Chief Operating Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer,
Dr. Gerald F. Napoles

As Chief Operating Officer (COO), Dr. Gerald Napoles brings more than two decades of leadership across Texas, California, and Kentucky community colleges, and previously served as Vice Chancellor of Student Success at Lone Star College in Houston. His portfolio includes systemwide initiatives in student success, enrollment services, strategic planning, technology modernization focused on collaboration and the student experience.

Throughout his career, Dr. Napoles has built meaningful partnerships with K-12 school districts, economic development boards, industry, and nonprofit organizations to expand workforce training, dual credit access, transfer pathways and student support. He’s known for community-focused leadership and aligning college initiatives with regional needs.

His leadership at Lone Star College included roles as President of the North Harris campus, Interim President at CyFair, CEO of System Office–University Park and Special Assistant to the Chancellor. Previously, he served in Kentucky as Senior Vice President of Student and Organizational Success and Vice President of Student Affairs at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College.

Dr. Napoles has served as an accreditation liaison and reviewer with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the accrediting body for both Del Mar and Lone Star College. Nationally, he served on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Community Colleges and has worked with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development NISOD, the Center for Community College Student Engagement and Achieving the Dream, leading national organizations focused on student success and institutional excellence.

A first-generation college student, Dr. Napoles began his journey at Dallas College-Richland Campus. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University, a master’s from the University of North Texas and a doctorate in Education Administration with a focus on community college leadership from The University of Texas at Austin. In 2024, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Dallas College.