Houston City College Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Houston City College has 10 executives leading key functions including financial management, operational oversight, technology infrastructure, legal compliance, and academic governance.

Committed to accessible higher education, Houston City College empowers students through diverse academic programs and workforce training initiatives across the Texas region.

Leadership Roles at Houston City College

  • Chief Financial Officer - Kevin Lovinggood
  • Chief Operating Officer - Nicole Barnett
  • Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer - Catherine Guerrero
  • Faculty Senate President - Lewis Desmond
  • President-College Office Professionals Association - Laura Renee
  • President - Lutricia Harrison
  • President, Hcc Software - Mike Webster
  • President, HCC Foundation - Karen Schmidt
  • Chief Technology Officer - Susan Hopper
  • General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer - Nicole Montgomery
  • Kevin Lovinggood - Chief Financial Officer

    Kevin Lovinggood, the Chief Financial Officer at Houston City College, directs all fiscal planning and budgetary allocations for the institution. Managing the complex financial ecosystem of a large community college system, the Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term economic stability through rigorous auditing and resource management. Lovinggood oversees the allocation of state funding and tuition revenue to support academic departments and campus infrastructure. By implementing transparent financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer maintains institutional accountability to stakeholders and regulatory bodies. This leadership role involves balancing operational costs with the need for affordable student access. Kevin Lovinggood drives fiscal efficiency by optimizing procurement processes and managing capital investments across all campuses. Through strategic oversight of the college budget, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to sustain high-quality educational services and support the broader mission of the institution within the Texas education landscape.

    Nicole Barnett - Chief Operating Officer

    Nicole Barnett, the Chief Operating Officer at Houston City College, manages the daily administrative functions and facility operations across the entire college system. Overseeing the physical campus environment and logistical support services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all educational facilities meet the needs of students and faculty. Barnett coordinates with department heads to streamline internal processes and improve service delivery across the Texas network. This role involves managing large-scale infrastructure projects and maintaining safety standards throughout the institution. Nicole Barnett drives operational excellence by implementing data-driven strategies to enhance campus efficiency and resource utilization. By aligning administrative workflows with academic goals, the Chief Operating Officer supports the overall growth and functionality of the college. Through consistent monitoring of operational performance metrics, Barnett maintains high standards of service, ensuring that the physical and administrative foundations of the college remain robust and responsive to evolving student requirements.

    Catherine Guerrero - Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer

    Catherine Guerrero, the Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at Houston City College, executes high-level strategic initiatives and oversees complex organizational operations. Managing the intersection of academic policy and administrative execution, the Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer ensures that institutional goals align with the broader mission of the college system. Guerrero coordinates cross-departmental efforts to improve student outcomes and operational performance across the Texas region. This leadership role involves working closely with the Chancellor to implement long-term growth strategies and policy changes. Catherine Guerrero drives organizational effectiveness by refining internal governance structures and optimizing resource distribution. By fostering collaboration between academic and administrative units, the Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer maintains a cohesive environment focused on student success. Through rigorous oversight of institutional performance, Guerrero ensures that the college remains agile and responsive to the changing demands of the workforce and the local community.

    Lewis Desmond - Faculty Senate President

    Lewis Desmond, the Faculty Senate President at Houston City College, represents the interests of the teaching staff and advocates for academic standards within the institution. Overseeing the collaborative process between faculty and administration, the Faculty Senate President ensures that pedagogical concerns and curriculum development remain central to college decision-making. Desmond facilitates communication between the senate and the board to address issues regarding faculty welfare and professional development. This leadership role involves shaping academic policies that directly impact the quality of instruction and student learning experiences. Lewis Desmond drives consensus on critical educational matters by leading senate meetings and committee discussions. By championing faculty perspectives, the Faculty Senate President supports an environment of shared governance and academic excellence. Through active engagement with college leadership, Desmond ensures that the expertise of the faculty informs the strategic direction of the institution, ultimately enhancing the educational value provided to the student body.

    Laura Renee - President-College Office Professionals Association

    Laura Renee, the President-College Office Professionals Association at Houston City College, leads the organization dedicated to supporting the administrative and clerical staff who maintain the college's daily operations. Overseeing professional development programs and advocacy efforts, the President-College Office Professionals Association ensures that office staff receive the resources and recognition necessary for institutional success. Renee coordinates initiatives that improve workplace culture and streamline administrative support services across all campuses. This leadership role involves representing the needs of office professionals in discussions with college administration to foster a more efficient and inclusive work environment. Laura Renee drives engagement by organizing training workshops and networking opportunities that enhance staff skills and morale. By promoting professional growth, the President-College Office Professionals Association strengthens the administrative backbone of the college. Through consistent advocacy, Renee ensures that the contributions of office professionals remain integral to the overall operational success and student-centered mission of the institution.

