Matt Gianneschi, chief operating officer and chief of staff at Colorado Mountain College, has been named to the Aspen Institute’s inaugural class of Aspen Presidential Fellows.

The fellowship is a yearlong program. Fellows will participate in a series of seminars and ongoing mentorship focused on a new vision for leadership, delivered in collaboration with Stanford University faculty and top postsecondary institution and policy leaders from across the country.

“We are honored that Matt Gianneschi has been chosen for the first class of this unique program,” said Carrie Besnette Hauser, president and CEO of Colorado Mountain College. “He has built his career on championing student success in higher education and in preparing students for college.

“This fellowship is also a great opportunity for our college. Matt is eager to bring back to us what he learns about best practices from other fellows in his cohort – including leaders from former Aspen Prize winners Valencia College and Santa Fe College, as well as leaders from the Institute for Higher Education Policy and other organizations doing exceptional work in post-secondary access and success.”

Gianneschi was selected through a process that considered his commitment to underserved students and his abilities to take strategic risks, lead strong teams and cultivate partnerships, and focus on results-oriented improvements in student success and access.

The Aspen Presidential Fellowship is funded by the Carnegie Corp. of New York, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, ECMC Foundation, Greater Texas Foundation, the Joyce Foundation and the Kresge Foundation.