Klamath Community College Names New VP of External Programs

Lucas Ritter, a Klamath Falls native and Air Force officer, to take on key role overseeing grants, community outreach, and fundraising efforts.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:00pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a mortar board graduation cap repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing vibrant neon color palettes and heavy black outlines to transform an everyday academic symbol into a modern pop art piece.Klamath Community College's new VP of External Programs brings a wealth of public service experience to drive the college's community outreach and fundraising efforts.Klamath Falls Today

Klamath Community College has selected Lucas Ritter, a seasoned Air Force officer and Klamath Falls native, as its next Vice President of External Programs. Ritter, who currently serves as an Inspector General for the Oregon Air National Guard, will start in his new role on May 4, succeeding the former VP Charles 'Chip' Massie.

Why it matters

The Vice President of External Programs is a critical position at Klamath Community College, overseeing a wide range of responsibilities including grants management, rural community outreach, fundraising, and serving on key state and local committees. Ritter's background in public service and his deep roots in the Klamath Basin community make him well-suited to take on this important role.

The details

Ritter, a 25-year member of the U.S. Air Force, will bring his experience in roles such as Director of Personnel, Security Forces Squadron Commander, and Wing Executive Officer to the new position. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member at KCC since 2009, teaching criminal justice courses. In his new role, Ritter will oversee a portfolio of foundation, state, and federal grants that support programs like GED attainment, adult basic education, workforce training, and student benefits. He will also coordinate operations in neighboring rural counties and serve as the college's representative on various state and local committees.

  • Ritter will start in his new role on May 4, 2026.
  • Ritter's predecessor, Charles 'Chip' Massie, stepped down from the VP of External Programs position in January 2026.

The players

Lucas Ritter

A Klamath Falls native and current Inspector General for the Oregon Air National Guard, Ritter has been selected as the new Vice President of External Programs at Klamath Community College.

Dr. Roberto Gutierrez

The President of Klamath Community College, who welcomed Ritter to the KCC team and expressed excitement about the contributions his experience will bring to the college.

Charles 'Chip' Massie

The former Vice President of External Programs at Klamath Community College, who stepped down from the position in January 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I'm a storyteller at heart and KCC has a great story to tell. I am excited to take on this role and let the public know all the great things that KCC has to offer our community.”

— Lucas Ritter, Incoming Vice President of External Programs, Klamath Community College

“On behalf of our campus community, I want to welcome Lucas Ritter to the KCC team. His background in public outreach and strategic planning will be a strong addition to the role of VP of External Programs. I look forward to the contributions his experience will bring to the continued growth of the College.”

— Dr. Roberto Gutierrez, President, Klamath Community College

What’s next

Ritter plans to spend his first few months in the new role meeting with staff and learning more about the extensive duties and responsibilities of the Vice President of External Programs position.

The takeaway

Klamath Community College has found an experienced and well-connected leader in Lucas Ritter to take on the critical role of Vice President of External Programs, leveraging his background in public service and deep roots in the local community to drive the college's outreach, grant management, and fundraising efforts.