Press Release: Emily Griffith Technical College Announces Dr. Sarah Heath as College’s Inaugural President
Emily Griffith Technical College Announces Dr. Sarah Heath as College’s Inaugural President
First presidential appointment in college’s 110 year history marks a new era for the college
DENVER, June 10, 2026 – Emily Griffith Technical College (Emily Griffith) announced it has hired Dr. Sarah Heath as the college’s first president. Dr. Heath, who will begin in the role on July 27, has spent over 10 years as a leader in the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) and has worked in Career and Technical Education (CTE) for more than 20 years. She has dedicated her career to stewarding academic policy, building high-performing industry-aligned institutions, and advancing equity.
The creation of the president role reflects Emily Griffith’s continued evolution as a leading provider of career and technical education and its focus on expanding workforce education opportunities across the Denver metro area. The college previously was led by an executive director, most recently Randy Johnson.
“Dr. Heath is a Colorado trailblazer and deeply respected champion for Career and Technical Education,” said DPS Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero. “She brings an exceptional wealth of visionary leadership to Emily Griffith. Her distinguished track record makes her uniquely suited to guide this institution into its historic future.”
Dr. Heath served for two years as the vice chancellor for Workforce, Academic and Student Affairs at CCCS. Prior, she served for nine years as associate vice chancellor for the same department. She has served as the Colorado state director for Career and Technical Education through her whole tenure at CCCS. Dr. Heath also worked at Jeffco Public Schools as the district director of choice programs serving CTE and concurrent enrollment, the Georgia Department of Education, and as a high school CTE teacher in Georgia.
“To be entrusted as the first president of Emily Griffith Technical College is one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” said Dr. Sarah Heath. “Throughout my career, I have been guided by a belief that education changes lives, strengthens families and creates thriving communities. This is a defining moment for Emily Griffith Technical College, and I am excited by the opportunity to ensure that Emily Griffith’s spirit of innovation continues to shape the future of workforce education in Colorado.”
Dr. Heath will be charged with growing the Associate of Applied Science degrees, evaluating and enhancing the college’s program offerings to ensure relevance and strong enrollment, and expanding vital cross-sector partnerships with industry and post-secondary institutions. She also will champion the student experience to achieve strong outcomes, expertly steward financial resources, and invest in internal infrastructure while attracting, retaining, and developing the college’s faculty and staff. Dr. Heath will collaborate with colleagues within the college, as well as with Denver Public School’s executive cabinet and the Emily Griffith Foundation.
Dr. Heath has immersed herself in CTE not only in Colorado but nationally. She previously served on the Advance CTE Board of Directors and the Association for Career and Technical Education Board, as president of both organizations. She currently serves as the president of the SkillsUSA Board of Directors. She also has led national and state policy work as a proponent of CTE and workforce education.
Dr. Heath has a proven record of driving innovation, advancing equity, and aligning academic strategy with regional and state economic priorities. She holds a bachelor’s of business administration, master’s of education in business education and doctorate of philosophy in workforce education, all from the University of Georgia.
Founded in 1916, and celebrating its 110th anniversary in 2026, Emily Griffith Technical College provides career and technical education programs designed to prepare students for in-demand jobs and support Colorado’s workforce needs.
For more information, visit emilygriffith.edu and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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About Emily Griffith Technical College
The mission of Emily Griffith Technical College (Emily Griffith) is to prepare students for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s opportunities. Emily Griffith is the public, postsecondary and adult education arm of the Denver Public School system and serves over 8,500 students through Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificate programs, apprenticeships, high school equivalency and English classes. Over the past 100+ years, the College has educated nearly two million students who have sought pathways toward long-term career advancement. In 2023, Emily Griffith Technical College was recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as an Apprenticeship Ambassador for serving as a champion in promoting, expanding, and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship. For more information, visit our website and follow us on social media.
About Denver Public Schools
Denver Public Schools is committed to providing a world-class education for every child, ensuring they are ready for career or college. As Colorado’s largest public school district, DPS serves a diverse community of more than 86,000 students in K-12 grades across 198 schools. Guided by its core values of equity, accountability, and collaboration, the district is dedicated to closing achievement gaps and providing rigorous, inclusive learning environments.
Jamie Winter
Winter Public Relations