Howard County Council Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Howard County Council has 4 executives leading key functions including operations, financial management, human resources, and institutional strategy.

Committed to academic excellence and community accessibility, Howard County Council fosters student success through affordable degree programs and career-focused education initiatives that drive regional economic growth and workforce development.

Leadership Roles at Howard County Council

  • Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer - Joy Milfort
  • Chief Operating Officer - Hesman Tall
  • President - Daria Willis
  • 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 fiscal strategy and budgetary planning for the entire institution. Managing the allocation of funds across academic departments, the Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer ensures financial sustainability while maintaining affordable tuition rates for students. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams and expenditure patterns to support long-term growth objectives. By implementing robust financial controls, Joy Milfort safeguards the economic health of the college. The Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to align fiscal policies with the strategic goals of the institution. Through precise financial forecasting and resource management, the Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer enables the expansion of certificate programs and career-focused initiatives that serve the broader Maryland community.

    Hesman Tall - Chief Operating Officer

    Hesman Tall, the Chief Operating Officer at Howard County Council, manages the daily administrative functions and campus infrastructure necessary for academic delivery. Overseeing facility maintenance and operational logistics, the Chief Operating Officer ensures the physical environment supports the diverse needs of the student body. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to streamline internal processes and improve resource allocation across the institution. By optimizing campus services, Hesman Tall directly impacts the efficiency of educational programs. The Chief Operating Officer maintains rigorous standards for safety and accessibility, ensuring all campus operations align with the broader mission of providing high-quality, affordable education. Through careful oversight of institutional assets, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational foundation required for long-term academic success and community engagement within the Maryland region.

    Daria Willis - President

    Daria Willis, the President at Howard County Council, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Overseeing the implementation of long-term goals, the President ensures the college remains a leader in providing affordable, career-focused education. This leadership role involves engaging with community stakeholders and regional partners to expand the reach of academic programs. By championing innovation in curriculum development, Daria Willis directly impacts the educational outcomes of the student population. The President collaborates with the board and executive team to maintain high standards of academic excellence and institutional integrity. Through visionary leadership, the President drives the growth of certificate and degree offerings, ensuring the institution meets the changing demands of the workforce. Ultimately, the President secures the future of the college as a vital resource for professional development and academic advancement.
    Daria Willis

    Joseph Pettiford - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Joseph Pettiford, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Howard County Council, manages talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture. Overseeing the recruitment of faculty and staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the institution attracts top-tier professionals dedicated to student success. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs and performance management systems that foster professional growth. By cultivating an inclusive and productive work environment, Joseph Pettiford directly impacts the quality of instruction and administrative support provided to students. The Chief Human Resources Officer coordinates with other executive leaders to align staffing levels with the evolving needs of the academic curriculum. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer maintains the human capital necessary to deliver high-quality education and support services across the entire campus community in 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 4 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, Chief Human Resources Officer.