Harford Community College is on the verge of getting its first female president -- one who also has Maryland ties.
The college board of trustees voted unanimously Thursday to offer the post to Dr. Claudia E. Chiesi, vice president of academic affairs and student services at Lorain County Community College in Elyira, Ohio.
Although Dr. Chiesi has not officially accepted the position, she and the board are negotiating a salary and benefits package, said Leland C. Sanborn, chairman of the college's board of trustees.
"She was the most outstanding person of the four [finalists]," Mr. Sanborn said.
Dr. Chiesi holds a doctorate in social, philosophical and historical foundations.
She was director of development and international education, and also a professor of English, at Catonsville Community College from 1976 to 1988. She also was a consultant to Essex Community College from 1986 to 1988.
Dr. Chiesi, who was attending a meeting in Atlanta Friday, was unavailable for comment.
In her application letter to the college, Dr. Chiesi said she has "commitments to technical development, fiscal prudence, global education and multicultural inclusion for programs and personnel."
She has represented her current college in business partnerships, and oversees 410 full-time and part-time faculty, plus 85 support and administrative staffers.
She manages a $24 million budget.
Harford Community College's search for a new president began in June after Richard J. Pappas announced he was leaving the VTC college to become president of Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Mich.
More than 90 applicants applied for the position.