Nicky’s efforts helped Peralta conclude a successful Chancellor search resulting in the hiring of former Laney College President Tammeil Gilkerson, an innovative and visionary leader with a stellar reputation both within Peralta and statewide. She is also the first Asian-heritage chancellor ever hired at Peralta.

With comprehensive knowledge of Peralta’s needs, Nicky actively encouraged qualified candidates — like Tammeil — to consider the position. His participation on the board helped shape an equitable, informed, and collegial hiring process and also ensured that relevant questions were asked of each candidate to highlight inclusive decision-making processes and grounded personal experience serving students.

The successful conclusion of this search was a major accomplishment, especially coming off of a tumultuous and conflictual prior series of failed permanent chancellors which had created an unfavorable environment in which to recruit desirable candidates.