones has been an education supporter for almost 50 years through his roles as teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, director of administrative services for Salem City Schools, assistant city manager and city manager. Made up of community members, the board coaches VWCC on how to provide affordable and accessible education and workforce training opportunities.

Here is the press release from Virginia Western Community College.

ROANOKE —Former Salem City Manager and long-time champion for education Forest Jones has been elected as the 2012-13 chair of the Virginia Western Community College Local Advisory Board. The Local Board counsels Virginia Western on how to fulfill its mission of providing affordable, accessible and quality educational opportunities and workforce training to meet individual, community and global needs.

The Local Board is comprised of community members in both the public and private sector who represent the college’s coverage area: the cities of Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin and Roanoke. Jones has been a key voice for education in the region and in Salem in particular for nearly 50 years. He has been a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, director of administrative services for Salem City School, assistant city manager and city manager.

“We have had the pleasure of having Forest on the Local Board since July of 2008, and he has always provided the unique perspective of someone who has been an educator and in city government,” said Dr. Robert H. Sandel, President of Virginia Western. “His guidance will help the College continue to reach out to underserved populations. Our Community College Access Program (CCAP) began in Salem City, and Forest’s guidance will be important as this program that provides tuition to local students expands regionally.”

Jones will be joined by a new Vice Chair, Gerald Burgess, County Administrator of Botetourt County. In his 20-plus years as the Chief Executive Officer of Botetourt County, Burgess has spearheaded great business growth and provided educational opportunities.

“Jerry understands how to spur local industry and workforce development through education,” Dr. Sandel said. “He led the development of the Greenfield Education and Training Center, which Virginia Western utilizes to train workers and help businesses learn to operate more efficiently.”

Dr. Lorraine Lange, Superintendent of Roanoke County Schools, is stepping down as chair after a two-year term, but she will remain on the Local Board.

Members of the public are invited to attend the upcoming meeting of the Local Board at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20.  The meeting will be held in the college’s Natural Science Center. Those individuals needing assistance in attending the meeting are asked to contact Amy Balzer, Assistant to the President, at 540-857-7311 or abalzer@virginiawestern.edu.