The Coast District is the fourth largest community college district in the nation in credit enrollment, serving 55,000 students each semester. The district is comprised of Coastline Community College headquartered in Fountain Valley, Golden West College in Huntington Beach, Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, and KOCE-TV, the district's public broadcasting station.

       Cohn comes to the Coast District after serving as community relations programs supervisor for the Municipal Water District of Orange County. She managed a countywide K-12 water education program and was responsible for media and community relations programs. She also developed and maintained the water district's website, and chaired the MWDOC Public Affairs Workgroup, a task force of public relations professionals at water districts throughout Orange County.

       "I'm excited to be affiliated with this state's outstanding community college system," she said. "The Coast District presents me with a wonderful professional opportunity. It's great to be in an atmosphere where hope, ambition and positive thinking abound. That's infectious. 

       "The Coast Community College District is one of the premier community college districts in the nation. I'm looking forward to a long career here."

       A community college product herself, Cohn was raised in the small Northern California community of Shingle Springs, situated 30 miles east of Sacramento. She attended American River College in Sacramento and, after two years, transferred to California State University, Sacramento, where she majored in government and journalism.

       During her senior year, she was selected as a Sacramento Semester Capital Intern. She worked as a press aide for then-Senate President Pro tem, David Roberti, writing press releases and speeches, and working press conferences. She interacted with many state legislators.

       Following graduation, Cohn worked as a reporter with the Mountain Democrat newspaper in Placerville. She also served as a field reporter for a local radio station. She enjoyed her exposure to radio, and was hired as news director and morning show co-anchor for a newstalk radio station, KAHI, in Auburn. She received several Associated Press broadcast journalism awards.

       From there, Cohn became communications specialist for the Association of California Water Agencies, a statewide trade and lobbying association for water districts. She was responsible for media and public relations, and government relations. She also redesigned and managed the association's award-winning website.

       Cohn moved to San Diego and served as an account executive for Katz & Associates, a public affairs consulting firm. She managed projects for a variety of clients, including the City of San Diego Water and Municipal Wastewater departments, the CALFED Bay-Delta Program, and the City of Escondido Utilities Division.

       Cohn worked for the Municipal Water District of Orange County for a year before accepting the Coast District post.

       "My immediate assignment is to learn everything there is to know about the District and our campuses and KOCE," she says. "From what I've seen so far, I am nothing but impressed."

       Cohn met her husband, Will Curtis, while they were students at American River College. They shared the same academic major. Curtis is employed in public relations in the high technology industry.

       Cohn became involved in Soroptimists International, a women's service organization, while in Northern California. She belongs to the Huntington Beach chapter. An outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys mountain biking, hiking, rollerblading and running.

       The Coast District is the fourth largest community college district in the nation in credit enrollment, serving 55,000 students each semester. The district is comprised of Coastline Community College headquartered in Fountain Valley, Golden West College in Huntington Beach, Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, and KOCE-TV, the district's public broadcasting station.

###

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Join Coast District students and representatives of the Board of Trustees as they present the District Student Council fundraising money.