Introducing the HECC Executive Director's Office and Agency Divisions

We’re pleased to introduce the work of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) Office of the Executive Director, the Policy and Programs Division, and the Operations and Finance Division. Here you can learn more about how the agency offices and programs are organized, and key responsibilities of the agency divisions.

The HECC agency is organized in two divisions— the Policy and Programs Division and the Operations and Finance Division—and an Executive Director’s Office. You can find information and contacts by key topic here, and you can view our full agency directory by office or unit here. The HECC agency is comprised of approximately 185 employees and is led by Executive Director Ben Cannon (professional bio here).

Office of the Executive Director

The HECC Office of the Executive Director carries out the central executive role of the agency and serves as a resource for the Commission and the HECC offices, including coordination of efforts on the Commission's Strategic Plan, and convening of state and national partners. The office is responsible for Commission administration; administrative rules; communications; legislative affairs and policy development; diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and transfer policy work. This office is led by Executive Director Ben Cannon, who is also the executive leader for the agency as a whole.

The EDO includes the following areas of work. Please see our full agency directory to find contact information for the HECC Office of the Executive Director.

• Commission Administration and Administrative Rules
• Legislative Affairs and Policy Development - see Legislative Resources 
  
• Communications - see News and Updates
  
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility  - leadership and coordination - see Our Commitment to Equity
  
• Transfer Initiative - see Transfer
  

HECC Operations and Finance Division

The Operations and Finance Division (OFD) manages finances, resources, and operations to achieve postsecondary education and training goals. It is led by Jim Pinkard, Deputy Executive Director of Operations and Finance Division. 

This division includes several offices with responsibilities related to management and planning of the state’s postsecondary education and training budget, funding allocation, administrative services, human resources, internal auditing, and project management. The division works with staff and partners to manage budgets and prepare recommendations for the comprehensive HECC budget, including funds supporting public institutions, financial aid, agency operations, workforce investments, and capital investments. It also provides support in the areas of budget development and management; procurement services; fiscal services including accounting, budget and payroll; and information technology.  

The OFD includes the following offices and units. Please see our full agency directory to find contact information for the HECC Operations and Finance Division staff in each unit below.

• Continuous Service Improvements  
  
• Human Resources - see Employment Opportunities  
  
• Internal Audits  
  
• HECC Office of Administrative Services - see Grant and Contract Opportunities and Legislative and Budget Resources. This office also includes information technology and fiscal services. The HECC IT Strategic Plan is posted under Additional Resources below. 
  
• Office of Postsecondary Finance and Capital (PFC)