Tarrant County College Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Tarrant County College has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, finance, technology, and campus administration.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Tarrant County College provides Associate degrees and pathways for academic and professional advancement, shaping the future of communities across Fort Worth and surrounding areas.

Leadership Roles at Tarrant County College

  • Chief Financial Officer - Karen Gililland
  • President - Zarina Blankenbaker
  • SGA President - Natalie Garcia
  • President, Trinity River Campus - Tahita Fulkerson
  • Interim Campus President - Kelley Willing
  • Campus President - Ernest Thomas
  • Interim Northeast Campus President - Kirsten Jakowitsch
  • President - Joel Gomez
  • Chief Information Officer - Todd Kreuger
  • Dispatcher and Chief Technology Officer - Ellen Ingalls
  • Karen Gililland - Chief Financial Officer

    Karen Gililland, the Chief Financial Officer at Tarrant County College, manages the fiscal health and financial planning of the institution. Gililland oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. This critical role involves developing financial strategies that support the college's growth and operational needs, particularly in offering diverse Associate degrees. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for resource allocation, enabling Tarrant County College to maintain its commitment to providing affordable and high-quality education. Gililland's leadership ensures financial stability and sustainability, allowing the college to invest in academic programs and campus development. The financial stewardship provided by Karen Gililland underpins the college's ability to serve the Fort Worth community and beyond.

    Zarina Blankenbaker - President

    Zarina Blankenbaker, the President at Tarrant County College, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Blankenbaker guides the college's mission to deliver accessible, high-quality education, fostering an environment of academic excellence and community engagement. This executive position involves setting institutional priorities, overseeing campus operations, and ensuring the successful offering of Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees. The President's role is central to Tarrant County College's commitment to student success and workforce development within the Fort Worth region. Zarina Blankenbaker's vision shapes the college's future, driving innovation and ensuring responsiveness to the evolving needs of students and employers. This leadership ensures Tarrant County College continues its legacy of educational impact.
    Zarina Blankenbaker

    Natalie Garcia - SGA President

    Natalie Garcia, the SGA President at Tarrant County College, represents the student body and advocates for student interests across the institution. Garcia leads the Student Government Association, fostering student engagement and ensuring student voices are heard in institutional decision-making processes. This role involves collaborating with college administration to address student concerns and enhance the campus experience. The SGA President's focus is on promoting student welfare, supporting campus initiatives, and facilitating communication between students and Tarrant County College leadership. Natalie Garcia's dedication to student advocacy contributes significantly to the vibrant campus life and the overall educational journey for students pursuing Associate degrees at Tarrant County College.

    Tahita Fulkerson - President, Trinity River Campus

    Tahita Fulkerson, the President, Trinity River Campus at Tarrant County College, directs the strategic operations and academic programming for this specific campus location. Fulkerson ensures the Trinity River Campus effectively serves its student population by providing comprehensive support services and fostering a conducive learning environment. This leadership role involves overseeing faculty and staff, managing campus resources, and aligning campus initiatives with the broader mission of Tarrant County College. The President's focus is on enhancing student success and community impact within the service area of the Trinity River Campus. Tahita Fulkerson's leadership drives the campus's contribution to offering Associate degrees and supporting local workforce development needs.

    Kelley Willing - Interim Campus President

    Kelley Willing, the Interim Campus President at Tarrant County College, provides essential leadership and operational oversight for a designated campus. Willing ensures the continuity of academic programs and student support services, maintaining high standards of educational delivery. This role involves managing campus resources effectively and fostering a positive and productive environment for students and staff. The Interim Campus President's responsibilities are crucial for upholding the college's commitment to accessible education and student achievement. Kelley Willing's guidance supports the campus's contribution to Tarrant County College's overall mission of providing Associate degrees and advancing community educational goals.

    Ernest Thomas - Campus President

    Ernest Thomas, the Campus President at Tarrant County College, leads a specific campus location, driving its academic and operational excellence. Thomas oversees all campus functions, ensuring alignment with Tarrant County College's strategic objectives and commitment to student success. This leadership position involves fostering a strong campus culture, supporting faculty development, and enhancing the student experience. The Campus President's role is vital in delivering high-quality education, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, to the local community. Ernest Thomas's dedication ensures the campus effectively meets the educational needs of its students and contributes to the college's broader mission of workforce development and lifelong learning.

    Kirsten Jakowitsch - Interim Northeast Campus President

    Kirsten Jakowitsch, the Interim Northeast Campus President at Tarrant County College, directs the strategic and operational activities of the Northeast Campus. Jakowitsch ensures the campus provides robust educational opportunities and comprehensive student support services, upholding Tarrant County College's standards of excellence. This leadership role focuses on enhancing the learning environment and fostering community partnerships. The Interim Northeast Campus President's oversight is critical for the successful delivery of Associate degrees and other academic programs offered at the campus. Kirsten Jakowitsch's commitment supports the campus's role in advancing educational access and contributing to the economic vitality of the region served by Tarrant County College.

    Joel Gomez - President

    Joel Gomez, the President at Tarrant County College, provides executive leadership and strategic vision across the institution. Gomez guides Tarrant County College in its mission to offer accessible and high-quality educational programs, including Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees. This role involves overseeing institutional effectiveness, fostering innovation, and ensuring the college meets the diverse needs of its student population and the broader community. The President's leadership is fundamental to Tarrant County College's commitment to student achievement and workforce preparation. Joel Gomez's strategic direction ensures the college remains a vital resource for education and economic development in the Fort Worth area and surrounding communities.

    Todd Kreuger - Chief Information Officer

    Todd Kreuger, the Chief Information Officer at Tarrant County College, directs the institution's technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all IT operations, Kreuger ensures the seamless delivery of digital services essential for academic and administrative functions across multiple campuses. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols, implementing innovative technological solutions, and optimizing network performance to support Tarrant County College's educational mission. By driving technological advancements, Kreuger enhances the learning environment and operational efficiency. The Chief Information Officer's focus remains on providing robust and secure technology platforms that empower students and faculty. Kreuger's strategic vision ensures Tarrant County College remains at the forefront of educational technology integration, supporting Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees.
    Todd Kreuger

    Ellen Ingalls - Dispatcher and Chief Technology Officer

    Ellen Ingalls, the Dispatcher and Chief Technology Officer at Tarrant County College, orchestrates critical technology deployment and operational dispatch functions. Ingalls manages the integration of technology solutions that support both administrative efficiency and emergency response coordination across Tarrant County College's campuses. This dual role requires a deep understanding of technological infrastructure and real-time operational demands, ensuring that communication systems and IT resources are optimized. The Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of new technologies that enhance student services and faculty support. Ingalls' leadership ensures that Tarrant County College's technological framework is both advanced and responsive to immediate needs, supporting the delivery of Associate degrees and other educational programs effectively.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Tarrant County College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Tarrant County College?
    Tarrant County College is led by Karen Gililland (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Zarina Blankenbaker (President) and Natalie Garcia (SGA President).
    Who is part of Tarrant County College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Tarrant County College includes leaders such as Karen Gililland (Chief Financial Officer), Zarina Blankenbaker (President), Natalie Garcia (SGA President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Tarrant County College have?
    Tarrant County College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Tarrant County College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Tarrant County College includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, SGA President, President, Trinity River Campus, Interim Campus President.