Background: Dr. Jose Fierro began his tenure as President/Superintendent of the Cerritos Community College District in July 2015. Through Dr. Fierro’s initiatives and commitment to increasing educational access, providing basic needs, and supporting personal and professional advancement, Cerritos College has become the launchpad for social and economic mobility in the Southeast Los Angeles area. Dr. Fierro launched several award-winning initiatives, including Cerritos Complete and The Village. Cerritos Complete received the 2018 Examples of Excelencia award, and both programs were named finalists for the Bellwether Award. Under his leadership, Cerritos College earned the Seal of Excelencia certification in 2024.

Native of Madison, Wisconsin, Dr. Jose Fierro grew up in Bogota, Colombia and is an avid athlete. Dr. Fierro is always looking for more opportunities to stay active and engaged with students, including joining in training programs for marathon events with student veterans and other student groups on campus. Dr. Fierro currently serves as the President of the California Association of Latino Community College Trustees and Administrators, Immediate Past President of the National Community College Hispanic Council, Co-Chair of the Los Angeles Regional Consortium, and Member of the Coast Plaza Hospital Board of Directors.