Board of Trustees approves contract for incoming President David M. Knezek, Jr.

F ollowing an extensive national search and the subsequent announcement of the new Henry Ford College president last month, the HFC Board of Trustees has officially approved a 3-year employment contract for incoming President David M. Knezek, Jr.

The Board voted to finalize the agreement during its May 21 public meeting. Knezek’s acceptance of the contract formalizes his appointment as the College’s seventh president. Knezek will officially assume his presidential duties on July 1, succeeding Interim President Dr. Lori M. Gonko, who is departing to assume the presidency at Macomb Community College.

“It is our pleasure to formally welcome David Knezek as the next President of Henry Ford College,” said Jamal Aljahmi, Chair of the HFC Board of Trustees. “The finalization of his contract represents a shared commitment to building on the College’s strong foundation of student success, economic development, and community collaboration. David brings an exceptional combination of executive leadership, strategic policy expertise, and a deep dedication to Dearborn and the Metro Detroit region. The Board is confident that his vision and collaborative approach will effectively guide the College for years to come.”

Knezek comes to HFC from his current role as Chief Operating Officer of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, where he has managed large-scale operational transformations, including leading state-level integration of cutting-edge workforce technology. He also serves as an elected Wayne County Commissioner for the 8th District. His distinguished career in public service includes representing Western Wayne County in both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives, as well as two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a decorated Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps.

Knezek holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with distinction, from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

“I am incredibly honored and ready to get to work alongside the exceptional faculty, staff, and students who make Henry Ford College such a vital cornerstone of our community,” said Knezek. “I want to thank Chair Aljahmi and the entire Board of Trustees for their trust and partnership. Together, we will focus on expanding access to higher education, aligning our academic programs with future workforce demands, and ensuring every student who walks through our doors has the resources and support to succeed.”

To ensure a seamless transition of leadership, Knezek and Interim President Gonko have been collaborating on a transition plan before Gonko concludes her 14-year tenure of distinguished service at HFC.