Dallas College

SITUATION OVERVIEW:

ZRG has been engaged to recruit an Executive Director for Dallas College, one unified college with seven campuses in Texas.

ABOUT DALLAS COLLEGE:

Dallas College is one of the largest community colleges in Texas. Since 1965, they have helped almost 3 million people on their educational journey. Comprising seven campuses located around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, they are one of the largest community college systems in the state of Texas. They strive to be a leader in the community college space, placing students at the center of everything they do.

Dallas College is committed to cultivating an environment of opportunity and belonging for all students and employees. They recognize that the Dallas College workforce, and the diverse talent that stems from it, is directly linked to their success. They are part of an equal opportunity system that provides education and employment opportunities without discrimination on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, veteran status, pregnancy or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, Dallas College will make reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.

Campuses

Dallas College originally operated as a district of seven independently accredited colleges. In 2020, those colleges united under a single name in order to offer their students a more streamlined, more convenient experience. The seven original campuses live on as their primary locations. Dallas College formerly the Dallas County Community College District consists of seven campuses: Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake and Richland.

DALLAS COLLEGE ENTERPRISE VENTURES:

Dallas College Enterprise Ventures (DC-EV) is a private non-profit organization designed to support Dallas College through innovative, sustainable, and mission-aligned initiatives that expand resources, enhance student success, and amplify the impact of Dallas College across the region. Through a portfolio of ventures, partnerships, and investment strategies, DC-EV connects entrepreneurial thinking with public education to create new opportunities for growth and community benefit.

What They Do

• Strategic resource generation to support Dallas College students, faculty, and initiatives;
• Investment and potential real estate development to grow assets aligned with college priorities;
• Innovation in educational technologies and workforce solutions;
• Development of partnerships that align with Dallas College’s commitment to equity, access, and economic mobility;
• Efficient shared services model to streamline operations while providing subject matter expertise.

POSITION:

The Executive Director of DC-EV will serve as the chief executive of the organization, responsible for vision-setting, strategy execution, business operations, and organizational leadership. The Executive Director will be the primary liaison between Dallas College and the entrepreneurial efforts of DC-EV, ensuring that all ventures align with the mission and priorities of the college. Reporting to the Chancellor of Dallas College, this leader will guide DC-EV in achieving sustainable growth, expanding partnerships, and delivering innovative solutions to support students, faculty, and the broader community. They will also ensure operational excellence, foster a high-performing team, and build a culture of collaboration and inclusion.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Vision and Partnership

• Lead the development and implementation of DC-EV's strategic plan in collaboration with college leadership and the Board;
• Serve as the principal advisor and partner to Dallas College leadership in aligning entrepreneurial efforts with college priorities;
• Identify and cultivate high-impact partnerships, investments, and new ventures.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations of DC-EV and ensure alignment with strategic goals;
• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting in partnership with the CFO;
• Lead organizational planning and ensure execution of high-quality, mission-aligned initiatives;
• Champion organizational culture and talent development across a growing and diverse team.

Resource Generation and Innovation

• Drive the creation of new revenue streams through strategic investments and ventures;
• Oversee real estate development, educational technologies, and other entrepreneurial pursuits;
• Lead collaboration with legal, compliance, finance, and operations to ensure effective governance and risk management.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Act as primary ambassador for DC-EV with community partners, business leaders, public officials, and philanthropic stakeholders;
• Ensure transparency and strong communication with the Dallas College Chancellor, Board, and other stakeholders;
• Lead internal and external communications related to DC-EV initiatives, opportunities, and impact. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Track record of successfully leading mission-driven organizations, entrepreneurial ventures, or corporate social impact initiatives;
• Strong financial and operational acumen; experience managing complex budgets and strategic investments;
• Demonstrated ability to form strategic partnerships and secure philanthropic, private, or public sector support;
• Skilled communicator with executive presence and a collaborative leadership style;
• Passion for education, equity, and economic opportunity;
• Familiarity with higher education, non-profits, or public-private partnerships a plus.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT:

Dr. Justin Lonon

Chancellor

Dallas College

Dr. Justin H. Lonon serves as Dallas College’s eighth chancellor and chief barrier buster, leading one of the nation’s largest community colleges at a pivotal moment in its history. Since assuming the role in March 2022, Dr. Lonon has guided the institution into its 60th anniversary with a bold vision to build a 22nd Century College. This innovative, barrier-busting model of higher education is one designed to ensure institutional relevance and meet the rapidly evolving needs of students, employers, and communities.

