Skip to Main Content

President Search

DMACC Seal

Welcome to the DMACC President Search 2026. As we begin the important task of identifying the next leader of our college, we are dedicated to conducting a thorough and transparent selection process. Our goal is to ensure that the process reflects the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability. We are seeking a leader who will advance our mission, support student success, and strengthen our commitment to academic excellence. Throughout this process, we will provide regular updates and opportunities for input across the college and the community to ensure an inclusive search experience.

How to Apply
2026 Presidental Search Profile

2026 Presidential Search Profile

Presidential Search Committee

The search committee is committed to ensuring the integrity of the search process and finding the best possible candidate to be DMACC’s next president. The committee will recommend the most qualified and strongest candidates to the Board of Directors, which will ultimately appoint the next president. The search committee will:

  • review the candidate pool

  • conduct semi-finalist interviews

  • recommend candidates to move forward for final, on-campus interviews with students, faculty, staff, and the DMACC Board of Directors

 

Members of the Presidential Search Committee include:

  • Kevin Halterman, President, DMACC Board of Directors
  • Felix Gallagher, Vice President, DMACC Board of Directors
  • Denny Presnall, Member, DMACC Board of Directors
  • Trish Roberts, Member, DMACC Board of Directors
  • Jerry Burns, Automotive Technology Program Chair & Professor
  • Bethany Sweeney, Pathway Academic Chair and Professor
  • Nancy Woods, Director of Advanced Student Academics
  • Kim Spitzig, Academic Records Specialist
  • Jeanie McCarville Kerber, Executive Academic Dean, Health and Public Services
  • Erin Lee Schnider, Dean of Student Success and Urban Student Development
  • Joel Lundstrom, Executive Dean of Distance Learning
  • Tracy Ngo, DMACC Student
  • Joe Pugel, Former President and Emeritus Member, DMACC Board of Directors
  • Jeff Lamberti, President, DMACC Foundation Board of Directors
  • Roger Hargens, President and CEO, Accumold
  • Mary Chapman, Vice President Emeritus, DMACC

Des Moines Area Community College President Search Timeline

  • January 16, 2026 - Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply on or before Friday, January 16, 2026.

  • Late January - Review of applications by the Search Committee.

  • Early February - Teams interviews with the Search Committee.

  • Late February and Early March - On campus interviews Dates TBD.

  • TBD - Board of Directors meets to select new President.

Search Consultant

Larry Ebbers

Larry Ebbers, PhD., has spent his career shaping the future of higher education. In addition to a 50-year tenure at Iowa State University, Ebbers is known for founding key programs like the Leader Institute for a New Century (LINC), and the Community College Leadership Initiative Consortium (CLIC), both which have prepared countless community college administrators for leadership roles. His expertise and his dedication has made a significant impact nationwide. 

Stay Informed

Throughout the search process, we’ll provide regular updates on our progress and opportunities for engagement. Check this page often for the latest information and key dates.

Together, let’s find a leader who will uphold DMACC’s Mission and Values, and foster an environment where everyone can thrive.

Thank you for being a part of this important process. You’ll help shape the future of our college.

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Dr. Larry Ebbers, Search Consultant
lebbers@iastate.edu
515-290-9854

Past Events

Presidential Survey Closed

Over 140 people completed the survey sharing their input on the personal and professional characteristics they would like the new President at DMACC to possess and the primary focus areas of the new President for moving the college forward. Thank you for making your voice heard.

Your Voice Matters

We believe that every stakeholder – students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members – has a vital role to play in shaping the future leadership of our college. That’s why we are actively seeking your help in defining the qualities and experience we should look for in our next President. Please let us know your thoughts about the two questions below:

  • What personal and professional characteristics should the new President at DMACC possess?

  • What should be the primary focus areas of the new President for moving the College forward?

*Survey closed May 27

In Person Forums Closed

Thank you for your participation in the listening forums that took place on May 6 and 7. More than 100 people were able to participate.

In-Person Forums

A series of in-person forums for community stakeholders were held across DMACC campuses on May 6 and 7. Members of our community were welcomed to attend at any campus location that was convenient for them. These forums were separate from the forums scheduled for DMACC faculty and staff. This input will help guide the development of the DMACC Presidential Search Profile.

Virtual Forum

In addition to the in-person sessions, a virtual Teams meeting was held on May 7 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. to provide another opportunity for engagement.