Elgin Community College Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Elgin Community College has 5 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, human capital management, and academic leadership.

Committed to fostering student success through diverse educational pathways, Elgin Community College empowers learners by providing accessible university transfer programs, professional development, and community-focused arts initiatives across the region.

Leadership Roles at Elgin Community College

  • Chief Executive Officer - Thabo Makgabutlane
  • President - Peggy Heinrich
  • Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer - Tonisha Via
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Alison Guengerich
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Richard Enyard
  • 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 efficiency. Makgabutlane architects long-term growth initiatives that align with the diverse educational needs of the student body. By overseeing the integration of university transfer programs and continuing education, the Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards for institutional performance. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure financial stability and expand community outreach. Thabo Makgabutlane drives the mission of providing accessible learning opportunities while managing complex administrative frameworks. Through rigorous oversight of institutional resources, the Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment conducive to student achievement. Ultimately, Makgabutlane secures the future of the college by championing innovation in curriculum delivery and community engagement, ensuring that the institution remains a cornerstone of regional educational development and professional advancement for all students.

    Peggy Heinrich - President

    Peggy Heinrich, the President at Elgin Community College, directs the academic vision and institutional growth to ensure the college meets the evolving needs of the community. Heinrich architects partnerships with local industry leaders to align vocational training and university transfer programs with regional labor market demands. By overseeing the administration of arts center events and childcare services, the President ensures that the institution provides holistic support for students and the broader public. This leadership role involves managing complex academic budgets and advocating for state-level educational funding. Peggy Heinrich drives initiatives that prioritize student retention and graduation rates, reinforcing the college's commitment to accessible education. Through active engagement with the Board and faculty, the President maintains a clear focus on academic integrity and institutional innovation. Ultimately, Heinrich secures the long-term viability of the college by fostering a culture of excellence and community-centered service that defines the institution's impact.
    Peggy Heinrich

    Tonisha Via - Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer

    Tonisha Via, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer at Elgin Community College, manages internal talent acquisition and employee relations to support the broader educational mission. Via executes strategic workforce planning, ensuring that faculty and staff possess the necessary skills to deliver high-quality instruction. By overseeing daily human resources operations, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer maintains compliance with labor regulations and fosters a productive workplace culture. This role involves coordinating with department heads to streamline recruitment processes and improve staff retention. Tonisha Via drives initiatives focused on professional development, enabling employees to better serve students at every stage of their educational journeys. Through meticulous management of personnel policies, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer supports the operational health of the college. Ultimately, Via strengthens the organizational structure, ensuring that human capital remains aligned with the evolving needs of the academic community and the institution's long-term goals.

    Alison Guengerich - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Alison Guengerich, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Elgin Community College, architects comprehensive talent management strategies to cultivate a high-performing workforce. Guengerich directs the development of compensation structures and benefits programs that attract top-tier educators and administrative professionals. By overseeing organizational design, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that staffing levels align with the college's diverse academic offerings and community service requirements. This leadership role involves collaborating with executive peers to implement policies that promote equity and inclusion across the campus. Alison Guengerich drives cultural transformation initiatives, fostering an environment where staff members feel empowered to support student success. Through strategic oversight of labor relations, the Chief Human Resources Officer mitigates operational risks and enhances institutional stability. Ultimately, Guengerich secures the human capital necessary for the college to maintain its reputation as a premier provider of university transfer programs and continuing education.

    Richard Enyard - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Richard Enyard, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Elgin Community College, manages the strategic implementation of performance management systems to optimize faculty and staff output. Enyard oversees the integration of advanced human resources technology to streamline administrative workflows and improve data-driven decision-making. By focusing on leadership development and succession planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the continuity of excellence across all academic departments. This role involves working closely with the executive team to align personnel capabilities with the college's mission of providing comprehensive educational journeys. Richard Enyard drives initiatives that enhance employee engagement, directly impacting the quality of student interactions and community services. Through the systematic evaluation of organizational needs, the Chief Human Resources Officer maintains a robust framework for professional growth. Ultimately, Enyard supports the institution's market position by ensuring that the workforce remains agile, highly skilled, and deeply committed to the success of every student.

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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 Tonisha Via (Deputy 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), Tonisha Via (Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Elgin Community College have?
    Elgin Community College has 5 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, Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.