Dr. Jermaine Ford is a visionary leader with the ability to influence concepts and practices by employing both logical and theoretical approaches. He is a first-generation community college graduate, currently serving as President of Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC). Prior to FDTC, Dr. Ford served as the Vice President for Workforce & Economic Development at South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) in Lafayette, Louisiana. He has over a combined 26 years of experience within higher education and the private sector. Some of his accomplishments include growing enrollment by more than 250%, creating SLCC’s first Center for Professional Development, and creating a Corporate College model dedicated to addressing the skills gap shortage. Dr. Ford began his higher education leadership journey at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, and later transitioned to the private sector serving in various roles, including National Account Manager at Ready Computer Source, President of Global Ink & Accessories, and Director of Sustain Technology. He has moved the needle at every institution he has been affiliated with, creating high-performing, engaged teams for student success, student retention, and student completion. He has completed training with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Future Presidents Institute; The Thomas Lakin Institute provided by the President’s Round Table; the Louisiana Community & Technical College System Future Chancellor’s Training; and the Dr. Vernon O. Crawley Leadership Academy. His notable board memberships include Florence County Economic Development Partnership, Higher Education Research Development Institute, and the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership. He was selected to serve on the American Association of Community Colleges Commission for Structured Pathways. Dr. Ford received an associate degree from Moraine Valley Community College, a bachelor’s degree in communication from DePaul University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and an Ed.D. in organizational leadership with an emphasis in higher education from Grand Canyon University. Throughout his career working in both higher education and in the private sector, Dr. Ford has displayed a collaborative and visionary leadership style. Also, he has demonstrated a commitment to student success and expanding opportunities for faculty, staff, and the community. He has been married for 23 years to Professor Khalilah Ford, and they have two beautiful daughters, Kailynn and Kaci Ford.