Board Members

Email: 
wmclean2_bog@pima.edu

District 1:  Wade McLean 

A proud native Tucsonan and graduate of Tucson High School, Dr. Wade McLean began his career as a teacher in the Marana Unified School District and retired 30 years later as Superintendent. He also served the White Mountain Apache community as the Whiteriver Unified School District’s Superintendent.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in Education/Biology, he continued his education at the University of Arizona earning his master’s and doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Dr. McLean served four years on the Arizona State Board of Education and served as President and Vice President, was the State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Educational Liaison, was a member of the Educational Leadership faculty at the University of Arizona and was Co-Director of the Educational Leadership Internship Program. He collaborated with Pima Community College to design a “grow your own” teacher credentialing program. He also taught for Pima Community College in this program.

His service has also included Board membership and past Chair of WestEd, a national research, development and service nonprofit assisting education efforts throughout the U.S., Pima County Workforce Investment Board, Pima County Bond Advisory Committee, North Central Association State Committee member, Board member and past chair of the Metropolitan Education Commission, and University of Arizona P-20 Council.

Dr. McLean has received numerous recognitions and awards including: Marana Chamber of Commerce “Man of the Year,” University of Arizona Alumni Association Professional Achievement Award, Arizona School Administrators’ Superintendent of the Year, dedication of Wade McLean Pool by the Pima County Board of Supervisors, dedication of Wade McLean Park by the Marana Town Council, League of United Latin American Citizens Presidential and Community Service awards, and a Copper Letter by the City of Tucson.

Appointed January 2023-December 2024 

Email: 
triel_bog@pima.edu

District 2: Theresa Riel

Theresa Riel graduated from Sabino High School in '82 and then traveled with UpWithPeople, an organization for youth whose musical performances promoted diversity, racial equality, and positive thinking nationally and internationally. The experience gave her valuable knowledge and skills in building bridges of communication and understanding between all people.

Theresa studied at the University of Arizona, earning a BA in 1987 and an MA in Teaching and Teacher Education/Mathematics in 1995. She taught math for 33 years throughout Southern Arizona, spending the last 23 years on the faculty of Pima Community College. Her teaching experience taught her that every student can learn mathematics if taught in ways that accord with their individual learning styles.

While at PCC, she took courses in welding, classical guitar, woodworking and watercolor.

Theresa is active in the Tucson community, serving as president of the Rosemont West Neighborhood Association and as a Big Sister for the Big Brothers and Sisters of Southern Arizona. She is a regular volunteer for Sister Jose Women’s Shelter, a shelter for women experiencing homelessness.

Theresa is the mother of two amazing young men who have given her by far the best experience and most significant accomplishment of her life.

Elected November 2022 - December 2028

Email: 
District3@pima.edu

District 3:  Maria D. Garcia

Ms. Garcia worked for Hughes/Raytheon from 1974 until she retired in 2013. Her work experience includes engineering, quality control, research and development, and management. She received an Associate of Arts Degree from Pima and attended the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management.

A native Arizonan, Ms. Garcia was married to the late Arizona Senate majority leader Jorge Luis Garcia. Following his death in 2010, she was appointed to serve the remainder of his term in the State Senate. She currently serves as a precinct committee member for Legislative District 3.

Ms. Garcia has three children and five grandchildren.

Elected in Nov. 2018 for the term 2019-2024

Email: 
gtaylor23_bog@pima.edu

District 4:  Greg Taylor

Greg’s work focuses on strengthening Arizona’s social service safety net and improving Arizonans’ quality of life. He is passionate about supporting children, families, and vulnerable adults, making a personal commitment through board and volunteer service and a professional commitment through designing and implementing programs for corporate social responsibility and community engagement. 

Greg currently serves as the Regional Vice President, Community Affairs, for Arizona Complete Health, the Centene Corporation health plans in Arizona. Previously, he served as the Chief Community and Public Relations Officer at Community Partners, Inc. and Community Partnership of Southern Arizona, and Public Relations and Communications Director for Magellan Health Services of Arizona. Since 2011, Greg stewarded the investment of approximately $20 million in support of social service and nonprofit organizations.

He currently serves on the Pima Community College Governing Board, as the board chair for the American Heart Association (AHA) Tucson/Southern Arizona affiliate, and as a member of the AHA Western States Affiliates board. In 2016, the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce named Greg Tucson’s 40 Under 40 Man of the Year. And in 2019, Greg and his wife, Jessi, co-chaired the Tucson Heart Walk, raising a record-setting nearly $300,000 for heart disease and stroke research.

Additionally, his work in public relations and marketing efforts has been recognized by the International Association of Business Communicators, Health Information Resource Center, and the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals. Greg also holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in American Studies from Stanford University.

Elected November 2022 - December 2028

Email: 
District5@pima.edu

District 5:  Luis L. Gonzales

Mr. Gonzales is Yaqui. He honed his legislative and policy skills while serving as Tribal Leader from 2000-2012.

He is a product of the community college system, earning an associate’s degree in Administration of Criminal Justice. In 2012, Mr. Gonzales earned a bachelor’s degree in Education, with an emphasis on Literacy, Learning & Leadership, from the University of Arizona.

Mr. Gonzales lives on the Pascua Yaqui Reservation with his wife, Sally. They have five daughters and are proud of their 27 grandchildren.

Mr. Gonzales’ experience includes Director of Educational Programs, focusing on student scholarships and community resource management. He is multilingual, speaking Yaqui, Spanish and English. Over the years Mr. Gonzales has served on parent committees for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Tucson Unified School District. He currently serves on the Arizona Indian Council on Aging.

Mr. Gonzales will continue to promote quality, affordable and accessible higher education for all.

Elected in Nov. 2018 for the term 2019-2024