Waubonsee Community College Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Waubonsee Community College has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, administration, and board relations.

Dedicated to accessible higher education, Waubonsee Community College provides comprehensive academic programs and community enrichment across its four campuses, fostering student success and regional development.

Leadership Roles at Waubonsee Community College

  • President Emeritus - John Swalec
  • President Emeritus - Christine Sobek
  • Executive Administrative Coordinator To the President and Clerk of the Board - Mary Baccheschi
  • Secretary & President, Office of - Ronna Jones
  • Club Founder and President - Ashley Hatcher
  • President - Brian Knetl
  • Administrative Specialist Office of the President - Kevin Farmer
  • John Swalec - President Emeritus

    John Swalec, the President Emeritus at Waubonsee Community College, provides historical leadership context for the institution's strategic direction. Swalec's tenure established foundational principles for academic excellence and student support services across the college's suburban Chicago locations. The role of President Emeritus signifies a continued, albeit advisory, connection to the college's ongoing mission of delivering accessible education. This position involves offering insights derived from extensive experience in higher education leadership, contributing to the long-term vision of Waubonsee Community College. The impact of Swalec's leadership continues to resonate within the college's operational framework and its commitment to serving the educational needs of the region. John Swalec's legacy is tied to the growth and development of the college's infrastructure and academic offerings.

    Christine Sobek - President Emeritus

    Christine Sobek, the President Emeritus at Waubonsee Community College, offers enduring guidance rooted in a deep understanding of the institution's evolution and mission. Sobek's leadership established critical frameworks for student success and community engagement, shaping the college's presence in the western suburbs of Chicago. As President Emeritus, Christine Sobek contributes valuable historical perspective and strategic counsel, reinforcing Waubonsee Community College's commitment to accessible, high-quality education. This role involves leveraging past achievements and insights to inform current institutional strategies and long-term planning. The influence of Sobek's administration is evident in the college's robust academic programs and its expansive reach across its Aurora, Sugar Grove, and Plano campuses. Christine Sobek's contributions are integral to the college's ongoing pursuit of educational excellence and community impact.
    Christine Sobek

    Mary Baccheschi - Executive Administrative Coordinator To the President and Clerk of the Board

    Mary Baccheschi, the Executive Administrative Coordinator To the President and Clerk of the Board at Waubonsee Community College, manages critical administrative functions supporting executive leadership and board governance. Baccheschi ensures seamless operational flow for the President's office and facilitates effective communication with the Board of Trustees, crucial for institutional decision-making. This role involves coordinating schedules, preparing essential documentation, and maintaining records vital to the college's administrative integrity across its Illinois campuses. The position requires meticulous attention to detail and a comprehensive understanding of college protocols to support strategic initiatives. Mary Baccheschi's support is fundamental to the efficient operation of Waubonsee Community College's highest levels of leadership. This coordination directly impacts the college's ability to execute its mission of providing accessible education.

    Ronna Jones - Secretary & President, Office of

    Ronna Jones, the Secretary & President, Office of at Waubonsee Community College, directs key administrative operations and governance support for the President's office. Jones ensures the effective functioning of the President's administrative apparatus, facilitating strategic execution across the college's educational initiatives. This role involves managing critical communications and operational logistics, vital for maintaining institutional momentum. The responsibilities encompass supporting the President's agenda and ensuring the smooth operation of the office, which is central to Waubonsee Community College's mission. Ronna Jones's oversight contributes directly to the college's capacity to deliver educational services and community programs across its multiple locations. The effective management of this office under Jones's leadership underpins the college's operational stability and strategic advancement.

    Ashley Hatcher - Club Founder and President

    Ashley Hatcher, the Club Founder and President at Waubonsee Community College, spearheads student-led initiatives and organizational development within the campus community. Hatcher drives engagement and fosters a vibrant student life by establishing and leading extracurricular activities that align with student interests and academic pursuits. This leadership role involves mobilizing student participation, organizing events, and representing the club's objectives to college administration. The focus is on cultivating leadership skills and promoting a sense of belonging among students at Waubonsee Community College. Ashley Hatcher's proactive approach enriches the student experience and contributes to the college's broader mission of holistic development. The impact of this role is seen in enhanced student involvement and the creation of valuable campus traditions.

    Brian Knetl - President

    Brian Knetl, the President at Waubonsee Community College, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the institution. Knetl leads the college's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education across its four campuses in Sugar Grove, Aurora, and Plano. This executive role involves overseeing all academic and administrative functions, ensuring alignment with the college's mission and community needs. Brian Knetl's leadership drives initiatives focused on student success, faculty development, and institutional growth within the competitive educational landscape of the western Chicago suburbs. The President's office under Knetl's guidance is central to fostering innovation and maintaining Waubonsee Community College's reputation for excellence. Knetl's strategic direction ensures the college remains a vital resource for regional workforce development and lifelong learning.

    Kevin Farmer - Administrative Specialist Office of the President

    Kevin Farmer, the Administrative Specialist Office of the President at Waubonsee Community College, provides essential support for the President's daily operations and strategic initiatives. Farmer manages administrative tasks, coordinates communications, and assists in the preparation of materials crucial for executive decision-making. This role is integral to the smooth functioning of the President's office, ensuring efficient workflow and timely execution of duties across the college's Illinois locations. Kevin Farmer's support facilitates the President's engagement with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders, reinforcing Waubonsee Community College's operational effectiveness. The administrative expertise provided by Farmer is key to maintaining the momentum of the college's educational and community outreach programs. This role directly contributes to the college's ability to achieve its institutional objectives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Waubonsee Community College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Waubonsee Community College?
    Waubonsee Community College is led by John Swalec (President Emeritus), along with executives such as Christine Sobek (President Emeritus) and Mary Baccheschi (Executive Administrative Coordinator To the President and Clerk of the Board).
    Who is part of Waubonsee Community College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Waubonsee Community College includes leaders such as John Swalec (President Emeritus), Christine Sobek (President Emeritus), Mary Baccheschi (Executive Administrative Coordinator To the President and Clerk of the Board) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Waubonsee Community College have?
    Waubonsee Community College has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Waubonsee Community College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Waubonsee Community College includes roles such as President Emeritus, President Emeritus, Executive Administrative Coordinator To the President and Clerk of the Board, Secretary & President, Office of, Club Founder and President.