KCTCS names leaders for communications, HR and finance

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System announced the selection of two vice presidents and a chief financial officer following national searches.

The appointees include Blair Hess, vice president of communications and marketing; Bridget Canter, vice president of human resources; and Todd J. Kilburn, chief financial officer.

KCTCS President Ryan Quarles said, “We’re very pleased to welcome these talented leaders with a wide range of skillsets and backgrounds to KCTCS. We look forward to their many contributions as we focus on our core values of affordability, accessibility and workforce development to build a brighter economic future for Kentucky.”

Blair Hess
Hess comes to KCTCS after serving as the Council of State Governments’ director of communications, national, since 2019. Earlier, she was employed as the media and communications manager for Kentucky State University’s land grant program and college of agriculture. She began her duties April 1.

She earned a bachelor’s in agriculture communications from the University of Kentucky and has completed coursework toward a master’s degree in public administration at Kentucky State University.

"I'm very excited to join Dr. Quarles and the hard-working team at KCTCS. As a seventh generation Kentuckian, contributing to my home state and promoting the commonwealth and its incredible people is one of my greatest passions. I'm grateful for this opportunity to connect with students, staff, faculty and communities across the state and to continue to serve Kentuckians," said Hess.

Bridget Canter

Canter began serving as acting vice president of human resources at KCTCS in January, before being named as vice president. She served at West Kentucky Community and Technical College in similar roles since 2006, both as director of human resources and later as vice president of business affairs and human resources.

“I am honored to serve KCTCS in this new capacity,” said Canter. “Having been a part of the system at West Kentucky Community and Technical College for almost 18 years, I am committed to our mission of improving the lives of Kentuckians. I’m looking forward to supporting the talented people across our state who work every day to help our students meet their academic, career and personal goals,” she said.

She begins her duties May 16.

Canter earned a bachelor’s in human resources from Miami University and a Master of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University.

Todd J. Kilburn

Kilburn presently serves as the chief financial officer and business administrator for Fourth Baptist Church and Christian School and as vice president for institutional finance for Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Plymouth, Minnesota.

From 2019-2022, Kilburn served as the chief financial officer for the Idaho State Board of Education, which oversees K-12, public community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and career and technical education. Other higher education experience includes serving as vice president for finance and administration at Lewis-Clark State College and at Naropa University as vice president for business affairs and chief financial officer.

Kilburn earned a bachelor’s from Faith Baptist Bible College, a Master of Business Administration from Plymouth State University and is pursuing a doctorate at Idaho State University.

Kilburn will begin his duties by July 1.

“It is a genuine honor to join KCTCS in its mission to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of the commonwealth,” said Kilburn. I am excited about the opportunity to support the work being done in Kentucky's community and technical colleges, which will impact the lives and opportunities of students and the commonwealth for years to come. I cannot wait to get started, and I look forward to working beside Dr. Quarles and the leadership team.”