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 resource allocation, financial reporting, and long-term economic sustainability to support diverse degree programs. By analyzing revenue streams and operational expenditures, Gililland ensures alignment with the college's mission of providing affordable education. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board and executive leadership to maintain transparency and fiscal responsibility. Karen Gililland also directs the procurement and audit processes to optimize institutional spending. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding for campus infrastructure and student services. By balancing immediate needs with future growth objectives, Gililland strengthens the financial foundation of the college. The Chief Financial Officer remains dedicated to maximizing the impact of every dollar invested in student success and academic excellence.

Carlos Morales Irizarry, the President at Tarrant County College, provides executive leadership for the institution's academic and community initiatives. The President drives the strategic vision, focusing on student retention, degree completion, and workforce development. By fostering partnerships with local industry leaders, Morales Irizarry aligns academic programs with regional economic needs. This leadership role involves guiding the faculty and administrative staff toward achieving institutional goals and maintaining high educational standards. Carlos Morales Irizarry also oversees the implementation of policies that promote inclusivity and student success across all campuses. Through active engagement with the community, the President strengthens the college's reputation as a premier provider of higher education. By championing innovation in teaching and learning, Morales Irizarry ensures the institution remains responsive to the changing landscape of higher education. The President remains committed to expanding access to quality education for all students.

Zarina Blankenbaker, the President at Tarrant County College, leads strategic efforts to enhance student outcomes and institutional growth. The President focuses on academic excellence, curriculum development, and the expansion of Associate of Arts and Science programs. By cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, Blankenbaker ensures that the college meets the diverse needs of the student body. This leadership role involves managing complex administrative functions and fostering collaboration among faculty and staff. Zarina Blankenbaker also directs initiatives that improve student support services and campus engagement. Through effective leadership, the President drives the college's mission to provide accessible, high-quality education. By monitoring performance metrics and adjusting strategies, Blankenbaker maintains the institution's competitive position in the education sector. The President remains dedicated to creating pathways for student success and professional development. Through visionary guidance, Blankenbaker supports the long-term vitality of the college and its impact on the community.

Tahita Fulkerson, the President, Trinity River Campus at Tarrant County College, oversees the daily operations and academic success of the Trinity River location. The President, Trinity River Campus manages campus-specific initiatives, faculty recruitment, and student support services. By fostering a vibrant learning environment, Fulkerson ensures that students have access to high-quality instruction and resources. This leadership role involves coordinating with the central administration to align campus goals with the broader institutional mission. Tahita Fulkerson also directs community outreach efforts to strengthen local partnerships and increase enrollment. Through effective management of campus facilities and programs, the President, Trinity River Campus supports the academic journey of a diverse student population. By prioritizing student engagement and retention, Fulkerson enhances the overall impact of the campus. The President, Trinity River Campus remains focused on delivering excellence in education and preparing students for future career opportunities.

Kirsten Jakowitsch, the Interim Northeast Campus President at Tarrant County College, directs the academic and operational activities of the Northeast campus. The Interim Northeast Campus President manages faculty relations, student services, and campus-wide initiatives to ensure a productive learning environment. By overseeing the implementation of academic programs, Jakowitsch supports student progress toward degree completion. This leadership role involves collaborating with department heads to address operational challenges and improve service delivery. Kirsten Jakowitsch also directs efforts to enhance campus culture and student engagement. Through proactive management, the Interim Northeast Campus President maintains high standards of educational quality and institutional efficiency. By focusing on student-centered strategies, Jakowitsch ensures that the campus remains a vital resource for the community. The Interim Northeast Campus President remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that promotes academic achievement and personal growth for every student.

Daniel Lufkin, the President, Campus (South) at Tarrant County College, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the South campus. The President, Campus (South) oversees academic programming, student support services, and facility operations to ensure a high-quality educational experience. By driving initiatives that improve student retention and success, Lufkin aligns campus activities with the college's mission. This leadership role involves working closely with faculty and staff to foster an environment conducive to learning and professional development. Daniel Lufkin also directs community engagement efforts to build strong relationships with local stakeholders. Through effective leadership, the President, Campus (South) enhances the campus's ability to meet the needs of a diverse student body. By prioritizing academic excellence and operational efficiency, Lufkin supports the long-term success of the institution. The President, Campus (South) remains committed to providing accessible and impactful education to the community.

Ernest Thomas, the Campus President at Tarrant County College, manages the academic and administrative functions of the assigned campus. The Campus President oversees faculty development, student services, and the implementation of degree programs to ensure student success. By fostering a collaborative environment, Thomas drives initiatives that improve educational outcomes and campus engagement. This leadership role involves coordinating with the central administration to align campus operations with the college's strategic goals. Ernest Thomas also directs community outreach and partnership development to enhance the campus's impact. Through effective management of resources and personnel, the Campus President maintains high standards of academic quality. By focusing on student needs and institutional growth, Thomas supports the mission of providing accessible education. The Campus President remains dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment that prepares students for future success in their chosen fields.

Joel Gomez, the President at Tarrant County College, provides executive leadership for the institution's academic and operational initiatives. The President oversees the development and execution of strategic plans that enhance student learning and institutional performance. By managing relationships with key stakeholders, Gomez ensures that the college remains aligned with the needs of the community. This leadership role involves guiding the faculty and staff toward achieving excellence in teaching and student support. Joel Gomez also directs efforts to improve institutional efficiency and resource management. Through visionary leadership, the President drives the college's mission to provide high-quality, accessible education. By monitoring academic trends and adjusting strategies, Gomez maintains the institution's relevance and impact. The President remains committed to fostering an environment that promotes student success and professional growth. Through effective governance, Gomez supports the long-term sustainability and success of the college.

Todd Kreuger, the Chief Information Officer at Tarrant County College, directs the digital infrastructure supporting thousands of students and faculty members. The Chief Information Officer manages enterprise-wide software systems, cybersecurity protocols, and network reliability across all campus locations. By modernizing data management practices, Kreuger ensures seamless access to academic resources and administrative tools. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to integrate educational technology into the classroom experience. Todd Kreuger also oversees the implementation of scalable cloud solutions to enhance institutional efficiency. Through strategic planning, the Chief Information Officer maintains robust digital environments that facilitate learning and operational success. By prioritizing data integrity and system uptime, Kreuger supports the broader mission of providing high-quality, accessible education to the community. The Chief Information Officer remains focused on future-proofing the technological landscape to meet evolving academic demands.

Ellen Ingalls, the Dispatcher and Chief Technology Officer at Tarrant County College, manages critical communication systems and technical operations. The Dispatcher and Chief Technology Officer ensures the reliability of emergency response protocols and campus-wide connectivity. By overseeing the integration of specialized dispatch software with broader institutional networks, Ingalls maintains safety and operational continuity. This leadership role involves coordinating technical support teams to address infrastructure challenges across various campus sites. Ellen Ingalls also directs the deployment of advanced communication tools that facilitate rapid response and information sharing. Through meticulous management of technical assets, the Dispatcher and Chief Technology Officer supports a secure learning environment for students and staff. By aligning technology initiatives with safety requirements, Ingalls enhances the overall resilience of the college. The Dispatcher and Chief Technology Officer remains focused on maintaining high-performance systems that protect the campus community and support daily administrative functions.