Howard County Council Executive and Leadership Team

Joy Milfort, the Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer at Howard County Council, governs the institution's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Milfort directs all fiscal operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and investment management, ensuring the sustainability of affordable degree and certificate programs. This leadership position involves overseeing financial reporting, compliance, and risk management to uphold fiscal integrity. By managing institutional assets and optimizing financial strategies, Joy Milfort supports the college's capacity to offer career-focused education and maintain its commitment to accessibility. Milfort's financial acumen is crucial for enabling the expansion of in-demand career pathways and ensuring the long-term viability of Howard Community College's educational offerings.

Hesman Tall, the Chief Operating Officer at Howard County Council, directs the institution's operational framework, ensuring efficient delivery of educational services and administrative functions. Overseeing daily operations, Tall aligns departmental activities with the college's strategic objectives, focusing on resource optimization and process enhancement. This leadership role involves managing facilities, campus services, and operational technology to support student success and faculty needs. By streamlining workflows and implementing best practices, Hesman Tall drives institutional effectiveness and maintains a high standard of service delivery across all campus operations. Tall's focus remains on cultivating an environment conducive to learning and professional growth, directly supporting the college's mission of providing in-demand career programs.

Daria Willis, the President at Howard County Council, provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the institution's comprehensive educational mission. Willis guides the development and implementation of policies and programs that support two-year degree and certificate offerings focused on in-demand careers. This executive role involves fostering strong relationships with community stakeholders, industry partners, and governmental bodies to enhance the college's impact and reach. By championing innovation and academic excellence, Daria Willis ensures Howard Community College remains a leader in providing affordable, career-oriented education. Willis's overarching responsibility is to advance the institution's commitment to student success and economic mobility within Columbia, Maryland, and beyond.

Stephanie Wall, the Special Project Chief of Staff at Howard County Council, spearheads critical initiatives and strategic projects that advance the institution's mission. Wall manages cross-functional teams to execute complex projects, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and timelines. This role involves close collaboration with executive leadership to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in educational program delivery and student support services. By providing strategic guidance and operational support, Stephanie Wall facilitates the successful implementation of new programs and institutional enhancements. Wall's oversight ensures that special projects contribute directly to Howard Community College's commitment to affordable, career-focused education and its impact on the Columbia, Maryland community.

Joseph Pettiford, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Howard County Council, leads the strategic management of the institution's workforce and talent development. Pettiford oversees all human resources functions, including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, ensuring a supportive and productive environment for faculty and staff. This role is vital for attracting and retaining skilled professionals who deliver high-quality, career-focused education. By fostering a positive organizational culture and implementing effective HR policies, Joseph Pettiford contributes directly to the college's operational excellence and its ability to meet the evolving needs of students. Pettiford's leadership ensures that the human capital at Howard Community College is aligned with its mission of providing accessible and in-demand educational opportunities.