Under Dr. Lonon’s leadership, Dallas College has accelerated its transformation from a traditional community college system into a forward-thinking, unified institution. His 22nd Century College framework challenges the status quo, focusing on innovation, workforce alignment, and a founder’s mindset that reimagines what higher education must become for the next generation.

Prior to becoming Chancellor, Dr. Lonon served in various leadership roles at Dallas College, including Executive Vice Chancellor, where he oversaw nearly every operational and strategic area of the institution as well as serving as the interim president of the Dallas College Brookhaven Campus. His experience uniquely positioned him to lead the transition from a seven-college system to a single, unified Dallas College.

Beyond Dallas College, Dr. Lonon has been recognized nationally for his leadership in urban higher education. In 2024, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU). He also serves or has served on the boards of the Presidents Forum, United Ways of Texas, the North Texas Crime Commission, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, Texas Association of Community Colleges Executive Committee, Dallas Regional Chamber, Dallas Workforce Solutions Board, Rebuilding America’s Middle Class (RAMC), and University of Maryland Global Campus Doctor of Management in Community College Policy and Administration (DMCCPA) Advisory Board.

An Arkansas native, Dr. Lonon earned a B.S. in Public Administration from Missouri State University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas, and a Doctorate in Management from the University of Maryland – Global Campus. Before joining Dallas College in 2005, he served as press secretary in the Dallas Mayor’s Office and held various public affairs roles.

WHY IS THIS A COMPELLING POSITION?

When you join the workforce of Dallas College, you are in a community that rewards ideas and innovations, where differences are celebrated, and viewpoints shared. A community where your needs are recognized, your goals supported, and your success is their priority.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Their plan includes vision care and prescription drug coverage. Dental plans are optional.

RETIREMENT PLAN

Standard plans include an employer contribution. Boost your savings with optional plans.

PAID HOLIDAYS

Enjoy a week off for Spring Break and six end-of-year holidays – totaling 18 days per year.

EDUCATION CREDIT

Take free classes for professional growth or to earn a degree.

EDUCATION STIPEND

Complete a degree and earn a one-time bonus.

WELLNESS PROGRAM

Use work time for exercise or other healthy activities.

LOCATION:

Dallas, Texas, is a dynamic city that perfectly blends Southern charm with modern sophistication. As one of the largest cities in the United States, it’s a major hub for business, culture, and innovation. Known for its gleaming skyline and rich history, Dallas is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, particularly in finance, technology, and telecommunications.

Culturally, Dallas offers an impressive range of attractions—from the world-class Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center to the historic Dealey Plaza, where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Its neighborhoods each bring their own personality: Uptown buzzes with nightlife and trendy dining, Deep Ellum pulses with live music and street art, and Bishop Arts District charms visitors with its indie shops and cozy cafés.

The city’s food scene is equally diverse—famous for mouthwatering barbecue, authentic Tex-Mex, and an ever-growing collection of international cuisines.

Sports lovers find plenty to cheer for too, as Dallas proudly hosts teams like the Cowboys (NFL), Mavericks (NBA), and Stars (NHL).

Despite its urban energy, Dallas offers plenty of green escapes, from White Rock Lake’s peaceful trails to the sprawling Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. With its blend of opportunity, culture, and warm hospitality, Dallas embodies the bold spirit of Texas while continuously reinventing itself for the future.

DALLAS COLLEGE IN THE NEWS:

Oct. 7, 2025

Dallas College Awarded $2.5 Million Federal Grant to Support Nursing Students

Sept. 30, 2025

ETK Scholarship Serves Students Who Have Overcome Adversity To Study at Dallas College

Sept. 11, 2025

Three Dallas College Administrators Selected for Prestigious Leadership Academy

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE:

To ensure full consideration, inquiries, nominations and all applications (PDF files preferred) should be submitted, in confidence, to:

DallasCollege-EnterpriseVentures@zrgpartners.com

INTERVIEW PROCESS:

ZRG provides our global Clients with a rigorous and patented assessment platform grounded in data and analytics. Our interview process includes the following:

1. Initial interviews with ZRG

2. ZRG presentation of candidates to Client for calibration and discussion; Client selects candidates for consideration and initial interviews

3. Candidates complete ZRG’s on-line assessment

4. Finalist candidates advance to second and third round interviews with broader leadership team

5. Formal referencing

6. Offer extended

ABOUT ZRG PARTNERS:

ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies hire and manage talent. ZRG’s data-driven approach to executive and professional search has been changing the way clients think about how to find top talent. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to dramatically deliver executive searches quicker and with proven better results.

