Longtime community leader and local businessman Tony Watson announced Wednesday that he had filed for election to the College of the Canyons (COC) Board of Trustees.

Watson is running for the Area 2 trustee position of the Santa Clarita Community College District in the November general election. Area 2 encompasses much of Saugus, and portions of Castaic and Valencia.

The college named Watson as one of its “Distinguished Alumni.”

Watson says he is passionate about giving back to the college and community that gave him the tools he needed for success in his education and professional career.

Currently vice president of business improvement with United Site Services, he says his goals for the district include encouraging recruitment and retention of diverse faculty, administrators and staff; advocating affordable tuition, fees and textbooks; supporting programs leading to improved transfer, graduation and completion rates; and a focus on providing students internships and work experience, which he says are critical for getting good jobs.

“Through my business and community work, I’ve developed a wide network of relationships with businesses and nonprofits in Santa Clarita,” he said. “These connections will expand the college’s partnerships, helping it increase opportunities for students.”

Watson also expressed concern about providing training and resources for faculty and staff during this time when COVID-19 is forcing the college to offer mostly remote instruction, in order to ensure that students can receive the same quality education that they would get in face-to-face classes.

“Our students deserve education that will greatly improve their chances of success, requiring a trustee with a heart and passion for serving the college,” Watson said. “That’s why I am running for election to our college district board of trustees.”

Watson, who is fluent in Spanish, says he’s developed a breadth of relevant experience from being on local community boards, including as a director on the Child and Family Center Foundation; the Governing Board of Directors for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club; the Board of Directors for the SCV Chamber of Commerce; William S. Hart Baseball and Softball; Centro De Amor Cristiano in Newhall; Co-Chaired the Senior Center Celebrity Waiter event and more.

“I’ve learned how to be collaborative, encouraging and how to hold institutions accountable. I understand policy and administration, checks and balances, and fiscal accountability,” said Watson. “Boards function well when the trustees or directors understand that they are each part of a team, when they treat each other, students, faculty, administrators and staff with civility, and provide everyone the support needed to fulfill their mission. I am a unifier and a listener, characteristics that are needed to bring people together for the best results possible.”

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