The Illinois Eastern Community Colleges 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.
Simpson will conclude four years of service to Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, where he has provided leadership to both Olney Central College and district-wide business operations. Since joining IECC in 2023, Simpson has helped guide the institution through the post-pandemic environment, supported implementation of the district's one-college organizational model, and overseen key operational functions including business services, food services, and bookstore operations.
Prior to joining IECC, Simpson served as Superintendent of Richland County Community Unit School District No. 1 and brought extensive educational leadership experience to the college district.
"Chris joined IECC during a period of significant change and immediately became a trusted leader," said Chancellor Ryan Gower. "His experience, professionalism, and steady approach helped position both Olney Central College and the district for continued success. More importantly, he has been an outstanding colleague and friend, and I am grateful for his service to our students and communities."
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.
Hawkins currently serves as Chief Financial Officer for IECC and has been instrumental in the district's financial planning, budgeting, facilities development, and long-range strategic initiatives. Under the transition plan, Hawkins will continue to oversee district financial operations while spending the next year working alongside Simpson to learn campus operations and prepare to assume the presidency of Olney Central College upon Simpson's retirement.
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.
The appointment also advances IECC's ongoing efforts to align district-wide and campus-based business functions under a unified leadership structure, strengthening coordination and operational effectiveness across the institution.
"Ryan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of IECC," Gower said. "This transition allows us to build upon Chris's outstanding work while creating a thoughtful and deliberate pathway for future leadership. The opportunity for Chris and Ryan to work side-by-side over the next year is a tremendous advantage for the college, our employees, and our students."
Simpson said he is excited about the coming year and the opportunity to help prepare the next generation of leadership at Olney Central College.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at IECC and remain excited about the work ahead of us during the coming year," Simpson said. "I look forward to welcoming Ryan more fully into the campus, sharing what I've learned, and helping ensure a smooth and successful transition next May. Olney Central College has a bright future, and I am confident it will be in excellent hands."
Hawkins said he is honored by the Board's confidence and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Simpson during the transition period.
"I am thankful for the opportunity to work with Chris to learn from his experience over the next year," Hawkins said. "I look forward to continuing to serve the district, supporting Olney Central College, and building upon the strong foundation already in place."
Simpson will continue serving as Vice Chancellor for Business Operations and President of Olney Central College through May 17, 2027. Hawkins will assume the presidency of Olney Central College and continue serving as Vice Chancellor for Financial Operations following Simpson's retirement.
