As Pima Community College is starting to have some success turning its image around, its lead PR guy is stepping down.

C.J. Karamargin came to the college in 2011, working at Pima for three and half challenging years. When he joined the college, Pima was still facing some criticism from how it handled warning signs from former student and clearly mentally ill human Jared Loughner, and heat was just building towards the college's short lived remedial education standards. Since then, the college has had to keep its head up through probation, petitions to recall the governing board and harsh allegations against former top administrators. 

Karamargin is leaving to take a job as District Director for newly elected U.S. Rep. Martha McSally. Prior to working at Pima, Karamargin was communications director for then-Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

"It is humbling that she has entrusted me with the responsibility to serve as her District Director," Karamargin said in a release after his new job was announced. "I consider it a privilege to be able to help the congresswoman make a positive difference in the lives of the people who sent her to Washington." 

And while Karamargin has not shied away from calling his time at Pima challenging, he seems to think the college was worth the effort, saying, "I know from my own experience that community colleges can play a transformative role in a person’s life. Pima is no different. It has been extraordinarily satisfying to be part of an institution that can have such a profound impact. Hopefully, through my work in the Public Information Office and with my colleagues, I’ve helped remind the community we serve that this college is a precious resource worthy of their support."

Here's hoping whoever fills the position has less controversy to deal with. Or, as Karamargin put it, "all the best for a productive, probation-free 2015. "