Elgin Community College Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Elgin Community College has 4 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, human capital management, organizational development, and academic leadership.

Committed to fostering lifelong learning, Elgin Community College empowers diverse student populations through comprehensive educational pathways, community-focused arts programming, and accessible university transfer opportunities that drive regional economic growth.

Leadership Roles at Elgin Community College

  • Chief Executive Officer - Thabo Makgabutlane
  • President - Peggy Heinrich
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Alison Guengerich
  • Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer - Tonisha Via
  • Thabo Makgabutlane - Chief Executive Officer

    Thabo Makgabutlane, the Chief Executive Officer at Elgin Community College, directs the overarching institutional strategy to ensure academic excellence and operational sustainability. Makgabutlane architects long-term growth initiatives that align educational offerings with evolving workforce demands across the Illinois region. By collaborating with the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary resources to expand student support services and modernize campus infrastructure. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while maintaining a focus on inclusive access to higher education. Through the implementation of data-driven decision-making frameworks, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation across all departments. Thabo Makgabutlane maintains a rigorous commitment to institutional integrity, ensuring that every strategic pivot enhances the student experience. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer drives the mission of providing high-quality, affordable learning opportunities to the diverse communities served by the institution.

    Peggy Heinrich - President

    Peggy Heinrich, the President at Elgin Community College, leads the academic vision and community engagement efforts that define the institution's regional impact. Heinrich architects innovative curriculum development programs that bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world career readiness. Overseeing the academic departments, the President ensures that all educational pathways remain relevant to the needs of local industries and transfer partners. This leadership role involves representing the college in public forums and building strategic partnerships with community organizations to expand access to arts and continuing education. Peggy Heinrich fosters a culture of academic rigor and student success, working directly with faculty to implement pedagogical advancements. By aligning academic priorities with the broader institutional mission, the President drives the growth of specialized programs that serve students at every stage of their educational journeys. Heinrich maintains a focus on expanding the reach of the college, ensuring that educational opportunities remain accessible to all community members.
    Peggy Heinrich

    Alison Guengerich - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Alison Guengerich, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Elgin Community College, manages the full lifecycle of talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture. Guengerich designs comprehensive compensation structures and benefits programs that attract top-tier faculty and administrative staff to the institution. Overseeing labor relations and compliance, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that all employment practices adhere to state and federal regulations while fostering an equitable workplace environment. This leadership role requires constant coordination with department heads to align staffing levels with the academic goals of the college. Alison Guengerich implements performance management systems that encourage continuous improvement and professional growth among the workforce. By prioritizing employee engagement and retention, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the internal capacity of the college to deliver exceptional educational services. Guengerich maintains a focus on building a resilient, diverse team capable of supporting the evolving needs of the student body.

    Tonisha Via - Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer

    Tonisha Via, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer at Elgin Community College, executes daily operational oversight of personnel administration and internal policy implementation. Via manages the complexities of payroll, benefits enrollment, and employee records, ensuring seamless administrative support for the entire campus staff. By streamlining internal workflows, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer enhances the efficiency of human capital operations across the institution. This leadership role involves resolving complex personnel inquiries and facilitating conflict resolution to maintain a productive work environment. Tonisha Via collaborates closely with the Chief Human Resources Officer to translate high-level organizational goals into actionable daily tasks. Through the application of advanced human resources information systems, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer provides critical data insights that inform staffing decisions and budget planning. Via ensures that all administrative processes remain compliant with institutional policies, thereby supporting the broader mission of providing a stable and effective educational environment for students.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Elgin Community College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Elgin Community College?
    Elgin Community College is led by Thabo Makgabutlane (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Peggy Heinrich (President) and Alison Guengerich (Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of Elgin Community College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Elgin Community College includes leaders such as Thabo Makgabutlane (Chief Executive Officer), Peggy Heinrich (President), Alison Guengerich (Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Elgin Community College have?
    Elgin Community College has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Elgin Community College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Elgin Community College includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Human Resources Officer, Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer.