Leadership Overview
Waubonsee Community College has 7 executives leading key functions including administrative coordination, presidential oversight, board governance, and student organization leadership.
Committed to academic excellence and regional accessibility, Waubonsee Community College empowers students through diverse educational pathways and community-focused initiatives across the western suburbs of Chicago.
Committed to academic excellence and regional accessibility, Waubonsee Community College empowers students through diverse educational pathways and community-focused initiatives across the western suburbs of Chicago.
Leadership Roles at Waubonsee Community College
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 high-level communications and governance workflows. Coordinating directly with the Board of Trustees, Baccheschi ensures compliance with institutional policies and maintains accurate records for all public meetings. This role requires meticulous attention to detail while facilitating seamless interactions between the executive office and external stakeholders. By streamlining administrative processes, the Executive Administrative Coordinator To the President and Clerk of the Board supports the operational integrity of the college. Mary Baccheschi also oversees the scheduling of critical board sessions, ensuring that all legislative requirements remain satisfied. Through consistent engagement with institutional leadership, the Executive Administrative Coordinator To the President and Clerk of the Board maintains the organizational standards necessary for effective governance across the four campuses in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Christine Sobek - President Emeritus
Christine Sobek, the President Emeritus at Waubonsee Community College, provides strategic counsel and historical perspective to current institutional leadership. Drawing upon extensive experience in higher education, Sobek advises on long-term academic planning and community engagement strategies. This advisory role ensures continuity in the mission of the college while fostering relationships with regional partners. By mentoring emerging leaders, the President Emeritus strengthens the internal culture of the institution. Christine Sobek also represents the college at various professional forums, advocating for the value of two-year educational programs. Through ongoing collaboration with the current administration, the President Emeritus helps navigate complex challenges related to student success and institutional growth. This position remains vital for maintaining the legacy of academic excellence established across the Sugar Grove, Aurora, and Plano campuses, ensuring that the strategic vision of the college continues to evolve effectively.

John Swalec - President Emeritus
John Swalec, the President Emeritus at Waubonsee Community College, contributes deep institutional knowledge to support current strategic initiatives. Focusing on the advancement of academic programs, Swalec assists the administration in refining educational outcomes for the diverse student population. This role involves analyzing regional workforce needs to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and impactful. By providing guidance on institutional development, the President Emeritus aids in the expansion of community partnerships. John Swalec also participates in high-level discussions regarding the future direction of the college, offering insights gained from years of leadership. Through this dedicated involvement, the President Emeritus ensures that the core values of the institution remain central to all decision-making processes. The work performed by the President Emeritus directly supports the mission of providing accessible, high-quality education throughout the western suburbs of Chicago, reinforcing the reputation of the college as a pillar of the community.
Ashley Hatcher - Club Founder and President
Ashley Hatcher, the Club Founder and President at Waubonsee Community College, directs student-led initiatives that enhance campus life and engagement. By organizing extracurricular activities, Hatcher fosters a sense of community among the student body. This leadership role involves managing club budgets, recruiting new members, and coordinating events that align with the educational mission of the college. Through active collaboration with student services, the Club Founder and President ensures that all activities provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development. Ashley Hatcher also serves as a liaison between the student organization and the administration, advocating for resources that improve the overall student experience. By driving these initiatives, the Club Founder and President contributes to a vibrant campus environment. This leadership role remains essential for cultivating student leadership skills and promoting a culture of inclusivity across the various campuses located in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Ronna Jones - Secretary & President, Office of
Ronna Jones, the Secretary & President, Office of at Waubonsee Community College, manages the daily operations and correspondence for the executive office. By overseeing the flow of information, Jones ensures that the president remains informed on all critical institutional matters. This role requires precise management of documentation and the coordination of executive meetings to maintain organizational efficiency. Through the implementation of standardized administrative procedures, the Secretary & President, Office of supports the overall productivity of the leadership team. Ronna Jones also facilitates communication between various departments, ensuring that institutional goals remain aligned with the strategic vision of the college. By handling complex administrative tasks, the Secretary & President, Office of allows the executive team to focus on long-term planning and student success. This position is fundamental to the smooth functioning of the college, providing the necessary support to maintain high standards of service across all regional locations.
Kevin Farmer - Administrative Specialist Office of the President
Kevin Farmer, the Administrative Specialist Office of the President at Waubonsee Community College, executes essential support functions that enable the executive office to operate effectively. By managing complex scheduling and logistical requirements, Farmer ensures that the president can dedicate time to high-priority institutional objectives. This role involves preparing reports, organizing executive briefings, and maintaining the integrity of sensitive institutional data. Through proactive problem-solving, the Administrative Specialist Office of the President addresses operational challenges before these issues impact the broader college community. Kevin Farmer also coordinates with other administrative staff to ensure that all office activities remain synchronized with the strategic goals of the institution. By providing this level of support, the Administrative Specialist Office of the President facilitates the successful execution of college-wide initiatives. This work is vital for maintaining the professional standards of the office while serving the needs of students and faculty across the western suburbs of Chicago.
Brian Knetl - President
Brian Knetl, the President at Waubonsee Community College, architects the overarching strategic vision for the institution. By leading the executive team, Knetl ensures that all academic and operational efforts align with the mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. This role involves engaging with the Board of Trustees to set institutional priorities and securing the resources necessary for long-term growth. Through the oversight of all four campuses, the President drives initiatives that improve student retention and workforce readiness. Brian Knetl also represents the college in regional and state-level discussions, advocating for policies that benefit the community. By fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, the President ensures that the college remains a leader in higher education. This leadership role is critical for navigating the evolving landscape of the community college sector, ultimately impacting the success of thousands of students throughout the western suburbs of Chicago.
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