Jefferson College Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Jefferson College has 4 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, board governance, regional district oversight, and academic administration.

Committed to fostering student success and community development, Jefferson College delivers comprehensive educational pathways, technical training, and workforce development programs to empower learners across the Missouri region.

Leadership Roles at Jefferson College

  • President - Dena McCaffrey
  • President Board of Trustees - Margaret Passmore
  • District President, The Central (East) - Joseph Pappas
  • President - Raymond Cummiskey
  • Dena McCaffrey - President

    Dena McCaffrey, the President at Jefferson College, directs the overall institutional strategy and academic vision. Overseeing the daily operations of the college, the President ensures alignment between educational offerings and regional workforce demands. Dena McCaffrey manages the integration of transfer programs and technical career initiatives to support student advancement. By collaborating with the Board of Trustees, the President maintains fiscal health and operational excellence across all campus departments. This leadership role involves driving long-term growth through customized business training and continuing education services. The President monitors institutional performance metrics to guarantee high-quality learning outcomes. Through active engagement with local industry partners, the President expands the reach of academic programs. Ultimately, McCaffrey secures the future of the institution by fostering an environment of innovation and academic rigor, ensuring that the college remains a cornerstone of professional development within the Missouri educational landscape.
    Dena McCaffrey

    Margaret Passmore - President Board of Trustees

    Margaret Passmore, the President Board of Trustees at Jefferson College, governs the strategic direction and policy framework of the institution. Overseeing the fiduciary responsibilities of the board, the President Board of Trustees ensures compliance with state regulations and institutional bylaws. Margaret Passmore facilitates communication between the administration and the community to uphold the mission of the college. This leadership role involves approving major capital projects and academic initiatives that define the long-term trajectory of the campus. By providing oversight on budgetary allocations, the President Board of Trustees maintains the financial stability necessary for academic growth. Passmore coordinates with executive leadership to address emerging challenges in the higher education sector. Through rigorous evaluation of institutional goals, the President Board of Trustees drives accountability and transparency. Ultimately, Passmore strengthens the governance structure, ensuring that the college continues to provide accessible and high-quality education to the diverse student population served by the institution.
    Margaret Passmore

    Joseph Pappas - District President, The Central (East)

    Joseph Pappas, the District President, The Central (East) at Jefferson College, manages regional operations and district-wide initiatives. Overseeing the expansion of educational services across the central and eastern territories, the District President, The Central (East) ensures consistent delivery of technical career programs. Joseph Pappas coordinates with local business leaders to align curriculum with regional economic needs. This leadership role involves optimizing resource distribution to enhance the accessibility of continuing education. By streamlining administrative processes across the district, the District President, The Central (East) improves operational efficiency and student support services. Pappas monitors regional market trends to identify opportunities for new program development. Through strategic planning, the District President, The Central (East) fosters collaboration between academic departments and external stakeholders. Ultimately, Pappas drives the growth of the district by maintaining high standards of instructional quality and ensuring that the college remains responsive to the evolving requirements of the regional workforce.

    Raymond Cummiskey - President

    Raymond Cummiskey, the President at Jefferson College, leads the administrative functions and academic policy implementation. Overseeing the development of specialized training programs, the President ensures that the institution meets the needs of local industry partners. Raymond Cummiskey manages the faculty and staff resources required to deliver high-quality transfer and technical education. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence across all departments. By analyzing institutional data, the President identifies areas for curriculum enhancement and student support expansion. Cummiskey coordinates with the Board of Trustees to execute long-term strategic goals that promote institutional sustainability. Through active participation in regional educational networks, the President elevates the profile of the college. Ultimately, Cummiskey drives the mission of the institution by ensuring that all academic and professional programs remain relevant, accessible, and effective in preparing students for success in a competitive global economy.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Jefferson College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Jefferson College?
    Jefferson College is led by Dena McCaffrey (President), along with executives such as Margaret Passmore (President Board of Trustees) and Joseph Pappas (District President, The Central (East)).
    Who is part of Jefferson College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Jefferson College includes leaders such as Dena McCaffrey (President), Margaret Passmore (President Board of Trustees), Joseph Pappas (District President, The Central (East)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Jefferson College have?
    Jefferson College has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Jefferson College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Jefferson College includes roles such as President, President Board of Trustees, District President, The Central (East), President.