Tim Karas has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and currently serves as Mendocino College President. Previously, he served as College of Alameda President and Vice-President for Instruction. The College of Alameda held a WIOA sub-award to provide one-stop workforce services to northern Alameda County.

During his career he has worked to connect higher education to economic and workforce needs. He has served on several economic development aligned organizations boards, such as, chamber of commerce, non-profits, small business administration, and city economic development advisory committees.