Houston Community College Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Houston Community College has 10 executives leading key functions including technology, finance, operations, foundation management, and legal affairs.

Committed to accessible education, Houston Community College empowers students through diverse academic programs and workforce training initiatives across the Texas region to foster long-term economic growth.

Leadership Roles at Houston Community College

  • Chief Financial Officer - Kevin Lovinggood
  • Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer - Catherine Guerrero
  • President, HCC Foundation - Karen Schmidt
  • President - Lutricia Harrison
  • President - John Hart
  • President - James King
  • President, Southwest College - Fena Garza
  • President HVAC Advisory Board - David Hernandez
  • 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 Community College, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire institution. Lovinggood oversees complex financial reporting, grant administration, and resource allocation to ensure long-term sustainability. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial stability required for academic expansion. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to align fiscal policies with the broader educational goals of the college system. Kevin Lovinggood directly impacts institutional growth by securing funding for new facilities and student support programs. Through rigorous auditing and transparent financial management, the Chief Financial Officer upholds the integrity of the college's economic operations. Lovinggood drives efficiency across all departments by implementing data-driven budgeting strategies. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary capital to sustain high-quality learning environments for the diverse student population.

    Catherine Guerrero - Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer

    Catherine Guerrero, the Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at Houston Community College, executes the daily operational strategy across all campuses. Guerrero directs administrative functions, facility management, and human resources to ensure seamless institutional performance. By streamlining internal processes, the Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer improves service delivery for students and faculty alike. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental initiatives to support the college's mission of workforce development. Catherine Guerrero directly impacts organizational efficiency by aligning operational workflows with strategic academic objectives. Through the oversight of large-scale infrastructure projects, the Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards for campus environments. Guerrero fosters a culture of accountability and excellence within the administrative teams. Ultimately, the Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer ensures that the college system operates with maximum effectiveness to meet the evolving needs of the Texas community.

    Karen Schmidt - President, HCC Foundation

    Karen Schmidt, the President, HCC Foundation at Houston Community College, leads fundraising efforts and donor relations to support student scholarships. Schmidt architects philanthropic strategies that connect community partners with the college's mission of educational accessibility. By cultivating relationships with local businesses and alumni, the President, HCC Foundation secures vital financial resources for academic programs. This leadership role involves managing endowment funds and grant distributions to maximize the impact of charitable contributions. Karen Schmidt directly impacts student success by reducing financial barriers to higher education. Through the development of strategic partnerships, the President, HCC Foundation expands the reach of the college's influence across the region. Schmidt drives engagement initiatives that highlight the value of community-based education. Ultimately, the President, HCC Foundation ensures that the institution possesses the necessary philanthropic support to provide life-changing opportunities for students from all backgrounds.

    Lutricia Harrison - President

    Lutricia Harrison, the President at Houston Community College, directs the academic vision and student success initiatives for the specific campus under the college system. Harrison oversees faculty development, curriculum design, and student support services to ensure high-quality learning outcomes. By fostering partnerships with local industry leaders, the President aligns academic programs with regional workforce demands. This leadership role involves managing campus-level operations and promoting an inclusive environment for diverse student populations. Lutricia Harrison directly impacts the educational trajectory of students by implementing innovative teaching methodologies. Through the coordination of academic departments, the President maintains rigorous standards for degree and certificate programs. Harrison drives initiatives that improve retention and graduation rates across the campus. Ultimately, the President provides the strategic leadership necessary to prepare students for successful careers and continued academic advancement within the competitive Texas job market.

    John Hart - President

    John Hart, the President at Houston Community College, manages the strategic direction and community engagement for the assigned campus location. Hart oversees the implementation of academic policies and student services that support the college's mission of accessible education. By analyzing regional economic trends, the President adapts program offerings to meet the specific needs of local industries. This leadership role involves supervising administrative staff and faculty to ensure operational excellence. John Hart directly impacts the student experience by creating pathways for professional development and technical training. Through the cultivation of community relationships, the President strengthens the college's presence in the local area. Hart drives initiatives that promote equity and access for all learners. Ultimately, the President ensures that the campus remains a vital resource for personal growth and economic development, providing students with the skills required for success in the modern workforce.

