Howard County Council Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Howard County Council has 5 executives leading key functions including operations, human resources, finance, and strategy.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Howard County Council provides career-focused degree and certificate programs, fostering economic mobility and community development through affordable, high-demand educational pathways.

Leadership Roles at Howard County Council

  • Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer - Joy Milfort
  • Chief Operating Officer - Hesman Tall
  • President - Daria Willis
  • Special Project Chief of Staff - Stephanie Wall
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Joseph Pettiford
  • Joy Milfort - Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer

    Joy Milfort, the Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer at Howard County Council, directs the institution's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Managing all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, the Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer ensures the fiscal sustainability of Howard Community College's affordable educational offerings. This critical role involves overseeing capital expenditures and optimizing resource allocation to support career-focused programs and operational needs. By providing expert financial guidance, Joy Milfort enables strategic investments in academic innovation and student services. The Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer's oversight is paramount to maintaining the college's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education. Milfort's financial acumen supports the long-term viability and growth of the institution in Columbia, Maryland.

    Hesman Tall - Chief Operating Officer

    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, the Chief Operating Officer manages resource allocation and process optimization to support the college's mission of providing affordable, career-focused programs. This leadership position involves coordinating across departments to enhance student support systems and streamline academic delivery. By focusing on operational excellence, Hesman Tall drives the effective implementation of strategic initiatives across the Columbia, Maryland campus. The Chief Operating Officer's role is critical in maintaining the high standards of service and accessibility that define Howard Community College's educational offerings. Tall ensures that all operational facets align with the college's commitment to career readiness and economic impact for students in Maryland.

    Daria Willis - President

    Daria Willis, the President at Howard County Council, provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Guiding the college's mission to offer affordable, career-focused degree and certificate programs, the President oversees all academic and administrative functions, ensuring alignment with market demands and community needs. This executive role involves fostering partnerships, championing innovation in education, and promoting the college's commitment to student success and economic mobility. By setting the institutional vision, Daria Willis drives the strategic growth and development of Howard Community College. The President's leadership is fundamental to maintaining the college's reputation for excellence and accessibility in Columbia, Maryland. Willis's stewardship ensures the continued delivery of high-quality education that prepares students for in-demand careers.
    Daria Willis

    Stephanie Wall - Special Project Chief of Staff

    Stephanie Wall, the Special Project Chief of Staff at Howard County Council, spearheads critical strategic initiatives and special projects that advance the college's objectives. Managing cross-functional project teams, the Special Project Chief of Staff ensures timely and successful execution of complex assignments, aligning with the institution's focus on in-demand careers. This role involves close collaboration with executive leadership to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in educational program delivery. By providing dedicated project management and strategic support, Stephanie Wall facilitates the development and implementation of new programs and services. The Special Project Chief of Staff's contributions are vital to enhancing the college's responsiveness to market needs and its capacity for growth. Wall's oversight of key projects directly supports Howard Community College's mission to offer affordable, career-oriented education in Columbia, Maryland.

    Joseph Pettiford - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Joseph Pettiford, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Howard County Council, leads all human capital strategies and talent management initiatives. Overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and professional development, the Chief Human Resources Officer cultivates a supportive and high-performing work environment essential for delivering quality education. This executive function ensures compliance with labor laws and promotes a culture that aligns with the college's values of accessibility and career focus. By developing robust HR policies and programs, Joseph Pettiford supports the faculty and staff who are central to Howard Community College's success. The Chief Human Resources Officer's expertise is crucial in attracting and retaining the skilled professionals needed to offer in-demand degree and certificate programs. Pettiford's leadership in human resources directly contributes to the operational stability and growth of the institution in Columbia, Maryland.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Howard County Council Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Howard County Council?
    Howard County Council is led by Joy Milfort (Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Hesman Tall (Chief Operating Officer) and Daria Willis (President).
    Who is part of Howard County Council’s executive team?
    The executive team of Howard County Council includes leaders such as Joy Milfort (Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer), Hesman Tall (Chief Operating Officer), Daria Willis (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Howard County Council have?
    Howard County Council has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Howard County Council’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Howard County Council includes roles such as Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Special Project Chief of Staff, Chief Human Resources Officer.