GENE HEAD
Managing Director, Education Practice Leader
ghead@zrgpartners.com
+1.205.902.9029

Gene Head is a Managing Director specializing in Higher Education Leadership and Global Non-Profit organizations. His expertise spans strategic leadership and economic development, areas in which he has built a strong record of success.

Driven by determination and a deep commitment to strategic alignment, Gene has led more than 300 executive searches for positions including CEO, COO, CFO, and Vice President. His clients include the University of California System, the University of Alabama Community College System, the University of Texas at Austin, the United Nations, International Justice Mission, Compassion International, Mercy Ships, the Berkeley National Laboratory, and numerous private foundations worldwide.

Throughout his career, Gene has intentionally focused on developing and preparing executive leaders across diverse sectors. He has advised clients in high-potential leadership development, succession planning, and large-scale organizational assessment and evaluation. Recognized as an expert in sustainable transformation, his work centers on enterprise-wide change initiatives, C-suite development, and building high-performing, strategically aligned executive teams within Higher Education and the global Non-Profit sector. The large number of repeat clients in his portfolio reflects the lasting impact of his work.

Gene’s collaborative efforts extend across Higher Education, corporate, and healthcare organizations, as well as the U.S. Departments of Education, Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce, where he contributes to advancing a jobs-driven national economy.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from the Brock School of Business at Samford University, where he also serves on the Advisory Board. Gene is active on several non-profit boards, including one dedicated to missions and economic development initiatives in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.

BARRY C. VINES
Managing Director
bvines@zrgpartners.com
+1.205.582.8594

Barry Vines serves as a Managing Director and a senior member of both the Global Healthcare Services & Solutions Practice and the Higher Education Practice. With deep roots across the healthcare, higher education, and academic medicine sectors, Barry brings a unique and comprehensive perspective to every search he leads.

Barry believes that the most successful searches come from truly investing the time to understand a client’s organization its mission, culture, and strategic priorities. His philosophy goes beyond identifying experienced candidates; he is dedicated to finding leaders who will not only guide an organization but transform it through thoughtful and incisive leadership.

Before joining ZRG Partners, Barry served clients at another global executive search firm and previously worked as both a partner and consultant with a boutique search firm. His career in executive search builds upon earlier leadership roles within major corporate and academic institutions, including AT&T, UAB Health System and School of Medicine, Cisco Systems, and Computer Associates. This blend of corporate and academic experience provides him with valuable insight and perspective in leading complex searches.

Barry’s areas of expertise include Healthcare, Higher Education, and Technology.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Birmingham-Southern College.

STEPHANIE L. FRANKLIN
Senior Associate
sfranklin@zrgpartners.com
+1.817-360.5338

Stephanie Franklin has over 25 years of experience in executive recruitment and specializes in the Higher Education, Non-Profit, and Healthcare sectors.

With her expertise in C-Suite recruitment, Stephanie regularly leads and conducts searches for President, Provost, CFO, CEO, COO, CNO, CMO, CHRO, and Vice President/Dean levels. Stephanie is known for taking a partnership approach with her clients in a manner that engenders trust.

Prior to joining ZRG Partners, Stephanie’s experience as Managing Partner for a recruiting research practice included clients in both the nonprofit and profit sectors. With her initial focus in healthcare, Stephanie quickly grew her clientele to include a broad spectrum of industries, technology, non-profit, and higher education.

Stephanie’s clinical background as an RN affords her a unique perspective and an eye for extraordinary detail. Prior to her career in executive recruitment, Stephanie worked as a nephrology nurse serving dialysis patients and families. After an introduction to executive recruitment and recognizing the opportunity to make a national impact, she turned her dedication in healthcare and education over to a career in executive search.