Macomb Community College Board of Trustees finalizes appointment of Lori M. Gonko, Ed.D., as the college’s next president

Gonko to assume presidency on July 1

The Macomb Community College Board of Trustees has finalized the appointment of Lori M. Gonko, Ed.D., as the college’s next president, approving a two-year employment contract that provides for an annual salary of $315,000. She will assume the presidency on July 1, 2026.

Gonko’s appointment as Macomb’s seventh president is the culmination of a national search initiated in November 2025 to identify a replacement for retiring President James O. Sawyer IV. She was one of three finalists for the position.

“I warmly welcome Dr. Lori Gonko as the new president of Macomb Community College,” said Katherine Bracey Lorenzo, chair, Macomb Community College Board of Trustees. “Dr. Gonko brings a visionary approach to education. I and my fellow board members are confident that with her leadership the college will continue to thrive, reach new heights and faithfully serve the citizens of Macomb County.”

Gonko’s community college experience spans 25 years, with her career beginning at Macomb Community College, where she worked from 2001-12. She started at Macomb in an administrative assistant position before becoming a coordinator and then manager in career and technical education. Gonko joined Henry Ford College in 2012 as coordinator of Perkins before becoming coordinator of Program Improvement and Effectiveness. She was named vice president of Strategy and Human Resources in 2018 and has served as Henry Ford College’s interim president since July 2025.

“It is an honor and a privilege to return to Macomb and serve the institution that provided the foundation for my own education and my professional career,” said Gonko. “Thanks to the dedicated leadership of President Sawyer, the board and the leadership team, we have a solid foundation and path upon which to begin Macomb’s next chapter. I am excited for the journey!”

Gonko holds a Doctor of Education in community college leadership from Ferris State University. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Oakland University and is a graduate of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s Rising Presidents Fellowship. More detailed biographical information is available at www.macomb.edu/about-macomb/presidential-search.html. 

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media Contact: Jeanne Nicol, nicolj@macomb.edu, 586.445.7204