Northland Pioneer College (NPC) continues to strengthen its role as a vital partner in workforce and economic development throughout northeastern Arizona with the creation of a new Department of External Relations and the appointment of a familiar face to lead it.
Rich Chanick has been named Associate Vice President for External Relations, a newly established leadership role that will integrate workforce development, economic development, and government affairs at NPC. This marks a strategic step forward as the college expands its impact and deepens relationships with local businesses, communities, and government partners.
Over the past 13 years, Chanick has worked closely with local industries and regional funding partners through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted at NPC. His efforts have helped elevate the college’s regional presence by assisting with connecting the college to more than $15 million in additional funding and building long-term partnerships that benefit both the college and the broader community.
Among his accomplishments, Chanick collaborated with college departments to redefine the Construction program, giving students real-world experience by building on-site homes in communities with critical housing needs. This initiative was made possible through a funding partnership with the Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network. He also played a key role in strengthening NPC’s relationship with the Arizona Commerce Authority, which led to $9 million in funding for the construction of a new center in Kayenta, Arizona. The center will better meet the needs of students in the region and expand program development tailored to the local workforce.
In his new role, Chanick will serve as the primary liaison between NPC and external stakeholders, ensuring that businesses, community organizations, and government agencies are connected with the right resources and personnel within the college.
His appointment is both a recognition of the important work he has already accomplished and a signal of where NPC is headed in terms of community engagement and regional development. NPC President Von Lawson applauds the new role stating, “Mr. Rich Chanick will continue to be a tremendous asset to NPC’s 21,000-square-mile service area, serving students, citizens, and stakeholders across Navajo and Apache counties.”
The college encourages businesses, organizations, and government officials to reach out to Chanick as new opportunities emerge, including training programs to support our local demands. Email rich.chanick@npc.edu or call (928) 532-6706.
