Northeast Community College Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Northeast Community College has 6 executives leading key functions including information technology, institutional strategy, academic leadership, and governance.

Committed to accessible education, Northeast Community College empowers students through affordable programs and hands-on learning opportunities that bridge the gap between academic theory and professional success.

Leadership Roles at Northeast Community College

  • President - Leah Barrett
  • President - James Underwood
  • President - William Path
  • Co-interim President - Steve Schram
  • Chief Information Officer - David Cone
  • Board of Governors - Donovan Ellis
  • Leah Barrett - President

    Leah Barrett, the President at Northeast Community College, oversees the strategic vision and overall institutional performance. Barrett directs the implementation of academic programs that align with regional workforce demands, ensuring students gain relevant skills in health sciences and skilled trades. As the primary executive, the President fosters partnerships with local industry leaders to expand career networking opportunities for the diverse student population. Leah Barrett also manages the allocation of financial aid and scholarship resources to maintain the college's commitment to affordability. By guiding the administrative team, the President ensures that all campus services support the mission of student achievement and academic excellence. This leadership role involves navigating complex educational regulations while promoting a vibrant student life through various clubs and events. Through consistent focus on institutional growth, the President secures the college's position as a vital educational resource within the broader community.
    Leah Barrett

    James Underwood - President

    James Underwood, the President at Northeast Community College, manages the expansion of business and technical curriculum to meet evolving market needs. Underwood directs the development of flexible learning pathways that accommodate both traditional and non-traditional students. As a key leader, the President evaluates institutional effectiveness by monitoring student retention and graduation metrics across all fields of study. James Underwood also coordinates with the Board of Governors to align long-term fiscal planning with the college's educational goals. This leadership role involves overseeing the physical and digital campus environment to ensure high-quality learning spaces. By prioritizing hands-on training initiatives, the President enhances the practical value of the college's degree programs. Through strategic oversight of academic departments, the President drives continuous improvement in instructional quality, ensuring that every student receives the necessary support to achieve career goals within the competitive regional economy.

    William Path - President

    William Path, the President at Northeast Community College, leads the institutional efforts to enhance community engagement and regional economic development. Path directs the outreach programs that connect the college with local businesses, creating pathways for student internships and employment. As the President, the executive oversees the integration of new health science programs to address critical labor shortages in the region. William Path also manages the college's public relations and external communications, ensuring the institution remains a trusted partner for prospective students and stakeholders. This leadership role involves balancing the budget to support affordable tuition while investing in modern laboratory equipment and classroom technology. By fostering an inclusive campus culture, the President ensures that all students feel supported throughout their academic journey. Through proactive management of external relationships, the President secures the resources required to sustain the college's mission of providing high-quality, accessible education.

    Steve Schram - Co-interim President

    Steve Schram, the Co-interim President at Northeast Community College, executes the transition of leadership while maintaining operational continuity across all academic departments. Schram directs the daily administrative functions, ensuring that student services and faculty support remain uninterrupted during this period. As the Co-interim President, the executive collaborates with the Board of Governors to uphold the college's commitment to affordable, high-quality education. Steve Schram also monitors the implementation of current strategic initiatives, focusing on the delivery of core programs in business and skilled trades. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the administration and the student body to address immediate needs and concerns. By stabilizing institutional processes, the Co-interim President ensures that the college continues to serve its diverse population effectively. Through careful oversight of operational workflows, the Co-interim President maintains the momentum of ongoing projects, supporting the long-term success of the institution.

    David Cone - Chief Information Officer

    David Cone, the Chief Information Officer at Northeast Community College, directs the digital infrastructure supporting academic and administrative operations. Cone manages the secure integration of educational technology platforms, ensuring students and faculty access reliable digital resources across the campus network. By architecting scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer optimizes data management systems to support institutional growth and student success. David Cone also coordinates with academic departments to implement advanced learning management tools that enhance the classroom experience. This leadership role involves maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive student information while facilitating seamless connectivity for remote and on-campus learners. Through the modernization of campus-wide IT systems, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency, allowing the college to maintain high-quality educational standards in an increasingly digital landscape. Cone secures the technological foundation necessary for long-term institutional stability.
    David Cone

    Donovan Ellis - Board of Governors

    Donovan Ellis, the Board of Governors at Northeast Community College, provides the high-level oversight necessary to ensure institutional integrity and fiscal responsibility. Ellis directs the policy-making process that guides the college's long-term strategic direction and governance. As a member of the Board of Governors, the executive evaluates the performance of the administration and approves major budgetary allocations for campus infrastructure and academic expansion. Donovan Ellis also represents the interests of the community, ensuring that the college's programs remain aligned with regional economic needs and educational standards. This leadership role involves reviewing institutional audits and compliance reports to maintain transparency and accountability. By setting the vision for the college, the Board of Governors ensures that the institution remains focused on its mission of providing affordable, high-quality education. Through diligent governance, the Board of Governors secures the future of the college as a cornerstone of the local educational landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Northeast Community College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Northeast Community College?
    Northeast Community College is led by Leah Barrett (President), along with executives such as James Underwood (President) and William Path (President).
    Who is part of Northeast Community College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Northeast Community College includes leaders such as Leah Barrett (President), James Underwood (President), William Path (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Northeast Community College have?
    Northeast Community College has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Northeast Community College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Northeast Community College includes roles such as President, President, President, Co-interim President, Chief Information Officer.