Dr. Jaime Casillas has been appointed dean of economic development for the Ventura County Community College District effective immediately.

In this position, Casillas will be responsible for administering districtwide economic and work force development that will benefit communities, employers and employees throughout Ventura County.

Casillas has served Oxnard College for more than 10 years in several roles, including interim vice president of instruction, dean of career and technical education, dean of economic development and innovation, and dean of offcampus programs and community initiatives.

He also served as a counselor and dean of industry and technology at Ventura College, where he worked for 17 years before transferring to Oxnard College.

Casillas has a doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in community college administration and leadership from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He also has a master’s degree in counseling and guidance from California Lutheran University and a bachelor’s degree in law and society from UC Santa Barbara.

Casillas is active in numerous community organizations, including the Professional Latino Advancement Network of Ventura County and the Commission for Farm Workers’ Rights. He also is a former executive national board member of the Service Employment and Redevelopment Board and received the Educator of the Year award from El Concilio Del Condado de Ventura in 2005.

The Ventura County Community College District is a partner in the 110-campus California Community College system with colleges in Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura.