Trident Technical College Executive and Leadership Team

Vicky Wood, the President at Trident Technical College, provides executive leadership and sets the strategic vision for the entire institution. Overseeing the academic and financial health of the college, the President directs efforts to expand technical education opportunities across South Carolina. This leadership role involves engaging with community leaders and industry partners to align curriculum with current workforce demands. By fostering a culture of innovation, Vicky Wood ensures that the college remains a leader in public community education. The President works closely with the board to secure funding and resources necessary for campus expansion and facility upgrades. Through the promotion of student-centered policies, Wood drives initiatives that improve graduation rates and career placement outcomes. This executive position requires balancing immediate operational needs with long-term institutional growth, ensuring that the college continues to serve as a vital engine for economic development and professional advancement within the region.

Kelli Burke, the Administrative Coordinator To the President at Trident Technical College, manages the daily operations and scheduling requirements of the executive office. Overseeing the flow of information between the President and the broader college administration, the Administrative Coordinator To the President ensures that all executive communications remain organized and timely. This role involves preparing essential documentation for board meetings and coordinating high-level institutional events. By maintaining efficient office systems, Kelli Burke supports the President in executing strategic priorities and managing complex administrative tasks. The Administrative Coordinator To the President facilitates communication with external partners and internal department heads to ensure that institutional goals receive proper attention. Through meticulous attention to detail, Burke optimizes the productivity of the executive team. This position serves as a critical link in the organizational structure, ensuring that the leadership team remains focused on the core mission of providing accessible technical education.

James Collins, the Owner and President at Trident Technical College, oversees the overarching business strategy and long-term sustainability of the institution. Directing the financial health and market positioning of the college, the Owner and President ensures that all operations align with the mission of providing high-quality technical training. This leadership role involves evaluating new business opportunities and managing capital investments to support campus infrastructure. By maintaining a focus on institutional growth, James Collins drives the development of programs that meet the evolving needs of the South Carolina workforce. The Owner and President collaborates with executive leadership to refine the strategic direction and ensure that the college remains competitive in the education sector. Through the oversight of major institutional projects, Collins secures the resources required for academic excellence. This position requires a deep understanding of both the educational landscape and the business requirements necessary to sustain a public community college.

Michael Kahly, the Chief Information Officer at Trident Technical College, directs the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks supporting the entire campus network. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across all regional locations. This leadership role involves architecting scalable cloud solutions that facilitate remote learning and administrative efficiency. By modernizing data storage protocols, Michael Kahly protects sensitive institutional information while enabling high-speed access to academic resources. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with academic departments to implement educational technology that enhances classroom engagement. Through the continuous optimization of network reliability, Kahly supports the broader mission of providing a robust, technology-driven environment for technical education. This strategic focus on digital transformation remains essential for maintaining the competitive edge of the institution within the South Carolina higher education landscape.

Richard Waring, the Chief of Staff at Trident Technical College, manages internal communications and coordinates strategic initiatives between the executive office and various academic departments. Overseeing the execution of institutional policies, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment with the long-term goals established by the college leadership. This role involves facilitating cross-functional collaboration to streamline operational workflows and improve organizational transparency. By managing high-level projects, Richard Waring drives the implementation of programs that support student success and faculty development. The Chief of Staff acts as a primary liaison for external stakeholders, ensuring that the college maintains strong partnerships throughout the state. Through rigorous oversight of administrative processes, Waring optimizes resource allocation to maximize the impact of educational services. This position requires constant monitoring of institutional performance metrics to ensure that all departments remain focused on the core mission of providing high-quality technical training.