Executive Officer

Chandra Zenner Ford, Office of the President and Center Executive Officer, Boise and Southwestern Idaho

Chandra Zenner Ford (B.S. ‘88 M.S. ’95) was appointed University of Idaho center executive officer, Boise and SW Idaho on July 1, 2020.

As U of I Boise CEO, she works in cooperation with university vice presidents, deans and other senior leadership and develops partnerships that serve Boise and SW Idaho as part of U of I’s land-grant, statewide mission to contribute to local economic development and educational opportunity. She also works to strengthen relationships with municipalities and public agencies, provide outreach to business, develop media coverage and support student enrollment.

Ford is also serving as the senior associate leading strategic initiatives for U of I President Scott Green, and will continue serving both roles.

A U of I alumna, Ford holds a master’s degree in adult education and a bachelor’s degree in organizational communications. Ford, who had previously worked for the U of I for over 25 years, rejoined the university last year after serving as the City of Boise’s philanthropy director. At U of I, she served as director of development for the colleges of Law and Business and Economics and as assistant dean for the College of Business and Economics. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Learning Lab, served nine years on the Boise Public Schools Education Foundation and is a 2011 TWIN honoree.

Ford is a third generation Idahoan and was raised on a farm in Genesee. She is married to Jim Ford and they have two adult sons. She loves to spend time in McCall at the Zenner family cabin, play tennis and promote the University of Idaho’s value to all of Idaho.