Tarrant County College Executive and Leadership Team

Karen Gililland, the Chief Financial Officer at Tarrant County College, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire institution. The Chief Financial Officer oversees financial reporting, resource allocation, and long-term economic sustainability to support the college's mission of providing affordable education. By analyzing revenue streams and operational expenditures, Gililland ensures that funds directly benefit academic programs and student services. This leadership role requires close coordination with the board and executive leadership to maintain transparency and fiscal responsibility. Karen Gililland also directs the development of financial policies that govern campus-wide spending and investment strategies. Through rigorous oversight of the budget, the Chief Financial Officer facilitates the expansion of degree offerings and infrastructure improvements. This commitment to financial integrity allows the institution to remain a cornerstone of the community, providing consistent value to students and stakeholders while maintaining a stable economic foundation.

Kelley Willing, the Interim Campus President at Tarrant County College, leads the daily operations and academic initiatives of the assigned campus. The Interim Campus President fosters a collaborative environment for faculty and staff to deliver high-quality Associate of Arts and Science degrees. By overseeing student support services and campus-wide programming, Willing ensures that educational goals align with the broader institutional mission. This leadership role involves engaging with local community partners to enhance workforce development and student success. Kelley Willing also manages campus resources to optimize the learning experience for a diverse student body. Through proactive administration, the Interim Campus President drives initiatives that improve retention and graduation rates. This focus on academic excellence and operational efficiency supports the college's commitment to providing accessible education. By maintaining strong relationships with the student body and faculty, the Interim Campus President secures a positive and productive campus culture.

Zarina Blankenbaker, the President at Tarrant County College, provides executive leadership for the entire institution, guiding the strategic direction and academic vision. The President oversees the implementation of degree programs and ensures that the college meets the evolving needs of the regional workforce. By collaborating with the board and executive team, Blankenbaker drives initiatives that expand access to higher education and improve student outcomes. This leadership role involves representing the institution in public forums and fostering partnerships with industry leaders to enhance career readiness. Zarina Blankenbaker also directs the allocation of resources to support campus growth and innovation in teaching methodologies. Through a commitment to academic excellence, the President ensures that the college remains a vital resource for the community. This strategic oversight supports the long-term success of the institution, maintaining a focus on student achievement and institutional growth across all campuses.

Kirsten Jakowitsch, the Interim Northeast Campus President at Tarrant County College, manages the academic and operational functions of the Northeast campus. The Interim Northeast Campus President oversees faculty development, student services, and the delivery of core degree programs. By aligning campus activities with the institutional mission, Jakowitsch ensures that students receive high-quality instruction and support. This leadership role involves coordinating with other campus leaders to standardize educational outcomes and operational efficiency. Kirsten Jakowitsch also directs community outreach efforts to strengthen the college's presence in the surrounding area. Through effective management of campus resources, the Interim Northeast Campus President supports the growth of Associate of Arts and Science programs. This focus on student success and academic rigor drives the campus toward achieving its strategic goals. By fostering a supportive environment, the Interim Northeast Campus President ensures that the institution continues to provide valuable educational opportunities to the local population.

Daniel Lufkin, the President, Campus (South) at Tarrant County College, directs the academic and administrative operations of the South campus. The President, Campus (South) oversees the implementation of curriculum and student support services designed to facilitate degree completion. By managing campus-specific initiatives, Lufkin ensures that educational programs meet the needs of the local student population. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty to enhance teaching quality and student engagement. Daniel Lufkin also directs the development of partnerships with local organizations to provide career-focused training and workforce development opportunities. Through strategic oversight of campus resources, the President, Campus (South) drives improvements in student retention and academic performance. This commitment to excellence supports the broader institutional mission of providing accessible and high-quality education. By fostering a vibrant campus community, the President, Campus (South) ensures that the institution remains a key driver of regional success and student achievement.

Carlos Morales Irizarry, the President at Tarrant County College, leads the strategic development and operational execution of the college's academic mission. The President oversees the expansion of degree programs and ensures that the institution maintains high standards of educational quality. By directing institutional policy and resource management, Morales Irizarry supports the growth of academic departments and student services. This leadership role involves engaging with stakeholders to promote the value of two-year degrees and workforce training. Carlos Morales Irizarry also oversees the implementation of innovative learning technologies to enhance the student experience. Through a focus on academic excellence and community impact, the President drives the institution toward achieving its long-term goals. This strategic leadership ensures that the college remains responsive to the needs of the regional economy and the diverse student body it serves, ultimately securing the institution's position as a leader in higher education.

Natalie Garcia, the SGA President at Tarrant County College, represents the student body and advocates for student interests within the institutional governance structure. The SGA President coordinates student-led initiatives, events, and feedback mechanisms to improve the campus experience. By serving as a liaison between students and the administration, Garcia ensures that student perspectives inform institutional decision-making. This leadership role involves organizing student government activities and promoting engagement across all campuses. Natalie Garcia also directs the allocation of student activity funds to support clubs, organizations, and campus events. Through active participation in governance, the SGA President drives improvements in student services and campus life. This focus on student advocacy supports the college's mission of fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. By representing the diverse needs of the student population, the SGA President contributes to the overall success and vibrancy of the entire academic community.

Tahita Fulkerson, the President, Trinity River Campus at Tarrant County College, manages the academic and operational functions of the Trinity River campus. The President, Trinity River Campus oversees the delivery of degree programs and ensures that campus operations align with the institutional mission. By directing faculty and staff, Fulkerson fosters an environment conducive to student learning and success. This leadership role involves coordinating with other campus presidents to share best practices and optimize resource utilization. Tahita Fulkerson also directs community engagement efforts to strengthen the college's impact in the surrounding region. Through strategic management of campus resources, the President, Trinity River Campus drives initiatives that improve student outcomes and academic performance. This commitment to excellence supports the broader goal of providing accessible and high-quality education. By maintaining a focus on student achievement, the President, Trinity River Campus ensures that the institution remains a vital resource for the community.

Todd Kreuger, the Chief Information Officer at Tarrant County College, directs the digital infrastructure supporting academic and administrative operations. The Chief Information Officer manages enterprise-wide software systems, cybersecurity protocols, and network reliability to ensure seamless access for students and faculty. By modernizing data management practices, Kreuger optimizes the technological environment across all regional campuses. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to integrate digital learning tools that enhance student outcomes. Todd Kreuger also oversees the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, ensuring the institution maintains a competitive edge in educational technology. Through strategic planning, the Chief Information Officer aligns technical resources with the broader mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. This focus on digital transformation supports the long-term operational efficiency of the college, ultimately securing a robust and secure environment for the entire academic community.

Ellen Ingalls, the Dispatcher and Chief Technology Officer at Tarrant County College, coordinates critical communication systems and technical operations. The Dispatcher and Chief Technology Officer manages the integration of emergency response protocols with advanced communication platforms to ensure campus safety. By overseeing the technical architecture of dispatch services, Ingalls maintains reliable connectivity across all regional locations. This leadership role involves streamlining operational workflows to improve response times and system efficiency. Ellen Ingalls also directs the maintenance of hardware and software essential for daily campus security and administrative functions. Through the alignment of technology with safety initiatives, the Dispatcher and Chief Technology Officer supports a secure learning environment for students and staff. This dual-focus role ensures that communication infrastructure remains resilient, allowing the college to address operational challenges effectively while maintaining high standards of safety and technical performance throughout the entire institution.