WARWICK, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island Alumni Association has elected a new President.

Cumberland native Malida Khim, a 2019 CCRI graduate and Impact Coordinator for Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy at CVS Health, will replace Jeffrey Wright Jr., a Woonsocket resident who has held the role since 2023.

“She’s a go-getter in every sense of the word,” Wright said of Khim. “She’s dynamic. Just to watch her growth and to watch what she’s done … it’s been remarkable. I couldn’t think of another person who’s more ready for this opportunity.

“She brings a unique perspective. Malida is a perfect example of what happens when you take the time to pour into somebody and then see what they can show you. I can’t wait to see what she does with the role; I feel like she’ll enhance the role and make it even better.”

Khim joined the Alumni Association the same year she graduated from CCRI. First serving as a member of the Diversity committee, Khim wants to make accessibility a hallmark of her tenure as President.

“My new position as president is mind-blowing to me,” she said. “My goal is to make it easier for everyone to access all of the resources available through the deep alumni network at CCRI to make sure we can provide as much access as possible so that people can enhance their futures, and reach their goals and their dreams of themselves and their parents and families before them.”

Khim hopes to carry over the energy that Wright brought to the position.

“Jeff is the definition of authenticity,” she said. “He brought his true self to the role, which is something I’m trying to adapt in my leadership style. I’ve always felt you have to be able to bring your full self to do the best that you can in whatever capacity you’re in.”

Wright, who graduated from CCRI in 2008 and joined the Alumni Association in 2019, isn’t stepping away from CCRI – but rather leaning in. He will join Providence native Lisa Ranglin, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Black Business Association, as a new trustee for the CCRI Foundation. Now a principal at Vartan Gregorian Elementary School in Providence, he’ll bring hands-on education experience to his new role with the CCRI Foundation.

“Where I most want to help is to look at things through the lens of education,” Wright said.

The Alumni Association also will welcome Jamestown’s Kerry Farrea and Providence’s Anthony Roberson Jr. as incoming members. Farrea, a 2013 CCRI graduate, is a Ph.D. researcher at Deakin University, while Roberson, who graduated in 2024, is the longtime Chief of Police for the Central Falls Police Department.

“He’s a tremendous leader in the community,” Wright said of Roberson. “The thing that impresses me the most is the way he polices is a very community-centric approach. He’s brilliant. I couldn’t be more grateful for him to bring his experiences and his perspective to the alumni board. I think it’ll be invaluable for our members.”

Here’s the full list of new Alumni Association elections:

Officers

• President: Malida Khim, Cumberland, ’19
  Impact Coordinator, Corporate Social Responsibility & Philanthropy, CVS Health
• President Elect: Mariela Lucaj, Chestnut Hill, Mass., ’18
  Senior Associate, Value-Based Care Performance, Athena Health
• Treasurer: Kathleen “Kathy” A. Charbonneau, East Providence, ’83 (2nd term)
  Vice President of Community Relations, BankNewport
• Alumni Diversity Council Chair: Capt. Alexandra “Allie” D. Curtis, Cranston, ’19
  110th Public Affairs Detachment Commander, Rhode Island National Guard
• Immediate Past President: Jeffrey “Jeff” C. Wright, Jr., Woonsocket, ’08
  Principal, Providence Public School District

Subcommittees:

• Scholarship and Grants: Sergio E. Sousa, Barrington, ’04
  Gaming Business Manager, Rhode Island Lottery
• Engagement: Lisa A. Miranda, Bristol, ’02
  Owner/Director of Marketing & Operations, HouseMaster Home Inspections

Incoming members:

• Kerry A. Farrea, Jamestown, ’13
  Ph.D. Researcher, Deakin University
• Col. Anthony J. Roberson, Jr., Providence, ’24
  Chief of Police, City of Central Falls

Khim laid out a clear goal for the Alumni Association and its new members.

“CCRI – ultimately, that’s what it’s all about,” she said. “It’s the institution, the students, the alumni, the faculty and staff. Just making sure we’re able to provide as many opportunities for our community as possible. That’s really the backbone behind the association.”

Each member of the Alumni Association and CCRI Foundation brings something different to the table. But they all have one thing in common: a passion for CCRI.

“These members, they all offer something unique and special,” Wright said. “One thing that continues to impress me the most is our alums love CCRI.

“It changed us, it changed our lives.”