The Henry Ford College Board of Trustees approved a slate of five finalists for the College presidency. Each of the finalists will participate in public, on-campus interviews the weeks of March 23 and 30.
The HFC Presidential Search process began in the Fall of 2025, following the departure of former President Russ Kavalhuna to become president at Western Michigan University, and the appointment of Interim President Dr. Lori M. Gonko in July 2025.
The Board selected Academic Search to assist in the national search process, and appointed a broadly representative Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC) of approximately 22 members comprising HFC Board members, faculty, staff, and community members. This volunteer committee began work in November 2025 and spent countless hours on process, applicant review, discussion, interviews, and submitting recommendations to the Board.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank the Advisory Search Committee, faculty, and members of the community for their thoughtful input and engagement throughout this search process,” said Board of Trustees Chair and PSAC Chair Jamal Aljahmi.
The finalists, in no particular order, are:
- Dr. A. Reginald Best, Vice President for Advancement, Henry Ford College
- Dr. Lori M. Gonko, Interim President, Henry Ford College
- Dr. L. Michael (Mickey) McCloud, Chief Academic Officer and Provost, Johnson County Community College (KS)
- Mr. David Knezek, Chief Operating Officer, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
- Dr. Pakou Yang, Interim President, Normandale Community College (MN)
Full public interview schedules for the finalists will be published on the Presidential Search webpage.
An anonymous comment form will be available for the public to submit feedback to the Board after the public interviews. All members of the Board will be able to review this feedback.
After interviews are complete and feedback has been reviewed, the Board of Trustees will deliberate on the finalists and vote on the next HFC President during a public meeting.
