Message from CLC Board Chair Allena Barbato - Presidential Search, July 1, 2026

Smiling student giving the thumbs up in class Published July 01, 2026

I would like to share an update on several key milestones in the presidential search process, including the formation of the Presidential Search Committee, opportunities for input on the Presidential Profile, the anticipated recruitment timeline, search committee screening and interviews, and the announcement of finalist campus visits.

Presidential Search Committee

A Presidential Search Committee is being assembled to help guide this important process with thoughtful perspectives, sound professional judgment, and a shared commitment to the College’s mission, vision, and values. The committee’s primary responsibilities will include reviewing qualified applicants, selecting 7–9 semifinalists for interviews, and recommending 3–4 finalists to the Board of Trustees.

With input from individual trustees and members of the administration, I am currently finalizing the list of individuals who will be invited to serve on the committee. I will serve Chair alongside a team which will include trustees, employees, students, and community partners.

I anticipate the committee will be finalized in July and will share the membership with the College community at that time.

Presidential Profile – August 2026

The Presidential Profile serves as the foundation for the recruitment process. It is a strategic document that outlines the leadership qualities, vision, credentials, and experience sought in the College’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, while also defining the key responsibilities and expectations of the role.

The profile serves several important purposes:

  • It reflects a shared vision for the College’s future, informed by the Board of Trustees and stakeholder input from across the College and community.
  • It serves as a recruitment tool to attract a strong, diverse, and qualified applicant pool.
  • It provides a framework for evaluating applicants’ qualifications, competencies, leadership attributes and alignment with the College’s culture and values.
  • It identifies institutional priorities and leadership expectations for the successful candidate.

Profile development will be facilitated by Dr. Keith Miller, Executive Search Consultant with the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). Employees, students, and community partners will have opportunities to contribute their perspectives in two ways:

  1. Online Survey – A survey link will be shared during Fall Kick-Off Week (August 10–14, 2026).
  2. In-Person Forums – Three open forums will be held on the Grayslake campus on Monday, August 24, 2026. Additional details, including times and locations, will be announced in July.

Feedback gathered through the survey and forums will be incorporated into a draft Presidential Profile, which Dr. Miller will be present to the Board of Trustees for final review and public approval at its meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Recruitment Period – September/October 2026

Following Board approval of the Presidential Profile, the College will officially open the search for nominations and applications during the week of August 31, 2026. Priority consideration will be given to individuals who apply within the first eight weeks of the posting (through the end of October).

During this recruitment period, a comprehensive advertising campaign will be launched while Dr. Miller actively engages in outreach and recruitment of prospective leaders from higher education and other relevant sectors whose experiences align with the Presidential Profile.

Search Committee Screening and Interviews – November/December 2026

The Presidential Search Committee will review applications during November and identify semifinalists for interviews in early December.

Finalist Visit Schedule Announcement – December 2026

The schedule for finalist campus visits, including interview dates and open forum opportunities, will be announced in December 2026.

As shared previously, the College anticipates hosting finalist interviews in person during the last week of January 2027. Board action to appoint the next president is expected by mid-February 2027. The president-elect’s start date will be determined based on availability and is anticipated to be in June or July 2027.

Thank you for your continued interest and engagement in this important process. I look forward to your participation in the Presidential Profile discussions in August.

I hope you have an enjoyable summer.

Sincerely,

Allena Barbato
Chair, College of Lake County Board of Trustees and
Presidential Search Committee Co-chair