Pima Community College Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pima Community College has 7 executives leading key functions including information technology, finance, medical services, institutional leadership, campus operations, and governance.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Pima Community College empowers diverse learners through comprehensive academic programs and workforce development, fostering lifelong learning and community engagement in Tucson, Arizona.

Leadership Roles at Pima Community College

  • Chief Financial Officer - Mary Gray
  • President - Miguel Palacios
  • President - Makyla Hays
  • Campus President - Noelia Vela
  • Chief Information Officer - Isaac Abbs
  • Chief Medical Officer - R. Russell
  • Board of Governors - Sylvia Lee
  • Mary Gray - Chief Financial Officer

    Mary Gray, the Chief Financial Officer at Pima Community College, manages the institution's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Gray oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, treasury, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and sound financial practices. This critical role involves developing financial strategies that support the college's mission of providing accessible education and workforce development across Tucson, Arizona. By optimizing resource allocation and managing investments, Mary Gray ensures the sustainable growth and financial stability of Pima Community College. The Chief Financial Officer also collaborates with other leaders to secure funding, manage expenditures, and provide financial insights that inform institutional decision-making, directly impacting the college's ability to serve its diverse student population.

    Miguel Palacios - President

    Miguel Palacios, the President at Pima Community College, provides overarching strategic direction and institutional leadership. Palacios guides the college's mission to offer diverse academic programs, degrees, and certificates, including robust online learning options through PimaOnline, serving students across Tucson, Arizona. This executive role involves fostering a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and student support, ensuring the college meets the evolving needs of first-generation learners and mid-career professionals. By championing workforce development and lifelong learning initiatives, Miguel Palacios drives the college's impact on personal and career advancement within the community. The President also cultivates external partnerships and community engagement, strengthening Pima Community College's position as a vital educational resource.

    Makyla Hays - President

    Makyla Hays, the President at Pima Community College, spearheads institutional strategy and operational excellence. Hays directs the college's commitment to providing comprehensive academic programs and workforce development opportunities, catering to a broad spectrum of students seeking new skills or career transitions in Tucson, Arizona. This leadership position focuses on enhancing the student experience and ensuring equitable access to educational resources, including PimaOnline's flexible learning formats. By fostering innovation and community partnerships, Makyla Hays drives the college's mission to support lifelong learning and personal growth. The President also oversees the strategic alignment of college initiatives with community needs, ensuring Pima Community College remains a responsive and impactful educational institution.

    Noelia Vela - Campus President

    Noelia Vela, the Campus President at Pima Community College, leads specific campus operations and student support services. Vela focuses on enhancing the educational experience for students at the campus level, ensuring access to academic programs, degrees, and certificates that align with workforce development needs in Tucson, Arizona. This role involves fostering a vibrant campus community and implementing strategies that support student success and lifelong learning initiatives. By overseeing campus resources and faculty, Noelia Vela ensures the delivery of high-quality education and community engagement. The Campus President also collaborates with institutional leadership to advance the college's overall mission and strategic objectives, providing localized leadership for student achievement.

    Isaac Abbs - Chief Information Officer

    Isaac Abbs, the Chief Information Officer at Pima Community College, directs all information technology operations and digital infrastructure. Abbs oversees the development and implementation of technology strategies that support the college's academic and administrative functions, including PimaOnline's digital learning environment. This leadership role ensures the security, reliability, and scalability of the college's IT systems, facilitating seamless access to educational resources for a diverse student body across Tucson, Arizona. By managing network infrastructure and data management, Isaac Abbs drives technological innovation to enhance student success and operational efficiency. The Chief Information Officer also guides the integration of new technologies to meet evolving educational demands and maintain a competitive edge in online and traditional learning modalities.

    R. Russell - Chief Medical Officer

    R. Russell, the Chief Medical Officer at Pima Community College, provides essential health and wellness leadership for the student population and staff. Russell oversees the implementation of health policies and programs designed to support student success and well-being, aligning with the college's commitment to holistic education in Tucson, Arizona. This position ensures that health services are accessible and responsive to the needs of a diverse community, including those pursuing career changes or new skills. By guiding health initiatives and ensuring compliance with health regulations, R. Russell contributes to a safe and supportive learning environment. The Chief Medical Officer also collaborates with academic departments to integrate health education and promote lifelong wellness among students and faculty.

    Sylvia Lee - Board of Governors

    Sylvia Lee, a member of the Board of Governors at Pima Community College, provides critical oversight and strategic guidance for the institution. Lee contributes to the governance framework that ensures the college uphms its mission of delivering diverse academic programs and workforce development across Tucson, Arizona. This role involves reviewing institutional policies, approving budgets, and setting the long-term vision for Pima Community College, supporting its commitment to lifelong learning and career advancement. By collaborating with other board members and executive leadership, Sylvia Lee helps shape the college's strategic direction and ensure its financial health and operational integrity. The Board of Governors, including Lee, plays a vital part in maintaining the quality and accessibility of educational opportunities for all students.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

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

    Who leads Pima Community College?
    Pima Community College is led by Mary Gray (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Miguel Palacios (President) and Makyla Hays (President).
    Who is part of Pima Community College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pima Community College includes leaders such as Mary Gray (Chief Financial Officer), Miguel Palacios (President), Makyla Hays (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pima Community College have?
    Pima Community College has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Pima Community College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Pima Community College includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, President, Campus President, Chief Information Officer.