Tacoma Community College Executive and Leadership Team

David Howard, the President at Tacoma Community College, directs the overarching academic vision and long-term growth strategy for the institution. Focusing on student retention and community engagement, Howard architects partnerships with local industry leaders to enhance workforce development programs. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Board of Trustees to secure financial resources and maintain institutional accreditation. David Howard also champions initiatives that expand access to higher education for underserved populations throughout the Kitsap Peninsula. By prioritizing academic excellence and fiscal responsibility, the President ensures the college remains a cornerstone of the local educational landscape. Through active participation in regional economic planning, the President aligns institutional outcomes with the labor market demands of Washington. This executive function drives the college toward sustainable growth while upholding the core values of equity and academic integrity.

Jim Crabbe, the Special Assitant To the President at Tacoma Community College, provides high-level analytical support and manages special projects that advance the strategic objectives of the college. By conducting detailed research on educational trends, Crabbe assists the executive leadership in formulating policies that improve student outcomes. This leadership role involves coordinating complex administrative tasks and ensuring that presidential directives reach all relevant departments. Jim Crabbe also facilitates communication between the executive office and external stakeholders to strengthen community ties. Through the management of critical institutional data, the Special Assitant To the President enables evidence-based decision-making across the campus. By identifying operational bottlenecks and proposing innovative solutions, the Special Assitant To the President enhances the overall efficiency of the college. This role remains essential for maintaining the alignment of daily activities with the long-term vision of the institution.

Ivan Harrell, the President at Tacoma Community College, leads the institutional efforts to modernize curriculum and expand digital learning infrastructure. By focusing on technological integration, Harrell drives the transformation of classroom experiences to better serve the modern student body. This leadership role involves overseeing the allocation of resources to support faculty development and research initiatives. Ivan Harrell also cultivates relationships with regional government entities to advocate for increased funding and support for community colleges. Through the implementation of data-driven enrollment strategies, the President optimizes the student experience across both the Tacoma and Gig Harbor campuses. By fostering an environment of innovation, the President ensures the institution remains competitive in the higher education sector. This executive function supports the mission of providing high-quality, accessible education to the diverse communities within the Pierce County area.

Judy Colarusso, the Chief of Staff at Tacoma Community College, manages internal communications and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives to ensure operational efficiency. By aligning administrative workflows with the broader institutional mission, Colarusso facilitates seamless collaboration between the executive office and various academic divisions. This leadership role involves monitoring key performance indicators to support the strategic goals of the college. Judy Colarusso also oversees the implementation of policy updates that impact the campus community across Tacoma and Gig Harbor. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational stability and promotes a culture of transparency. By streamlining decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff enables the institution to respond effectively to the evolving needs of students and faculty within the Pierce County region. This position remains vital for maintaining the high standards of service expected at the college.