EVERETT — Former Herald editorial page editor Bob Bolerjack has joined Everett Community College’s Board of Trustees.

Gov. Chris Gregoire announced the appointment Friday.

Bolerjack, of Lake Stevens, will replace Gene Chase, who completed his term in October after serving since 2000. Bolerjack’s term will run through September 2016.

“I’ve always respected the institution and the role it plays in the community, not only for students, but for the economy,” Bolerjack said. “With tuition rising at four-year colleges, community colleges offer a multitude of opportunities for students.”

Bolerjack left The Herald in June to accept a communications job at the Snohomish County Public Utility District. He worked for 25 years at The Herald, starting as assistant sports editor and later spent 10 years as editorial page editor. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Western Washington University and an associate’s degree from Bellevue College.

Bolerjack said the departure from the journalism profession gives him more freedom to help build civic institutions from the inside.

“There’s a wall of separation between you and the community in a lot of ways because you’re a watchdog,” he said. “Now I have opportunities I didn’t have before.”

College President David Beyer said he was excited to welcome the new board member: “Our college will benefit from his exceptional understanding of our community.”

Trustee Betty Cobbs, the principal of Mill Creek’s Woodside Elementary School, said, “I think it will be wonderful working with him.”

In particular, she looked forward to having Bolerjack represent EvCC’s interests to state lawmakers.

“I think that he will be a great advocate for the community college and for legislation that really supports the work that we do and our community,” Cobbs said.

Trustees meet on the third Tuesday each month in the college’s Henry M. Jackson Center.