St. Louis Community College Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

St. Louis Community College has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operations, finance, revenue, human resources, and academic administration.

Committed to regional educational advancement, St. Louis Community College provides accessible learning opportunities through accredited programs. The institution fosters student success by maintaining rigorous academic standards and supporting workforce development across the Missouri district.

Leadership Roles at St. Louis Community College

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Geoffrey Obrzut
  • Finance Vice Chancellor & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - Mark Swadener
  • Chief Operating Officer - Hart Nelson
  • Campus President - Kate Herrell
  • Acting President - Herbert Gross
  • Campus President and Chief Academic Officer - Julie Fickas
  • Campus President and Chief Academic Officer - Elizabeth Perkins
  • Chief Information Officer - Feng Hou
  • Senior Scientist & Chief Revenue Officer & Coordinator - Laura Moore
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Tanya Dupske
  • Geoffrey Obrzut - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Geoffrey Obrzut, the President & Chief Executive Officer at St. Louis Community College, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire college district. Overseeing institutional accreditation and long-term academic planning, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the Higher Learning Commission standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board of Trustees to advance educational accessibility across Missouri. By fostering partnerships with regional industry leaders, Obrzut drives workforce development initiatives that directly impact student employability. The President & Chief Executive Officer manages complex administrative frameworks to maintain operational excellence. Through consistent engagement with faculty and staff, Geoffrey Obrzut secures the institutional mission of providing high-quality, affordable education. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the fiscal and academic integrity required for sustained growth within the competitive higher education landscape.
    Geoffrey Obrzut

    Mark Swadener - Finance Vice Chancellor & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

    Mark Swadener, the Finance Vice Chancellor & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at St. Louis Community College, directs the fiscal strategy and budgetary planning for the district. Overseeing financial reporting and investment management, the Finance Vice Chancellor & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer ensures long-term economic stability. This leadership role involves auditing departmental expenditures to maintain compliance with state funding requirements. By managing the treasury functions, Swadener drives the allocation of capital toward essential academic infrastructure and student support services. The Finance Vice Chancellor & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer collaborates with the Board to establish transparent financial policies. Mark Swadener monitors revenue streams to mitigate risks associated with fluctuating enrollment. Through the precise management of institutional assets, the Finance Vice Chancellor & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer supports the overarching mission of providing affordable, high-quality education.
    Mark Swadener

    Hart Nelson - Chief Operating Officer

    Hart Nelson, the Chief Operating Officer at St. Louis Community College, manages the daily logistical functions and facility maintenance across all campuses. Overseeing physical plant operations and campus safety protocols, the Chief Operating Officer ensures a secure environment for the entire student body. This leadership role involves streamlining procurement processes and vendor management to maximize resource allocation. By coordinating with department heads, Nelson drives operational efficiency in support of academic programs. The Chief Operating Officer monitors infrastructure projects to ensure compliance with state regulations and safety standards. Hart Nelson evaluates facility usage patterns to optimize space allocation for growing enrollment needs. Through the rigorous oversight of campus services, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the physical foundation necessary for the institution to deliver high-quality education throughout the Missouri district.

    Kate Herrell - Campus President

    Kate Herrell, the Campus President at St. Louis Community College, directs the administrative and academic operations of the assigned campus location. Overseeing local community engagement and student services, the Campus President ensures that the facility meets the specific needs of the surrounding population. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with local businesses to create internship opportunities for students. By managing campus-specific budgets and resource allocation, Herrell drives the implementation of district-wide strategic goals at the local level. The Campus President coordinates with faculty to maintain high standards of instruction and student support. Kate Herrell evaluates local enrollment data to adjust course offerings and program availability. Through the active management of campus life and academic quality, the Campus President contributes to the overall success and reputation of the college district.

    Herbert Gross - Acting President

    Herbert Gross, the Acting President at St. Louis Community College, provides interim leadership to maintain continuity in institutional operations. Overseeing the execution of existing strategic initiatives, the Acting President ensures that all departments remain aligned with the college's mission. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the Board and the executive team during the transition period. By managing daily administrative functions, Gross drives the stability of academic and support services. The Acting President monitors key performance indicators to ensure that student outcomes remain a priority. Herbert Gross collaborates with campus leaders to address immediate operational challenges and maintain institutional momentum. Through the steady guidance of the college's executive functions, the Acting President preserves the integrity of the educational environment while supporting the long-term goals of the district.

