Timeline for the Presidential Search
Presented in reverse chronological order with the most recent months at the top.
April 2026
- Finalist interviews conclude.
- The Board meets April 10 for deliberations.
- The Board selects Mr. David M. Knezek, Jr. as the College's seventh president.
March 2026
- The Board of Trustees publicly approves the list of recommended finalists in an open special meeting.
- Names of finalists are officially announced by Henry Ford College.
- Onsite finalist interviews are scheduled for March 25, 26, and April 2.*
- Information about finalist forums and interviews is publicized; HFC teams and the public are invited to participate and provide feedback.
- Finalist interviews begin.
* The original interview schedule included 5 finalists. Two withdrew from consideration prior to their interview dates.
February 2026
- The Presidential Search Advisory Committee concludes its review of all applications and recommends semifinalists to the Board of Trustees.
- The Board of Trustees approves the list of semifinalists with one addition. All are offered an opportunity to be interviewed for the College Presidency.
- The semifinalists are interviewed by the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. The Committee recommends 5 finalists to the Board.
January 2026
- Application period closes.
- Presidential Search Advisory Committee begins review of all applications.
December 2025
- Board of Trustees hosts Presidential Search Profile Listening Sessions.
- Application period opens, Search Profile published.
November 2025
- Presidential Search Advisory Committee begins its work.
October 2025
- Board of Trustees selects Academic Search to assist with national presidential search.
July 2025
- Russ Kavalhuna departs to become President of Western Michigan University.
- Dr. Lori Gonko begins her role as Interim President of Henry Ford College.
Contact information
Contact the HFC Search Liaison, Executive Director Tracye Y. Davis: PresidentialSearch@hfcc.edu