Howard County Council Executive and Leadership Team

Aj Fischer, the Executive VP, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Howard County Council, manages the fiscal health and administrative integrity of the institution. Overseeing budgetary planning and long-term financial forecasting, the Executive VP, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures the sustainability of affordable degree programs. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to allocate funding toward high-demand career training initiatives. By implementing robust financial controls, Aj Fischer directly supports the economic viability of the college. Fischer monitors revenue streams and expenditure patterns to maintain fiscal transparency. Through strategic management of administrative assets, the Executive VP, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer drives the financial success of the organization. This role remains essential for balancing the institutional budget while Fischer continues to prioritize investments that enhance student outcomes and expand educational access throughout the region.

Joy Milfort, the Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer at Howard County Council, oversees specialized financial reporting and institutional accounting practices. Managing the fiscal oversight of campus auxiliary services, the Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer ensures that all financial operations support the core educational mission. This leadership role involves auditing departmental expenditures to maximize the impact of available resources. By refining financial reporting mechanisms, Joy Milfort directly contributes to the overall fiscal health of the college. Milfort analyzes cost-efficiency metrics to guide strategic decision-making regarding certificate program funding. Through the rigorous management of financial data, the Vice President of Cam and Chief Financial Officer maintains institutional accountability. This role remains essential for ensuring that every dollar spent enhances the student experience while Milfort continues to drive financial precision across all campus auxiliary operations.

Hesman Tall, the Chief Operating Officer at Howard County Council, directs all internal operational workflows to ensure institutional efficiency. Overseeing campus infrastructure and facility management, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the physical environment necessary for student success. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental logistics to support the two-year degree and certificate programs offered by the institution. By streamlining administrative processes, Hesman Tall directly impacts the operational capacity of the college. Tall manages resource allocation across various departments, ensuring alignment with the broader mission of providing affordable education. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief Operating Officer secures the functional stability required for academic growth. This position remains vital for maintaining the high standards of service expected within the Columbia, Maryland community, while Tall continues to optimize organizational performance across all campus sectors.

Daria Willis, the President at Howard County Council, provides the overarching strategic vision and executive leadership for the entire institution. Overseeing the implementation of the college mission, the President ensures that all academic and administrative functions remain focused on student success and community impact. This leadership role involves representing the college to external stakeholders, government officials, and regional partners. By championing the value of affordable, career-focused education, Daria Willis directly influences the growth and reputation of the college. Willis collaborates with the Board and executive team to set long-term goals that address the changing needs of the workforce. Through the decisive management of institutional priorities, the President drives the college toward achieving its strategic objectives. This role remains the primary force for institutional advancement while Willis continues to lead the college in providing high-quality, accessible education to the Maryland community.

Cindy Skalny, the District 5 Chief of Staff at Howard County Council, coordinates legislative priorities and community engagement initiatives. Overseeing the communication flow between district stakeholders and institutional leadership, the District 5 Chief of Staff ensures alignment with regional educational goals. This leadership role involves managing complex projects that bridge the gap between public policy and academic service delivery. By facilitating productive dialogue, Cindy Skalny directly impacts the responsiveness of the organization to local needs. Skalny organizes strategic outreach efforts to bolster support for certificate programs and career-focused training. Through the management of district-level operations, the District 5 Chief of Staff maintains strong ties with the community. This position remains critical for navigating the political and social landscape while Skalny continues to advance the mission of providing accessible, high-quality education to the residents of Maryland.

Joseph Pettiford, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Howard County Council, directs talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the recruitment of faculty and staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the institution maintains a high-caliber workforce capable of delivering quality education. This leadership role involves designing professional development programs that align with the evolving demands of the career-focused curriculum. By fostering an inclusive and productive work environment, Joseph Pettiford directly impacts the retention and performance of the college staff. Pettiford manages labor relations and benefits administration to support the well-being of the entire workforce. Through the strategic alignment of human capital with institutional goals, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational excellence. This position remains vital for building a resilient team while Pettiford continues to cultivate a culture of professional growth and academic dedication.

Jane-Ellen Miller, the Interim Chief Information Officer at Howard County Council, manages the digital infrastructure and technological systems supporting the academic environment. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols and network reliability, the Interim Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty have seamless access to digital learning tools. This leadership role involves modernizing IT systems to support the delivery of online and hybrid certificate programs. By implementing scalable technology solutions, Jane-Ellen Miller directly enhances the digital capabilities of the institution. Miller coordinates with academic departments to integrate new software that improves student engagement and administrative efficiency. Through the strategic oversight of information technology, the Interim Chief Information Officer secures the data integrity of the college. This role remains essential for maintaining a robust technological foundation while Miller continues to drive innovation in the digital space to support the evolving needs of the student body.