    James King - President

    James King, the President at Houston Community College, leads the academic and administrative functions of the designated campus. King directs the development of specialized training programs that address the unique requirements of the local labor market. By overseeing student affairs and campus operations, the President ensures a supportive environment for academic achievement. This leadership role involves collaborating with other campus leaders to maintain consistency across the college system. James King directly impacts student outcomes by championing initiatives that enhance learning resources and career services. Through the management of campus budgets and personnel, the President optimizes the use of institutional resources. King drives efforts to increase enrollment and student engagement through targeted outreach. Ultimately, the President provides the guidance necessary to foster a culture of academic excellence and professional readiness for students pursuing diverse career paths.

    Fena Garza - President, Southwest College

    Fena Garza, the President, Southwest College at Houston Community College, oversees the strategic operations and academic programs specific to the Southwest campus. Garza directs the implementation of workforce development initiatives that serve the local community's economic needs. By managing faculty and staff, the President, Southwest College ensures the delivery of high-quality instruction across various disciplines. This leadership role involves engaging with local stakeholders to promote the college's mission and expand educational opportunities. Fena Garza directly impacts student success by fostering an environment conducive to learning and professional growth. Through the oversight of campus-specific projects, the President, Southwest College maintains high standards for facilities and student services. Garza drives initiatives that enhance the visibility and impact of the Southwest campus. Ultimately, the President, Southwest College provides the leadership required to prepare students for success in their chosen fields and contribute to the regional economy.

    David Hernandez - President HVAC Advisory Board

    David Hernandez, the President HVAC Advisory Board at Houston Community College, directs the strategic alignment between the HVAC curriculum and industry standards. Hernandez architects partnerships with trade professionals to ensure that students receive training on the latest equipment and technologies. By overseeing the advisory board, the President HVAC Advisory Board facilitates the integration of real-world expertise into the classroom. This leadership role involves evaluating program effectiveness and recommending updates to meet evolving industry requirements. David Hernandez directly impacts the employability of graduates by ensuring the curriculum remains relevant and rigorous. Through the coordination of industry experts, the President HVAC Advisory Board strengthens the connection between the college and the local trade sector. Hernandez drives initiatives that promote technical excellence and professional certification. Ultimately, the President HVAC Advisory Board ensures that the HVAC program produces highly skilled technicians ready to meet the demands of the regional market.

    Susan Hopper - Chief Technology Officer

    Susan Hopper, the Chief Technology Officer at Houston Community College, directs the digital infrastructure supporting academic excellence. Hopper architects scalable cloud solutions and cybersecurity frameworks to protect student data across the entire college system. By modernizing classroom technology, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless integration of digital learning tools for faculty and students. This leadership role involves managing large-scale IT projects that enhance operational efficiency throughout the Texas campus network. Susan Hopper directly impacts the educational experience by maintaining robust network connectivity and innovative software platforms. Through strategic oversight of technical resources, the Chief Technology Officer supports the mission of providing high-quality, accessible education. Constant evaluation of emerging educational technologies allows Hopper to maintain a competitive edge in the digital landscape. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer secures the technological foundation necessary for student success and institutional growth.
    Nicole Montgomery, the General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer at Houston Community College, manages all legal affairs and regulatory compliance for the institution. Montgomery directs the legal strategy regarding institutional policies, contracts, and risk management. By providing expert counsel to the Board and executive leadership, the General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer ensures that all operations adhere to state and federal education laws. This leadership role involves overseeing litigation, labor relations, and intellectual property matters to protect the college's interests. Nicole Montgomery directly impacts the institution's stability by mitigating legal risks and ensuring ethical conduct. Through the development of comprehensive compliance programs, the General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer maintains the integrity of the college's administrative processes. Montgomery drives initiatives that promote transparency and accountability across the system. Ultimately, the General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer provides the legal framework necessary for the college to fulfill its educational mission safely and effectively.

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

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