Tacoma Community College Executive and Leadership Team

David Howard, the President at Tacoma Community College, directs the overarching academic vision and long-term strategic planning for the institution. Howard oversees the implementation of curriculum standards and faculty development programs designed to enhance student retention. By fostering partnerships with local industry leaders, the President expands workforce training opportunities throughout the Kitsap Peninsula. David Howard manages the college budget and ensures fiscal sustainability while prioritizing investments in modern learning infrastructure. This leadership position involves representing the college in regional educational forums and advocating for state-level funding. Howard maintains a focus on inclusive excellence, ensuring that diverse student populations receive equitable access to high-quality instruction. Through the cultivation of a collaborative campus culture, the President empowers faculty and staff to achieve institutional milestones. Howard drives the mission of providing accessible, transformative education to the residents of Tacoma and surrounding areas.

Carleton Opgaard, the President at Tacoma Community College, architects the framework for community engagement and external relations. Opgaard focuses on strengthening the college's presence within the Pierce County business community to facilitate internship and employment pathways for graduates. The President monitors enrollment trends and adjusts recruitment strategies to meet the demographic shifts within the region. Carleton Opgaard leads the development of specialized certificate programs that align with current labor market demands. By coordinating with the Board of Trustees, the President ensures that institutional policies reflect the core values of academic freedom and community service. Opgaard manages the expansion of campus facilities to accommodate growing student needs in Gig Harbor and Tacoma. This role requires a deep commitment to public education and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. Through strategic leadership, the President secures the long-term viability of the college as a primary educational resource.

Ivan Harrell, the President at Tacoma Community College, drives the digital transformation of academic delivery and student support services. Harrell oversees the integration of advanced learning technologies to improve accessibility for non-traditional students across the Kitsap Peninsula. The President manages the implementation of data-driven assessment tools to track student progress and improve graduation rates. Ivan Harrell fosters a culture of innovation by encouraging faculty to adopt evidence-based teaching methodologies. This leadership role involves managing complex institutional budgets and securing external grants to fund research and community outreach initiatives. By prioritizing student wellness and support services, the President ensures that the college environment remains conducive to academic achievement. Harrell coordinates with regional stakeholders to align educational offerings with the economic development goals of the city of Tacoma. Through consistent focus on technological advancement, the President positions the institution as a leader in modern community college education.

Jim Crabbe, the Special Assitant To the President at Tacoma Community College, executes critical research and policy analysis to support executive decision-making. Crabbe prepares detailed reports on institutional performance and regional educational trends for the presidential office. The Special Assitant To the President manages sensitive communications and ensures that executive directives reach all relevant departments. By conducting thorough evaluations of internal programs, Crabbe identifies opportunities for operational improvement and cost efficiency. Jim Crabbe facilitates meetings between the President and external partners to advance the college's strategic objectives. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights. Through the management of special projects, the Special Assitant To the President contributes to the overall stability and growth of the institution. Crabbe maintains a focus on supporting the presidential agenda while ensuring that all administrative activities align with the college's mission.

Judy Colarusso, the Chief of Staff at Tacoma Community College, manages high-level administrative workflows and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives. Colarusso facilitates communication between the executive office and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with institutional goals. By streamlining operational processes, the Chief of Staff supports the efficient delivery of educational services across the Tacoma and Gig Harbor campuses. Judy Colarusso monitors project timelines and resource allocation to maintain organizational standards. This role requires constant collaboration with academic leadership to address emerging challenges within the community college environment. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff enables the institution to focus on student-centered outcomes. Colarusso drives internal policy development and ensures that administrative functions remain responsive to the evolving needs of the Pierce County student population. The Chief of Staff maintains a clear focus on operational excellence and institutional integrity.