More Changes Coming to IECC Leadership

(Undated) — More changes are coming to IECC. According to Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Program Director of Marketing & Communications, Chris Forde, the IECC Board of Trustees has accepted the retirement notification of Chris Simpson, Vice Chancellor for Business Operations and President of Olney Central College, effective May 17, 2027. Forde says Simpson will conclude four years of service to IECC, where he has provided leadership to both Olney Central College and district-wide business operations. He says as part of a planned succession strategy, the Board also appointed Ryan Hawkins as Vice Chancellor for Financial Operations and President-Designate of Olney Central College effective July 1, 2026. The year-long transition reflects the district’s commitment to leadership continuity and provides a unique opportunity for mentorship and knowledge transfer before the formal leadership change next spring.