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. Gililland oversees resource allocation, financial reporting, and long-term economic sustainability strategies. By monitoring revenue streams and operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that funds directly support the delivery of Associate of Arts, Science, and Applied Science degrees. This leadership role requires close collaboration with campus administrators to balance institutional growth with fiscal responsibility. Karen Gililland directs the development of financial policies that maintain transparency and compliance with state regulations. Through rigorous analysis of economic trends, the Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for cost-effective improvements in campus services. Gililland secures the financial foundation necessary for academic expansion and facility maintenance. The Chief Financial Officer drives initiatives that maximize the impact of public funding on student outcomes and institutional success.

Natalie Garcia, the SGA President at Tarrant County College, represents the student body and advocates for initiatives that enhance campus life. Garcia leads the Student Government Association in organizing events, addressing student concerns, and fostering a vibrant campus culture. By facilitating communication between students and the administration, the SGA President ensures that student perspectives inform institutional decision-making. This leadership role involves managing student-led projects that promote inclusivity and academic engagement. Natalie Garcia directs the allocation of student activity funds to support clubs, organizations, and community-building programs. Through active participation in campus committees, the SGA President influences policies that directly impact the student experience. Garcia works to build a supportive environment that encourages student leadership and personal development. The SGA President remains dedicated to amplifying student voices and driving positive change across all campuses to ensure a fulfilling educational journey for every student.

Zarina Blankenbaker, the President at Tarrant County College, provides executive leadership for the entire institution, guiding the strategic vision and academic mission. Blankenbaker oversees the implementation of educational programs that align with regional workforce needs and student success goals. By collaborating with the Board of Trustees and executive staff, the President ensures that the college maintains high standards of academic excellence and community service. This leadership role involves managing institutional growth, fostering partnerships with local industry leaders, and promoting the value of two-year degree pathways. Zarina Blankenbaker directs the development of long-term strategies that expand access to Associate of Arts and Science degrees. Through effective governance, the President maintains the institution's reputation as a leader in public higher education. Blankenbaker drives initiatives that improve student retention and graduation rates. The President remains focused on advancing the college's mission to provide affordable, high-quality education to the community.

Tahita Fulkerson, the President, Trinity River Campus at Tarrant County College, manages the daily operations and academic success of the Trinity River location. Fulkerson oversees campus-specific initiatives, faculty development, and student support services tailored to the local community. By aligning campus activities with the broader institutional mission, the President, Trinity River Campus ensures that students receive high-quality instruction in Associate of Arts and Applied Science programs. This leadership role involves fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation in teaching and learning. Tahita Fulkerson directs the management of campus facilities and resources to support a diverse student population. Through active engagement with local stakeholders, the President, Trinity River Campus strengthens the college's presence in the region. Fulkerson drives efforts to improve student outcomes and career readiness. The President, Trinity River Campus remains committed to providing an accessible and supportive educational environment that meets the specific needs of the local community.

Ernest Thomas, the Campus President at Tarrant County College, leads the operational and academic functions of the assigned campus. Thomas oversees the delivery of core degree programs, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Science, while ensuring that campus services meet student needs. By managing faculty and staff, the Campus President fosters an environment conducive to academic achievement and professional growth. This leadership role involves implementing institutional policies at the local level and maintaining high standards of educational quality. Ernest Thomas directs campus-wide initiatives that promote student engagement and workforce preparation. Through strategic oversight of campus resources, the Campus President ensures that facilities and support services remain effective and accessible. Thomas collaborates with other campus leaders to share best practices and drive institutional consistency. The Campus President remains focused on enhancing the student experience and supporting the college's mission to provide affordable, high-quality education to the surrounding communities.

Joel Gomez, the President at Tarrant County College, provides strategic direction for the institution, focusing on academic innovation and community impact. Gomez oversees the development of curriculum and degree pathways that prepare students for transfer or immediate workforce entry. By leading the executive team, the President ensures that all campuses operate in alignment with the college's mission of accessibility and excellence. This leadership role involves managing institutional partnerships and advocating for resources that support student success. Joel Gomez directs the implementation of programs that address the evolving needs of the regional economy. Through effective communication and collaborative leadership, the President fosters a culture of continuous improvement and academic rigor. Gomez drives initiatives that expand educational opportunities for diverse student populations. The President remains dedicated to maintaining the college's position as a premier provider of two-year degrees and workforce training in the region.

Kelley Willing, the Interim Campus President at Tarrant County College, manages the immediate operational and academic requirements of the campus during this transition period. Willing oversees the daily administration of degree programs and student support services, ensuring continuity in the delivery of education. By maintaining stability and focus, the Interim Campus President supports faculty and staff in achieving institutional goals. This leadership role involves addressing campus-specific challenges and facilitating communication between the campus and the central administration. Kelley Willing directs the allocation of resources to maintain high-quality learning environments for students. Through proactive management, the Interim Campus President ensures that academic standards and student services remain consistent with the college's mission. Willing collaborates with other leaders to support ongoing initiatives and institutional priorities. The Interim Campus President remains committed to fostering a productive and supportive atmosphere that promotes student success and academic excellence throughout the transition.

Kirsten Jakowitsch, the Interim Northeast Campus President at Tarrant County College, leads the operations and academic programs at the Northeast location. Jakowitsch oversees the delivery of Associate of Arts and Science degrees, ensuring that students receive high-quality instruction and support. By managing campus resources and faculty, the Interim Northeast Campus President maintains a focus on student retention and academic achievement. This leadership role involves navigating the specific needs of the Northeast campus community while aligning with the broader institutional mission. Kirsten Jakowitsch directs initiatives that enhance the student experience and promote workforce readiness. Through effective leadership, the Interim Northeast Campus President fosters a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and excellence. Jakowitsch works to ensure that campus facilities and services remain responsive to student requirements. The Interim Northeast Campus President remains dedicated to providing an accessible and supportive educational environment that prepares students for future success.

Todd Kreuger, the Chief Information Officer at Tarrant County College, directs the digital infrastructure supporting academic and administrative operations. Kreuger manages enterprise-wide software systems, cybersecurity protocols, and network reliability across all campuses. By modernizing data management frameworks, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless access to digital learning resources for students and faculty. This leadership role involves aligning technological investments with the broader mission of providing accessible higher education. Todd Kreuger oversees the implementation of cloud-based solutions that enhance institutional efficiency and data security. Through strategic planning, the Chief Information Officer optimizes the digital environment to support the diverse needs of the student body. By maintaining robust IT systems, Kreuger facilitates a high-quality learning experience that prepares students for modern workforce demands. The Chief Information Officer remains focused on scaling technological capabilities to meet the evolving requirements of the institution.

Ellen Ingalls, the Dispatcher and Chief Technology Officer at Tarrant County College, coordinates critical communication systems and technical operations. Ingalls manages the dispatch protocols that ensure campus safety and operational responsiveness across all locations. As the Chief Technology Officer, Ingalls oversees the integration of specialized communication hardware and software that support emergency management and daily logistical efficiency. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between technical infrastructure and real-time operational needs. Ellen Ingalls directs the maintenance of communication networks that keep campuses connected and secure. By optimizing dispatch workflows, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the overall safety environment for students and staff. Ingalls ensures that technical systems remain resilient and capable of handling high-volume data traffic during critical events. The Dispatcher and Chief Technology Officer maintains a focus on technological reliability to support the college's commitment to a safe and effective learning environment.