Houston Community College Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Houston Community College has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, technology, and academic leadership.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Houston Community College empowers diverse communities through comprehensive learning opportunities and workforce development, shaping the future of Houston and beyond.

Leadership Roles at Houston Community College

  • Chief Financial Officer - Kevin Lovinggood
  • Chief Operating Officer - Nicole Barnett
  • Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer - Catherine Guerrero
  • President - Lutricia Harrison
  • President, HCC Foundation - Karen Schmidt
  • President - Zachary Hodges
  • President HVAC Advisory Board - David Hernandez
  • President, Southwest College - Fena Garza
  • Faculty Senate President - Desmond Lewis
  • Chief Technology Officer - Susan Hopper
  • Kevin Lovinggood - Chief Financial Officer

    Kevin Lovinggood, the Chief Financial Officer at Houston Community College, directs all fiscal operations and financial strategy. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the fiscal health and sustainability of the institution. This leadership role involves managing investments, optimizing revenue streams, and maintaining compliance with financial regulations. By implementing robust financial controls, Kevin Lovinggood directly supports the college's mission of providing accessible education. Ultimately, Lovinggood secures the financial stability necessary for operational excellence and strategic growth across all college campuses and programs.

    Nicole Barnett - Chief Operating Officer

    Nicole Barnett, the Chief Operating Officer at Houston Community College, oversees the daily operational functions and strategic execution across the system. Managing administrative services, facilities, and campus operations, the Chief Operating Officer ensures efficient resource utilization and seamless service delivery. This critical role involves driving operational improvements, enhancing student support services, and maintaining campus safety and infrastructure. By aligning operational strategies with academic goals, Nicole Barnett directly contributes to the college's effectiveness. Ultimately, Barnett champions operational excellence to support the educational mission and expand access to learning opportunities throughout the Houston area.

    Catherine Guerrero - Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer

    Catherine Guerrero, the Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at Houston Community College, provides executive leadership for critical operational and administrative functions, complementing the Chief Operating Officer's role. This dual capacity involves overseeing strategic initiatives, managing interdepartmental collaborations, and ensuring the effective implementation of college-wide policies. The Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency in administrative processes and supports the Chancellor's vision for institutional growth and student success. By coordinating key operational units, Catherine Guerrero directly enhances the college's capacity to serve its diverse student population. Ultimately, Guerrero ensures seamless integration of strategic objectives with day-to-day operations, fostering an environment conducive to learning and development.

    Lutricia Harrison - President

    Lutricia Harrison, the President at Houston Community College, leads a specific college campus, driving its academic and operational excellence. Overseeing faculty, staff, and student affairs, the President ensures the delivery of high-quality educational programs tailored to the local community's needs. This role involves fostering a vibrant campus culture, managing campus resources, and advancing strategic partnerships to enhance student outcomes. By championing student success and faculty development, Lutricia Harrison directly contributes to the college's broader mission. Ultimately, Harrison cultivates an environment of learning and innovation, positioning the campus as a vital educational hub within its service area.

    Karen Schmidt - President, HCC Foundation

    Karen Schmidt, the President, HCC Foundation at Houston Community College, spearheads fundraising efforts and philanthropic initiatives to support the college's mission. Overseeing the strategic direction of the foundation, the President, HCC Foundation cultivates relationships with donors, alumni, and community partners to secure vital financial resources. This leadership position involves developing and executing fundraising campaigns, managing endowment funds, and ensuring the effective allocation of philanthropic contributions to enhance student scholarships, faculty development, and institutional programs. By driving financial support, Karen Schmidt directly fuels the college's ability to expand access and opportunity. Ultimately, Schmidt strengthens the foundation's capacity to make a lasting impact on student lives and community advancement.

    Zachary Hodges - President

    Zachary Hodges, the President at Houston Community College, leads a specific college campus, driving its academic and operational excellence. Overseeing faculty, staff, and student affairs, the President ensures the delivery of high-quality educational programs tailored to the local community's needs. This role involves fostering a vibrant campus culture, managing campus resources, and advancing strategic partnerships to enhance student outcomes. By championing student success and faculty development, Zachary Hodges directly contributes to the college's broader mission. Ultimately, Hodges cultivates an environment of learning and innovation, positioning the campus as a vital educational hub within its service area.
    Zachary Hodges

    David Hernandez - President HVAC Advisory Board

    David Hernandez, the President HVAC Advisory Board at Houston Community College, provides strategic guidance and industry expertise for the HVAC program. Overseeing the advisory board's activities, the President HVAC Advisory Board ensures curriculum relevance, alignment with industry standards, and the development of skilled professionals for the workforce. This crucial role involves collaborating with faculty and industry leaders to identify emerging trends and technological advancements in the HVAC sector. By bridging academic instruction with practical industry demands, David Hernandez directly enhances the program's effectiveness and graduate employability. Ultimately, Hernandez ensures the HVAC program at Houston Community College remains at the forefront of technical education and workforce preparation.

    Fena Garza - President, Southwest College

    Fena Garza, the President, Southwest College at Houston Community College, directs the strategic vision and operational management of the Southwest College campus. Overseeing all academic programs, student services, and administrative functions, the President, Southwest College ensures the delivery of exceptional educational experiences tailored to the diverse needs of the surrounding communities. This leadership role involves fostering faculty and staff development, cultivating community partnerships, and driving initiatives that promote student retention and success. By championing innovation and accessibility, Fena Garza directly enhances the college's impact and reach. Ultimately, Garza leads the Southwest College campus in fulfilling its mission to empower individuals through education and workforce training.

    Desmond Lewis - Faculty Senate President

    Desmond Lewis, the Faculty Senate President at Houston Community College, represents the collective voice and interests of the faculty across the institution. Overseeing faculty governance and academic policy discussions, the Faculty Senate President ensures faculty perspectives inform institutional decision-making. This vital role involves advocating for faculty development, promoting academic freedom, and fostering collaboration between faculty and administration. By facilitating communication and consensus-building, Desmond Lewis directly contributes to a robust academic environment. Ultimately, Lewis champions the faculty's commitment to educational excellence and student success, reinforcing the core values of Houston Community College.

    Susan Hopper - Chief Technology Officer

    Susan Hopper, the Chief Technology Officer at Houston Community College, architects and directs the institution's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Overseeing IT operations, cybersecurity, and the implementation of innovative educational technologies, the Chief Technology Officer ensures robust and secure digital environments. This leadership position involves driving digital transformation initiatives, enhancing online learning platforms, and supporting faculty and student technological needs. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Susan Hopper directly advances the college's commitment to modernizing education. Ultimately, Hopper ensures that technology serves as a powerful enabler for academic success and operational efficiency across the college.

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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 Nicole Barnett (Chief Operating Officer) and Catherine Guerrero (Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer).
    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), Nicole Barnett (Chief Operating Officer), Catherine Guerrero (Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer) 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, Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, President, President, HCC Foundation.