Tyler Junior College Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Tyler Junior College has 8 executives leading key functions including technology, information systems, finance, operations, human resources, and institutional leadership.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Tyler Junior College provides diverse academic and technical pathways, fostering student success and community development through comprehensive degree and certificate programs.

Leadership Roles at Tyler Junior College

  • Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer - Sarah Van Cleef
  • Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer - Kimberly Lessner
  • President - L. Metke
  • President - Jill Johnson
  • Chief Technology Officer - Richard Besch
  • Chief Information Officer - Kristi Cuellar
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Stephanie Cecil
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso - Kaytee Hassell
  • Sarah Van Cleef - Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer

    Sarah Van Cleef, the Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer at Tyler Junior College, directs the comprehensive financial operations and administrative functions of the institution. Van Cleef manages budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and fiscal reporting, ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of the college. This executive leadership position involves overseeing procurement, facilities management, and auxiliary services to support the college's educational mission. By implementing sound financial strategies and robust administrative processes, Sarah Van Cleef ensures efficient resource allocation and compliance with regulatory requirements. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to managing investments, debt, and long-term financial planning to support institutional growth and stability.

    Kimberly Lessner - Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer

    Kimberly Lessner, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer at Tyler Junior College, orchestrates the day-to-day operational activities and strategic initiatives that ensure the efficient functioning of the college. Lessner oversees key operational departments, including campus facilities, safety and security, and logistical support services, driving operational excellence and resource optimization. This leadership position is pivotal in translating institutional strategy into actionable operational plans, ensuring seamless service delivery to students, faculty, and staff. By enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness, Kimberly Lessner directly contributes to the college's ability to achieve its academic and community service goals. The Chief Operations Officer's focus includes process improvement, risk management, and the strategic deployment of resources to support college-wide objectives.
    Kimberly Lessner

    L. Metke - President

    L. Metke, the President at Tyler Junior College, provides executive leadership and strategic vision for the entire institution. Metke guides institutional planning, fosters external partnerships, and champions the college's mission and values to stakeholders across Texas and beyond. This paramount leadership role involves overseeing all academic and administrative divisions, ensuring alignment with educational objectives and community needs. By driving institutional growth and academic excellence, L. Metke ensures the college remains a vital resource for higher education and workforce development. The President's responsibilities encompass financial oversight, policy development, and representing the college in public forums, ultimately shaping its future direction and impact.

    Jill Johnson - President

    Jill Johnson, the President at Tyler Junior College, provides executive leadership and strategic vision for the entire institution. Johnson guides institutional planning, fosters external partnerships, and champions the college's mission and values to stakeholders across Texas and beyond. This paramount leadership role involves overseeing all academic and administrative divisions, ensuring alignment with educational objectives and community needs. By driving institutional growth and academic excellence, Jill Johnson ensures the college remains a vital resource for higher education and workforce development. The President's responsibilities encompass financial oversight, policy development, and representing the college in public forums, ultimately shaping its future direction and impact.

    Richard Besch - Chief Technology Officer

    Richard Besch, the Chief Technology Officer at Tyler Junior College, directs the strategic implementation and management of all technology infrastructure. Overseeing the college's digital ecosystem, Besch ensures robust cybersecurity measures and facilitates the integration of innovative technological solutions to enhance educational delivery and administrative efficiency. This leadership role involves architecting scalable systems that support academic programs and operational needs across the institution. By driving technological advancements, Richard Besch directly supports the college's mission to provide accessible and modern learning environments. The Chief Technology Officer's purview includes network operations, hardware lifecycle management, and the evaluation of emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in educational technology.

    Kristi Cuellar - Chief Information Officer

    Kristi Cuellar, the Chief Information Officer at Tyler Junior College, oversees the strategic direction and operational execution of the institution's information systems. Cuellar manages all aspects of data management, IT governance, and the deployment of enterprise-wide software solutions that support academic and administrative functions. This critical role ensures the integrity, security, and accessibility of institutional data, directly impacting student services and operational workflows. By aligning information technology initiatives with the college's strategic objectives, Kristi Cuellar drives efficiency and innovation. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities extend to managing IT policies, disaster recovery planning, and fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making across all departments.

    Stephanie Cecil - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Stephanie Cecil, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Tyler Junior College, leads all human capital management strategies and initiatives. Cecil oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, professional development, and HR policy implementation, fostering a supportive and productive work environment. This executive role is crucial in attracting, retaining, and developing a high-caliber workforce aligned with the college's mission and values. By championing employee engagement and organizational development, Stephanie Cecil ensures that human resources functions effectively support institutional goals. The Chief Human Resources Officer's responsibilities include ensuring compliance with labor laws, managing performance appraisal systems, and cultivating a diverse and inclusive campus culture.

    Kaytee Hassell - Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso

    Kaytee Hassell, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso at Tyler Junior College, supports the Chief Information Officer in managing and advancing the institution's information technology and security infrastructure. Hassell plays a key role in the implementation of IT projects, the oversight of information security protocols, and the enhancement of data governance frameworks. This position is vital for ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of institutional data and systems, directly supporting academic and administrative operations. By collaborating on strategic IT planning and execution, Kaytee Hassell contributes to the college's technological resilience and innovation. The Deputy Chief Information Officer's focus includes operationalizing security policies and supporting the development of secure, efficient IT services.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Tyler Junior College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Tyler Junior College?
    Tyler Junior College is led by Sarah Van Cleef (Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Kimberly Lessner (Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer) and L. Metke (President).
    Who is part of Tyler Junior College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Tyler Junior College includes leaders such as Sarah Van Cleef (Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer), Kimberly Lessner (Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer), L. Metke (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Tyler Junior College have?
    Tyler Junior College has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Tyler Junior College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Tyler Junior College includes roles such as Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, President, President, Chief Technology Officer.