Office of the President


Update, April 23, 2025: President Kavalhuna announced that he is leaving Henry Ford College to take the helm at Western Michigan University. Updates on the Board of Trustees' decisions regarding the College presidency will be published on the Henry Ford College homepage.


President Russell A. “Russ” Kavalhuna is responsible for leadership, management, development, and coordination of all departments, divisions, and functions of the College, both internal and external. He is the foremost public representative of the College, speaks in an official capacity for the College, and is the face of the College to many public audiences.

In collaboration with other leaders, President Kavalhuna establishes and communicates the vision and strategic direction of the College. Some areas of responsibility include planning, budget, academics, communications, personnel, student services, facilities, fundraising, policy, reporting, and community and government relations.

The president works closely with seven Vice Presidents who take primary strategic and operational responsibility for major functional areas of the College. This group of senior leaders comprises the President’s Cabinet. The president also works closely with the Deans of the four HFC academic schools, the leaders of HFC’s five collective bargaining units, and other leaders on and off campus.

The President is appointed by, and reports to, the Henry Ford College Board of Trustees, whose seven members are elected by the citizens of Dearborn, and whose members also serve as the Dearborn School District’s Board of Education.

Portrait of Russ Kavalhuna

President Russell A. Kavalhuna, J.D.

About President Kavalhuna

Recent News

Dr. Lori M. Gonko

Board of Trustees appoints Dr. Lori M. Gonko as Interim President of the College

In a unanimous vote, the Board of Trustees appointed Lori M. Gonko, Ed.D., as interim president of the College. Dr. Gonko is expected to start her new role on July 1.
Henry Ford College Seal

Board of Trustees special meeting May 12

The Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting following the Dearborn Public Schools meeting on May 12.
Procession of graduates to the ceremony.

Commencement is May 10. All info is here!

All the information you need to attend Commencement this Saturday, or watch our live stream, is on our Commencement website.
Kevin R. Howley headshot

Board of Trustees appoints Kevin Howley as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Kevin R. Howley will join the College as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on May 27, 2025. He succeeds Vice President John Satkowski, who is retiring.

Contact President Kavalhuna

L-412 ASCC Building
5101 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128
313-845-9650
President@hfcc.edu

Executive Assistant: Patti Flogaus

pflogaus@hfcc.edu
313-845-9650