San Juan College proudly welcomes Dr. Ana Greif as the new Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development to advance the college’s role in regional innovation and growth.
A Leader in Workforce Innovation and Education
Dr. Greif is recognized nationally for her commitment to aligning education with workforce needs. Before joining San Juan College, she served as the CEO of JobPath, a nonprofit organization supporting adults pursuing careers in high-demand industries such as healthcare, information technology and industrial trades.
Her experience also includes serving at Pima Community College, where she strengthened workforce development programs through strategic partnerships with industry leaders. Earlier in her career, she founded Varela Consulting, working with government agencies, universities and organizations across 13 countries to design programs that foster entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunity.
Academic Excellence
Dr. Greif holds a Doctorate in Education from Johns Hopkins University, where her research explored how nontechnical skills impact success in the manufacturing sector. She also earned a Master’s in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Arizona.
Her academic background and global experience uniquely position her to lead initiatives that prepare SJC students for success in an ever-evolving economy.
Building on San Juan College’s Strong Foundation
Dr. Greif shared her enthusiasm about joining San Juan College and the Farmington, New Mexico community, noting that the college’s strong foundation in workforce and community engagement immediately drew her to the role.
“San Juan College has built an incredible infrastructure to support both students and the community,” she said. “That foundation sets the tone for how we can work with businesses and industry—and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”
A Vision for Growth and Collaboration
Executive Vice President Edward DesPlas expressed confidence in her leadership, saying, “Dr. Greif’s vision, expertise and global perspective will be instrumental in strengthening San Juan College’s role as a leader in workforce and economic development. We are excited to welcome her to our team and look forward to the positive impact she will make in our community.”
As she begins her new role, Dr. Greif hopes to create a collaborative environment that empowers both her team and the community. She envisions the Workforce and Economic Development as a bridge connecting students, businesses and industry partners, fostering opportunities that drive both personal and regional success.
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Dr. Greif enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking and winter sports. She is also looking forward to exploring the natural beauty of the Four Corners region and building strong relationships within the Farmington community.
Join San Juan College in Welcoming Dr. Greif
San Juan College invites students, alumni and community members to join in welcoming Dr. Ana Greif to her new leadership role. As she helps shape the future of workforce and economic development, her work will continue to empower individuals and strengthen the region’s economic vitality.
