Presidential Search

 

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Presidential Search

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) has launched a comprehensive national search for the College’s next President. The HCCC Board of Trustees has engaged RPA Inc., a nationally recognized executive search and consulting firm with extensive experience in higher education, to assist the College throughout this important process. Dana John Cohick and Amy O’Donnell of RPA are serving as lead consultants, working with the Board of Trustees, the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, and the College community to identify highly qualified candidates who reflect HCCC’s needs, values, aspirations, and commitment to its students and communities.  

The Board of Trustees is committed to conducting a fair, inclusive, and comprehensive search that encourages meaningful participation from the HCCC community while maintaining appropriate confidentiality throughout the process. The Presidential Search Advisory Committee, co-chaired by Trustees Vincent Lombardo and Harold Stahl, will review applications, participate in candidate interviews, and recommend finalists to the Board of Trustees, which is ultimately responsible for selecting and appointing HCCC’s next President. This website will serve as the central resource for information about the search, including key updates, opportunities for community engagement, the Presidential Profile, and information for prospective candidates.  

Presidential Profile
Search Committee
Search Timeline
Apply / Nominate


About the Opportunity

Leadership Opportunity

Hudson County Community College seeks a visionary, mission-driven, highly experienced leader with a record of excellence and innovation to serve as its next President. The next President will have an extraordinary opportunity to build upon more than five decades of growth and excellence while expanding access, fostering economic mobility, and ensuring that HCCC continues to meet the evolving needs of its students, employers, and communities.

The College is seeking a leader with expertise in emerging trends in higher education and technology who can lead a multi-campus urban institution in the New York City metropolitan area.

View the Presidential Profile and Position Announcement

About Hudson County Community College

Founded in 1974, Hudson County Community College has grown from a one-building institution into a comprehensive, award-winning College with three fully accredited locations: the Journal Square campus in Jersey City, the North Hudson campus in Union City, and the Secaucus Center on the Frank J. Gargiulo Campus of Hudson County Schools of Technology 

HCCC serves more than 20,000 students, offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs, and employs more than 600 full- and part-time faculty. The College is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and provides academic programs in multiple modalities and flexible schedules to serve students balancing employment, caregiving, and other responsibilities.  

The College describes its continued connection to Hudson County through the student-created tagline, “Hudson Is Home.”

Presidential Search Advisory Committee

The Presidential Search Advisory Committee plays an important role in the presidential search process. The Committee reviews applications, participates in candidate interviews, and recommends finalists for consideration by the HCCC Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for selecting and appointing the College’s next President.
  • Trustee Vincent Lombardo
  • Trustee Harold Stahl  
  • Dr. Sirhan Abdullah, HCCC Faculty Member and President of the Professional Association 
  • Marta Cimillo, Administrative Support Specialist and Recording Secretary for the HCCC Support Staff Federation (AFT) 
  • Dr. Lisa Dougherty, HCCC College Administrator and Interim President 
  • Dr. Norma Fernandez, Community Member and Jersey City Board of Education Superintendent 
  • Diana Galvez, HCCC College Administrator (NHC) and HCCC Alumna 
  • Emily Martinez Pena, President, Student Government Association 
  • Steve Mullen, HCCC Foundation 
  • Jeanette Peña, Chair, HCCC Board of Trustees 
  • Hamza Saleem, HCCC College Administrator and HCCC Alumnus 
  • Jonathan Sisk, HCCC College Administrator 
  • Dr. Burl Yearwood, HCCC College Administrator and Dean of STEM
  • Dr. Benny Youssef, HCCC Faculty Member and Chair of the All-College Council
  • Veronica Zeichner, HCCC College Administrator and CFO  

Presidential Search Process & Timeline

Community Engagement and Presidential Search Advisory Committee Meeting 

RPA Inc. conducted the position assessment, public listening sessions, and the initial Presidential Search Advisory Committee meeting to help inform the presidential search process and development of the position profile.  

Community Engagement

RPA Inc. conducted public listening sessions to help inform the presidential search process and development of the position profile.

Presidential Position Announced 

The presidential advertisement and position profile were developed and approved, followed by advertisement placement and RPA Inc.'s announcement of the position. Recruitment and receipt of candidates began in October.  

Presidential Search Advisory Committee Candidate Review 

The Presidential Search Advisory Committee reviews the candidate pool.

Candidate Screening and Interviews 

RPA Inc. conducts prequalifying interviews, reference checks, and video interviews with selected candidates in consultation with the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. 

Presidential Search Advisory Committee Interviews 

The Presidential Search Advisory Committee conducts neutral-site or virtual interviews with selected candidates.  

Potential On-Campus Interviews 

Potential on-site interviews take place with selected candidates. 

Final Candidate Review and Selection Process 

Following the interview process, RPA Inc. and the Presidential Search Advisory Committee consult on the candidates to be forwarded to the Board of Trustees. Final reference and background checks and appointment negotiations follow. 

Apply or Nominate 

Applications and Nominations 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV/resume to RPA Inc. at HudsonPresident@rpainc.org. For a confidential discussion or to make a nomination, candidates may contact Amanda O’Donnell, Vice President and Senior Consultant; Kira Heath, Search Manager; or Dana John Cohick, President, through the same email address. The first review of candidates will begin November 25, 2026, with first-round interviews commencing thereafter. Inquiries, nominations, and applications will be held in confidence.  

Search Updates

Presidential Search Updates

Presidential Search Consultants

About RPA Inc.
RPA Inc. is assisting HCCC with the national presidential search, including the development of the advertisement and prospectus, outreach and recruitment of highly qualified candidates, and support for the Presidential Search Advisory Committee.