DVC’s vice president of finance and administration is set to retire at the end of the semester.

Vice President Chris Leivas will be retiring after working at DVC for 22 years.

Leivas has held this position for the past five years, initially working as the director of business services for the first 17 years of his tenure.

Julie Catalano, the senior administrative assistant to the vice president, says that Leivas’s work “provides the complete infrastructure to the college,” which includes departments such as the Book Center, Cafeteria, Cashier’s office and business services.

He oversees the budget for the college as well and Catalano credits him for the good stance of finances DVC is in now.

“The college is in considerably healthy financial circumstance, given California’s financial state, largely because of Chris’ financial acumen,” Catalano said.

DVC President Peter Garcia echoes Catalano’s sentiment on the talent and commitment that Leivas possesses.

“He’s so professional and so competent and his heart is always in the
right place in terms of the institution,” he said. “[He is] very protective of our fiscal
integrity, protective of the people who report to him and serve the college, and
I just think a really good man and a good professional.”

In regards to Leivas’ role as vice president, Garcia explains how much he has meant to him.

“Chris is a really deliberate, thorough thinker and not
afraid to tell you news or opinions that you might not want to hear and I think
for a president, my experience has been: the smarter the people around you and
the more courageous the people around you, the better the college does,” he said. “So I
think Chris’ advice and admonishments and council have been really invaluable
to my time here.”

According to Leivas, his high point from his time at DVC was helping to bring technology to the campus. DVC has come far from in terms of technology, with classrooms now having access to the internet, faculty having computers and more Wi-Fi throughout the campus.

Catalano also expressed how his departure will be a loss for the college but what she will miss most about Leivas is his “integrity and problem solving skills…his wisdom, but mostly his keen sense of humor.”

As for Leivas, he is ready to enter a new phase of his life.

“I’ve been the chief business officer for DVC for 22 years, which is about one-third of the college’s existence,” he said. “It is time to go and let someone new take over.”

With this retirement, he simply looks forward to having more time to do enjoyable things like fly fishing and going to sporting events.

According to Garcia, an interim will be filling the position until they find a permanent vice president.