Board of Trustees appoints Kevin Howley as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

H enry Ford College is pleased to announce the Board of Trustees’ appointment of Kevin R. Howley as the new Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective May 27, 2025. A seasoned executive with more than three decades of strategic leadership experience across nonprofit and corporate sectors, Howley brings a broad combination of financial acumen, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to mission-driven service in higher education.

“I’m honored to join the Henry Ford College team and to contribute to an institution that has such a powerful and lasting effect on its students and community,” said Howley. “Education changes lives and families for generations. I look forward to advancing the College’s goals through sound stewardship, inclusive planning, and student-focused innovation.”

Most recently, Howley served as Vice President for Finance and Institutional Planning at Lake Forest College in Illinois, where he played a vital role in capital campaign preparation and institutional transformation. He contributed to the new campus Master Plan, implementation of a restructured compensation model for faculty and staff, and targeted enrollment strategies in partnership with academic and admissions leaders. He also led investment realignment efforts, improved budget transparency, and collaborated with advancement teams to shape donor engagement strategies.

Prior to Lake Forest, Howley spent two decades leading organizations through change as President of Menallen Management, providing CFO, COO, and CEO leadership to institutions navigating growth, restructuring, and turnarounds. His clients ranged from manufacturers and healthcare organizations to independent schools, performing arts venues, and community centers—many of which served underrepresented and underserved populations.

Michigan and higher ed connections

A proud Michigan native and graduate of Kalamazoo College, Howley has maintained close ties to higher education throughout his career. He served on Kalamazoo College’s Board of Trustees and as President of the College’s Alumni Association, taught as an adjunct professor, and supported student recruitment and advancement efforts. His academic credentials include an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Master in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School.

Howley’s unique path also includes executive leadership roles that allowed him to champion workforce development, inclusive planning, and long-term financial sustainability.

“Kevin Howley is an exceptional leader whose integrity, experience, and collaborative approach will serve Henry Ford College well,” said HFC President Russ Kavalhuna. “He understands the challenges facing higher education, and has the vision and strategic experience to help us advance our student-success mission, while maintaining a sound and flexible financial operation.”

Howley succeeds Vice President John Satkowski, who is retiring. “John is almost a legend at the College,” said Kavalhuna. “He was at the center of efforts to return the College to a solid financial footing, and to move the College forward strategically. His work led directly to the College being in a position to undertake its largest-ever infrastructure project, a major student-success project that is now under way. John has led with grace, humor, intelligence, and a steady financial hand. Without him, we would not be in the strong position we enjoy today. John also served as Interim President of the College before I became president. He is a great teammate, and all of us will miss him. At the same time, I look forward to welcoming Kevin and helping him get up to speed.”

Howley will lead the College’s financial operations, institutional planning, facilities management, and business strategy. His leadership will help ensure that HFC continues to offer transformative, affordable, and accessible education to students across Southeast Michigan and beyond.