Harper College Executive and Leadership Team

Kenneth Ender, the President at Harper College, directs the overall vision and strategic direction of the institution. Overseeing the academic and financial health of the college, the President ensures that all programs meet the needs of the Northwest Chicago Region. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Trustees to set long-term goals and secure the resources necessary for institutional growth. By championing student-centered initiatives, Kenneth Ender drives improvements in graduation rates and workforce readiness. The President manages high-level relationships with community leaders and industry partners to expand the reach of the college. Through effective governance and fiscal management, the President maintains the stability and reputation of the institution. This role remains the primary driver of the mission to provide accessible, high-quality education, ensuring that the college continues to serve as a cornerstone of the community while adapting to the changing demands of the modern educational landscape.

Avis Proctor, the President at Harper College, directs the implementation of innovative academic policies and community engagement strategies. Overseeing the expansion of vocational training and transfer programs, the President ensures that the institution remains responsive to the economic requirements of the Northwest Chicago Region. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of equity and inclusion to support a diverse student body. By prioritizing partnerships with local businesses, Avis Proctor creates pathways for student employment and career advancement. The President manages the administrative team to ensure operational efficiency and adherence to the core mission of the college. Through strategic planning and advocacy, the President secures the future of the institution as a leader in community education. This role remains essential for guiding the college through complex challenges while maintaining a focus on student success and institutional excellence, ultimately shaping the educational trajectory of the entire region.

Riaz Yusuff, the Chief Information Officer at Harper College, directs the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the institution. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across the Northwest Chicago Region. This leadership role involves architecting secure data environments and optimizing campus-wide network performance to facilitate modern educational delivery. By aligning technical resources with academic goals, Riaz Yusuff drives innovation in digital pedagogy and administrative efficiency. The Chief Information Officer manages complex cybersecurity protocols to protect institutional assets while fostering a robust environment for digital research. Through strategic investment in emerging technologies, the Chief Information Officer maintains the competitive edge of the college. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer secures the technological foundation necessary for long-term institutional growth and student success within the evolving landscape of higher education.

David McShane, the IT Chief Information Officer & Vice President at Harper College, manages the overarching information technology strategy and operational budget. Focusing on enterprise-level software deployment, the IT Chief Information Officer & Vice President ensures that all digital tools support the mission of providing accessible education. This role involves coordinating with academic departments to implement scalable solutions that enhance the student experience throughout the Northwest Chicago Region. By streamlining internal processes, David McShane improves organizational agility and data accessibility for administrative staff. The IT Chief Information Officer & Vice President oversees the maintenance of critical hardware and software systems, ensuring high availability for all campus users. Through rigorous project management and resource allocation, the IT Chief Information Officer & Vice President supports the broader institutional goals of efficiency and innovation. This leadership position remains vital for maintaining the technological infrastructure that sustains the daily operations of the college.

Jeffery Julian, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, External Affairs at Harper College, directs institutional communications and government relations. Overseeing community partnerships and public outreach, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, External Affairs ensures alignment between the college and regional stakeholders across the Northwest Chicago Region. This leadership role involves managing high-level administrative projects and facilitating collaboration between the executive office and external organizations. By cultivating strong relationships with local leaders, Jeffery Julian expands the influence and visibility of the institution. The Chief of Staff & Vice President, External Affairs coordinates strategic messaging to promote the value of community college education to the public. Through proactive engagement with policy makers, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, External Affairs secures support for institutional initiatives. This role remains essential for maintaining the reputation and community standing of the college while driving long-term growth through effective external advocacy.

Erika Hartman, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Harper College, directs talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Overseeing the recruitment of faculty and staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the institution attracts top-tier professionals to serve the Northwest Chicago Region. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits packages and professional development programs that foster a high-performance culture. By implementing equitable hiring practices, Erika Hartman strengthens the diversity and capability of the workforce. The Chief Human Resources Officer manages labor relations and compliance with employment regulations to maintain a stable and productive work environment. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the long-term mission of the college by ensuring the right talent occupies key roles. This position remains critical for maintaining employee engagement and operational excellence across all departments, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the educational programs provided by the institution.

Stephanie Wemusa, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer at Harper College, manages the immediate operational needs of the human resources department during this transition period. Overseeing daily personnel administration and policy implementation, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer ensures continuity in staff support and payroll services across the Northwest Chicago Region. This leadership role involves addressing urgent staffing requirements and maintaining clear communication channels between the administration and the workforce. By stabilizing internal processes, Stephanie Wemusa provides the necessary support for faculty and staff to focus on student outcomes. The Interim Chief Human Resources Officer coordinates with department heads to resolve personnel issues and uphold institutional standards. Through diligent oversight of human resources operations, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer maintains organizational morale and efficiency. This role remains vital for ensuring that the college continues to function effectively while preparing for long-term leadership transitions within the human resources division.

Amanda Duval, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Harper College, directs the strategic design of compensation structures and performance management systems. Overseeing the implementation of wellness initiatives and employee engagement programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a supportive environment for the entire campus community in the Northwest Chicago Region. This leadership role involves analyzing workforce data to optimize staffing levels and improve retention rates. By championing professional growth opportunities, Amanda Duval ensures that the faculty and staff remain equipped to meet the evolving needs of students. The Chief Human Resources Officer manages complex organizational changes and promotes a culture of inclusivity and excellence. Through proactive policy development, the Chief Human Resources Officer aligns human capital strategies with the broader mission of the college. This position remains essential for building a resilient and motivated workforce capable of sustaining the high standards of education and service expected by the community.