Salt Lake Community College Announces New Board of Trustees Members
Salt Lake Community College's Board of Trustees recently welcomed four new members. Their leadership experience draws from careers involving finance, philanthropy, development, administration, communications, and policy. Two of the new members have close ties to the College, including new Alumni Representative Mike Bird and current SLCC Student Body President Roena Mae Delfin.
Arthur Newell and Don Stirling were appointed by Governor Spencer J. Cox and confirmed by the Utah State Senate to serve a four-year term. Mike Bird served as Chair of the Alumni Council and now replaces Tashelle Wright as the Board of Trustees' Alumni Representative.
"We are honored to welcome these outstanding individuals to our Board of Trustees. Salt Lake Community College thrives because of the dedication and vision of leaders like these who believe in the power of education," said SLCC President Greg Peterson. "The depth of their professional experience, and also those with personal ties to SLCC, will provide guidance and valuable insights in helping us lead the College as we continue to focus on providing excellent education for the communities we serve."
Arthur Newell serves as the Regional Director of Commercial Banking for Salt Lake and oversees International Banking at Zions Bank. With decades of experience in commercial, treasury, and real estate banking, he has been a strong advocate for education and community service. Arthur has held leadership roles on several education-focused boards, including the Utah Board of Higher Education, my529/Utah Educational Savings Plan, and the Utah Colleges of Technical Education. He earned degrees from Brigham Young University and the University of Utah.
Don Stirling is Executive Director of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, where he leads philanthropic efforts and strategic initiatives across the Miller family's business and charitable interests. His career spans leadership roles in marketing, communications, and nonprofit management, including positions with the NBA, LPGA, Deseret Book, and the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Don also served as a senior advisor to Governor Mitt Romney. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University.
Alumni Representative Mike Bird is a proud SLCC alumnus who served as student body president and trustee during his time at the College. He currently chairs the SLCC Alumni Leadership Council and works as a hospital ddministrator at University of Utah Health, overseeing allergy and dermatology services. With over 15 years in healthcare, Mike has held roles in policy, consulting, and innovation, including work with Senator Orrin Hatch and Leavitt Partners. He holds a bachelor's in business and a master's in finance from the University of Utah.
Student Trustee Roena Mae Delfin, originally from the Philippines, is pursuing a degree in Nursing at SLCC and is passionate about building a career in healthcare. As a student leader and former student senator, she has championed initiatives to improve the general education experience and promote student engagement. Roena is committed to amplifying student voices and advancing shared governance during her term as Student Trustee for the 2025–26 academic year.
Media Contact, Salt Lake Community College:
Peta Owens-Liston, peta.liston@slcc.edu, 801-957-5099