This study investigates the career paths and mobility factors of female chief academic officers (CAOs) in public community colleges. Analysis revealed the most significant predictors for the career paths to be entry port, number of higher education positions held, and the first prior position held. Gender did not significantly influence mobility or institutional type. Analysis of the influence of gender on the career paths and mobility concludes there is no significant difference in the career path, entry port, first prior position held, number of positions held, or number of years in faculty and administrative positions. However, these women did serve in their first, second, and fourth positions for significantly less time than their male peers. It was concluded that: (1) gender strongly influenced the number of years held in each position but did not influence the mobility and career paths of women CAOs; and (2) women CAOs are younger and moving faster through their career paths than their male peers. Even though gender does not have a significant influence on the variables investigated, this does not preclude an important role by gender in how women navigate their career paths. Contains 15 tables, 3 figures, 155 references, and 6 appendices. (KP)