EAST PEORIA, Ill. – The Illinois Central College Board of Trustees has begun the search for a new president.
On Thursday, the Board approved hiring R. H. Perry, a national executive search firm, to help lead the search.
ICC’s Board plans to name the college’s new president within a year. The president is expected to start on July 1, 2026.
To ensure a smooth transition, the Board of Trustees has also appointed Bruce Budde to serve as ICC’s interim president effective January 1 through June 30, 2026, after Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey’s retirement.
Budde, ICC’s current Executive Director of Administration and Finance, has been with the college for over 30 years and previously served as interim president in 2015.
“Bruce Budde’s long-standing commitment to Illinois Central College and his deep understanding of our operations make him a natural choice to guide us through this transitional period,” ICC Board Chair Cindy Byrd says. “The Board has great confidence in Bruce’s ability to lead the College as we move forward with the search process.”
ICC’s Board will provide updates on the search for a new president throughout the process.
