Colorado Mountain College announced its new vice president of planning and chief of staff on Monday after a national search — though they didn’t have to look very far.

Yesenia Silva Estrada, an alumna and employee of the college for over 15 years, was selected out of a national search to advance the college’s strategic plan. The chief of staff position was formerly held by Matt Gianneschi, who began his role as CMC president in August.

Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, Silva Estrada grew up in Carbondale and became the first in her family to attend college, earning an Associate of Arts in business from CMC. She then transferred to Regis University, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in accounting, according to a CMC news release. 

She returned to the Roaring Fork Valley to join CMC as a summer administrative assistant and was eventually promoted to her most recent role as executive director of CMC’s strategic initiatives division. She has since also earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver.

As vice president of planning and chief of staff, Silva Estrada will oversee the departments of strategic initiatives and institutional research, including externally funded programs, grants development and management, legislative and government relations, and partnerships with faculty, staff, students and external stakeholders. 

“This new position is an opportunity to give back to the college that shaped who I am today,” Silva Estrada said in the release. “CMC empowers people to transform their lives, and I am deeply passionate and dedicated to continuing this transformative work. … I’m honored to lead efforts that align with our mission and to contribute to the success and resilience of our mountain communities.” 

Silva Estrada will begin her new role on Dec. 1.