It was later transformed into Electro-Mechanical Technology, which continues today while retaining renewable energy as part of the curriculum.

The second president was Frank Toda, who led the 2001 annexation effort with board chair Mike Schend, as well as such initiatives as the new nursing program in 2001, a 2004 bond measure for the Hood River campus and The Dalles Campus improvements, Fort Dalles Readiness Center construction, and independent accreditation.

In the fall of 2023, Cronin was succeeded by Kenneth Lawson, who was previously Vice President of Instruction at Skagit Valley College in Mt.

The college announced in 2018 that it would be building a new skill center and student housing, which opened in fall term of 2021.

The college added new programs including Construction Technology, Pre-Construction, and Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication in September 2021 and Aviation maintenance technician training in 2022.

CGCC is the closest community college to the Portland Metro area with on-campus student housing.