The MiraCosta Community College District Board of Trustees held its annual organizational session on December 18, 2025, at the Oceanside Campus. During the meeting, the Board unanimously selected a new leadership team for the coming year. Trustee Frank Merchat was selected by his peers to serve as President of the Board of Trustees. Merchat, who represents Area 4 (eastern Carlsbad), was first appointed to the Board in April 2015.
Prior to his tenure on the Board of Trustees, Merchat served for five years on the MiraCosta College Foundation Board of Directors, where he chaired the development committee and served on the finance committee. Following a 30-year career in the computer and software industries, Merchat founded Night Oak LLC, a commercial real estate investment company where he currently serves as managing director.
"I am honored to be selected as president of the MiraCosta Community College District’s governing board. I am excited to continue our work at expanding student success and student access as we celebrate being a leader in higher education," said Merchat. "I am passionate about continuing the work with my colleagues to position our college in anticipation and plan for the future."
Trustee Raye Clendening was chosen by her colleagues to serve as Board Vice President. Clendening represents Area 6, the northernmost part of the District, which includes Camp Pendleton.
One of San Diego County’s most respected educators, Clendening spent decades teaching in the Pasadena and San Diego areas. She served a combined 14 years as Principal for Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, Maie Ellis Elementary School, and Potter Junior High School.
Since retiring, Clendening has dedicated herself to volunteerism and community empowerment. She is a founding member of both the North County Business and Professional Women’s Organization and the North County African American Women’s Association. Additionally, she has served on the boards of the Vista Community Clinic, the African American Advisory Board for California State University San Marcos, the Women’s Resource Auxiliary Board, and the Oceanside/MiraCosta GearUp Advisory Board.
Her efforts to eliminate equity gaps have earned her the Fran Alshire Leadership Award from Leadership North County, the Middle Grades Principal of the Year for the State of California, and the City of Oceanside Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award.
"MiraCosta College is in good hands with the Board of Trustees’ leadership team. As we continue to earn national accolades and maintain one of the highest UC transfer rates in the state, their commitment, experience, and deep community connections are invaluable to our students' success," said Dr. Sunita “Sunny” Cooke.