    Lutricia Harrison - President

    Lutricia Harrison, the President at Houston City College, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire community college system. Managing the institution's relationship with external stakeholders, government agencies, and the local community, the President ensures that the college fulfills its mission of providing accessible education. Harrison oversees the implementation of long-term academic goals and institutional policies that drive student success and workforce development. This leadership role involves guiding the executive team and collaborating with the board to maintain the college's reputation and financial health. Lutricia Harrison drives institutional growth by fostering partnerships with local industries and expanding educational opportunities across the Texas region. By setting the tone for academic excellence and community engagement, the President ensures that the college remains a vital resource for the population. Through decisive leadership, Harrison navigates the complexities of higher education to secure a sustainable and impactful future for the institution.

    Mike Webster - President, Hcc Software

    Mike Webster, the President, Hcc Software at Houston City College, directs the development and deployment of specialized software solutions tailored for the college's unique educational and administrative needs. Overseeing the software engineering team, the President, Hcc Software ensures that digital tools enhance student registration, course management, and internal data processing. Webster manages the lifecycle of proprietary applications, from initial design to system integration across the college network. This leadership role involves aligning software capabilities with the evolving requirements of the academic environment to improve user experience and operational efficiency. Mike Webster drives innovation by implementing agile development practices and prioritizing user-centric design. By bridging the gap between technical development and institutional goals, the President, Hcc Software supports the college's commitment to digital transformation. Through the continuous improvement of software systems, Webster ensures that the institution maintains a modern, efficient, and reliable digital infrastructure for all students and staff.
    Mike Webster

    Karen Schmidt - President, HCC Foundation

    Karen Schmidt, the President, HCC Foundation at Houston City College, leads the philanthropic arm of the institution, focusing on fundraising and donor relations to support student scholarships and academic programs. Overseeing the foundation's endowment and grant-making activities, the President, HCC Foundation ensures that external resources are effectively channeled into initiatives that promote student success. Schmidt cultivates relationships with alumni, corporate partners, and community leaders to secure financial support for the college's strategic priorities. This leadership role involves managing large-scale fundraising campaigns and ensuring transparency in the distribution of charitable funds. Karen Schmidt drives institutional impact by expanding the foundation's reach and increasing the availability of financial aid for students. By aligning donor interests with the college's mission, the President, HCC Foundation strengthens the institution's ability to provide high-quality education. Through dedicated stewardship of philanthropic resources, Schmidt plays a vital role in enhancing the college's capacity to serve the community.

    Susan Hopper - Chief Technology Officer

    Susan Hopper, the Chief Technology Officer at Houston City College, architects the digital infrastructure and information systems supporting the entire academic community. Managing the integration of advanced learning technologies and administrative software, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and staff across all campuses. Hopper oversees cybersecurity protocols and data management systems to protect institutional assets and student privacy. This leadership role involves modernizing classroom technology and expanding digital access to facilitate remote and hybrid learning models. Susan Hopper drives innovation by implementing scalable cloud solutions and robust network architectures that support the college's educational mission. By collaborating with academic leaders, the Chief Technology Officer aligns technological investments with pedagogical needs. Through the continuous evaluation of emerging educational tools, Hopper maintains a competitive digital environment, ensuring that the college remains at the forefront of technological integration within the higher education sector.
    Nicole Montgomery, the General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer at Houston City College, manages all legal affairs and regulatory compliance for the institution. Overseeing risk management and contract negotiations, the General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer ensures that the college operates within the bounds of state and federal law. Montgomery provides critical legal guidance to the board and executive leadership on matters ranging from employment law to student rights and institutional policy. This leadership role involves protecting the college's interests in litigation and ensuring that all administrative actions adhere to established legal standards. Nicole Montgomery drives compliance by implementing robust internal policies and training programs that mitigate legal risks. By navigating complex regulatory environments, the General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer supports the college's mission while safeguarding its reputation and assets. Through proactive legal strategy, Montgomery ensures that the institution remains resilient and ethically sound in its operations across the Texas region.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Houston City College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Houston City College?
    Houston City College is led by Kevin Lovinggood (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Nicole Barnett (Chief Operating Officer) and Catherine Guerrero (Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Houston City College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Houston City College includes leaders such as Kevin Lovinggood (Chief Financial Officer), Nicole Barnett (Chief Operating Officer), Catherine Guerrero (Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Houston City College have?
    Houston City College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Houston City College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Houston City College includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, Faculty Senate President, President-College Office Professionals Association.