TRUCKEE MEADOWS COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT, SHEEHAN, TO CO-CHAIR RENO-TAHOE OPEN RENEGADES

January 9, 2012

Dr. Maria Sheehan, president of Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), has signed on as co-chair of the Reno-Tahoe Open Renegades, a group of community leaders dedicated to utilizing the area’s only PGA TOUR event as a platform to promote the northern Nevada community around the world. Sheehan joins co-chair Mike Bosma, along with nearly 100 other members of the group, in employing the tournament’s international exposure to help boost the local economy and promote the area as a great place to live, visit and do business.

“Because I personally believe in increasing the economic vitality in our beautiful area, I am proud to be a Renegade,” said Sheehan.

Sheehan came to TMCC in July 2008 after six years as Superintendent/President of College of the Desert in Palm Desert, Calif. where she implemented both Educational and Facilities Master Plans resulting in the passage of a $346.5 million bond measure, providing funding for four new buildings and an off-site expansion. In addition to her expansion of the campus and the school’s operating budget, Sheehan also is credited with having a central role in the revitalization of the Modesto Junior College Foundation. In recognition of her efforts in the fund raising arena, she was awarded the 2006 Presidential Leadership Award by the Network of California Community College Foundations (NCCCF), bestowed annually on one California community college president.

At TMCC, Sheehan’s focus is aimed at increasing graduation rates and managing budget cuts. Working together with the outstanding faculty and administrative staff, and with substantial gains made to date, Sheehan is optimistic about the future of the community college and hopes to apply her successful, wide-ranging leadership philosophy to the Reno-Tahoe Open Renegades by building upon the momentum gained in 2011.

“As a relatively new Nevadan, I am sold on what we have to offer in the Reno-Tahoe area – its beauty, sports and cultural events,” said Sheehan. “As an educator, I’m excited to see the strides made in education…Gains are already sizeable at every level and outcomes are a singular focus. Let’s let the world know that northern Nevada is the place to live, work and enjoy!”

In 2011, the Reno-Tahoe Open Renegades promoted the Reno-Tahoe region during the live international broadcast of the tournament, Aug. 4-7. Production of a 30-second television spot was donated by Jim Bauserman, a founding member of the Renegades, which was then featured on-air during tournament week, reaching the GOLF Channel’s 88 million households in 222 countries worldwide. The Renegades hope to further capitalize on the exposure gained during the 14th annual tournament, which takes place July 30 – Aug. 5, 2012 at Montrêux Golf & Country Club, to continue spreading the positive message about the Reno-Tahoe area.

“The addition of Dr. Sheehan to our Renegades team is going to be momentous for this group,” said Jana Smoley, executive director of the Reno-Tahoe Open. “Her experience is a critical key to the continued success of the Renegades and I believe that her proven leadership ability will help take this initiative to the next level. We are truly grateful to have her joining us in our efforts.”

For more information on the 14th annual Reno-Tahoe Open at Montrêux or to become a Renegade visit www.RenoTahoeOpen.com or contact the tournament office at 775-322-3900.

The 14th annual Reno-Tahoe Open at Montrêux, an official PGA TOUR event, takes place July 30 – Aug 5, 2012 at Montrêux Golf & Country Club in Reno, Nev. The tournament is one of just 47 full-field stops during the PGA TOUR Regular Season and is part of the FedExCup series, a points competition for PGA TOUR professionals. The internationally-televised event brings in millions of dollars in coverage for the Reno-Tahoe region through its affiliation with The Golf Channel as it follows 132 PGA TOUR professionals competing for a share of the tournament’s $3 million purse. The Reno-Tahoe Open is managed and operated by the Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, comprised of key sponsors including the Eldorado Hotel Reno, Montrêux Development Group and NV Energy.