    Julie Fickas - Campus President and Chief Academic Officer

    Julie Fickas, the Campus President and Chief Academic Officer at St. Louis Community College, directs the academic curriculum and faculty development for the campus. Overseeing the quality of instruction and program accreditation, the Campus President and Chief Academic Officer ensures that students receive a rigorous education. This leadership role involves managing the academic calendar and course scheduling to optimize student progress. By implementing innovative teaching methodologies, Fickas drives the improvement of learning outcomes across various disciplines. The Campus President and Chief Academic Officer collaborates with department chairs to align degree programs with regional workforce requirements. Julie Fickas evaluates faculty performance to maintain high standards of pedagogical excellence. Through the strategic oversight of academic affairs, the Campus President and Chief Academic Officer supports the institution's commitment to student achievement and academic integrity.
    Julie Fickas

    Elizabeth Perkins - Campus President and Chief Academic Officer

    Elizabeth Perkins, the Campus President and Chief Academic Officer at St. Louis Community College, directs the student success initiatives and academic support services for the campus. Overseeing the development of new certificate programs, the Campus President and Chief Academic Officer ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to evolving industry standards. This leadership role involves managing student retention strategies and academic advising frameworks. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Perkins drives the enhancement of student engagement and graduation rates. The Campus President and Chief Academic Officer coordinates with faculty to integrate experiential learning opportunities into the classroom. Elizabeth Perkins monitors academic policy compliance to ensure a fair and effective learning environment. Through the dedicated management of academic affairs, the Campus President and Chief Academic Officer supports the college's mission of providing accessible, high-quality education.

    Feng Hou - Chief Information Officer

    Feng Hou, the Chief Information Officer at St. Louis Community College, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all campus operations. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols and enterprise software integration, the Chief Information Officer ensures data integrity for students and faculty. This leadership role involves modernizing classroom technology to facilitate hybrid learning environments across the district. By implementing scalable cloud solutions, Hou drives efficiency in administrative workflows and student registration systems. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with academic leadership to align technical resources with pedagogical goals. Feng Hou manages the deployment of advanced analytics tools to track student performance and retention metrics. Through the continuous optimization of network reliability, the Chief Information Officer supports the broader mission of providing a seamless, technology-enabled educational experience for the entire Missouri community.

    Laura Moore - Senior Scientist & Chief Revenue Officer & Coordinator

    Laura Moore, the Senior Scientist & Chief Revenue Officer & Coordinator at St. Louis Community College, drives revenue growth through specialized research grants and academic partnerships. Overseeing the coordination of scientific programs, the Senior Scientist & Chief Revenue Officer & Coordinator ensures that curriculum aligns with current industry demands. This leadership role involves securing external funding to support laboratory upgrades and faculty research initiatives. By identifying new market opportunities for professional certification programs, Moore drives the expansion of the college's educational footprint. The Senior Scientist & Chief Revenue Officer & Coordinator collaborates with regional employers to develop workforce training pipelines. Laura Moore manages the integration of scientific research into the broader academic framework. Through the strategic acquisition of grants and partnerships, the Senior Scientist & Chief Revenue Officer & Coordinator enhances the financial and academic standing of the institution.
    Laura Moore

    Tanya Dupske - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Tanya Dupske, the Chief Human Resources Officer at St. Louis Community College, directs talent acquisition and organizational development across the district. Overseeing faculty recruitment and staff retention programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures a high-performing workforce. This leadership role involves managing labor relations and collective bargaining agreements to maintain a stable work environment. By implementing professional development initiatives, Dupske drives the continuous improvement of teaching standards. The Chief Human Resources Officer coordinates with campus leadership to align staffing levels with enrollment trends. Tanya Dupske manages benefits administration and compliance with employment laws to protect the institution. Through the cultivation of an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, the Chief Human Resources Officer enables faculty and staff to focus on the core mission of student success and academic excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding St. Louis Community College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads St. Louis Community College?
    St. Louis Community College is led by Geoffrey Obrzut (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Mark Swadener (Finance Vice Chancellor & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer) and Hart Nelson (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of St. Louis Community College’s executive team?
    The executive team of St. Louis Community College includes leaders such as Geoffrey Obrzut (President & Chief Executive Officer), Mark Swadener (Finance Vice Chancellor & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), Hart Nelson (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does St. Louis Community College have?
    St. Louis Community College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in St. Louis Community College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of St. Louis Community College includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Finance Vice Chancellor & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Chief Operating Officer, Campus President, Acting President.