Cal Poly Humboldt Executive and Leadership Team

Bill Ruff, the Chief Executive Officer at Cal Poly Humboldt, directs the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Overseeing the alignment of academic programs with the 1913 mission of teacher education, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all undergraduate offerings meet rigorous standards. This leadership role involves managing complex university-wide initiatives that drive growth across North American educational markets. By fostering partnerships with regional stakeholders, Bill Ruff secures the long-term viability of the university. The Chief Executive Officer maintains constant communication with the Board to refine institutional goals and improve operational efficiency. Through the implementation of data-driven decision-making, Ruff optimizes resource allocation across all departments. This executive leadership ensures that the university remains a premier destination for students seeking high-quality teacher training and diverse undergraduate experiences while maintaining a strong focus on sustainable institutional development.

Kate Shea, the Chief Operating Officer, Office of Initiatives at Cal Poly Humboldt, directs the operational execution of new academic and community programs. Overseeing the development of strategic initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer, Office of Initiatives ensures that all projects align with the university's long-term growth objectives. This role involves managing the logistics of large-scale programs that expand the reach of teacher education. By optimizing operational workflows, Kate Shea drives the successful launch of initiatives that improve student outcomes. The Chief Operating Officer, Office of Initiatives collaborates with faculty and staff to ensure that project goals meet the needs of the diverse student body. Shea monitors the impact of these initiatives on the university's regional presence, adjusting strategies to maximize effectiveness. Through rigorous project management, the Chief Operating Officer, Office of Initiatives secures the successful delivery of programs that define the university's market position.

Jessica Etter, the Events, Engagement & Office Coordinator & President, Office of at Cal Poly Humboldt, manages the coordination of institutional events and community engagement efforts. Overseeing the scheduling and logistics for major university functions, the Events, Engagement & Office Coordinator & President, Office of ensures that all public-facing activities reflect the institution's values. This role involves fostering relationships with external partners to support the university's mission. By organizing outreach programs, Jessica Etter drives awareness of the undergraduate and teacher education offerings. The Events, Engagement & Office Coordinator & President, Office of maintains the administrative integrity of the President's office, ensuring that all communications are professional and timely. Etter coordinates with various departments to ensure that engagement strategies remain consistent across all platforms. Through the effective management of events and office operations, the Events, Engagement & Office Coordinator & President, Office of strengthens the university's connection to the broader community.

Ian Austin, the President at Cal Poly Humboldt, provides the primary leadership for the university's academic and administrative direction. Overseeing the implementation of the institutional mission, the President ensures that all programs maintain the high standards expected of a teacher education university. This role involves representing the institution to external stakeholders and governing bodies to secure necessary support. By championing the value of undergraduate education, Ian Austin drives the university's reputation for excellence. The President collaborates with the executive team to set long-term goals that address the evolving needs of the education sector. Austin manages the overall health of the university, ensuring that financial and academic resources are utilized effectively. Through visionary leadership, the President guides the institution toward continued growth and success, reinforcing the university's role as a vital contributor to the regional educational landscape.

Jimmy Gorospe, the President at Cal Poly Humboldt, focuses on the internal development and cultural growth of the university community. Overseeing the faculty and staff engagement initiatives, the President ensures that the campus environment supports the mission of teacher education. This role involves fostering an inclusive atmosphere that encourages academic innovation and student success. By promoting the university's unique undergraduate programs, Jimmy Gorospe drives enrollment and community participation. The President works with the leadership team to refine the university's strategic approach to regional education. Gorospe monitors the effectiveness of internal policies, making adjustments to improve the overall student experience. Through the cultivation of a collaborative campus culture, the President ensures that the university remains a leader in teacher training. This leadership role involves balancing the needs of diverse academic departments to maintain a cohesive and forward-thinking institution.

Denice Helwig, the Chief of Staff at Cal Poly Humboldt, manages the daily administrative functions of the executive office. Coordinating communication between the President and various academic departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional priorities receive immediate attention. This role involves streamlining internal processes to support the university's commitment to teacher education. By facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, Denice Helwig drives the execution of strategic projects that enhance the student experience. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key initiatives, providing the leadership team with actionable insights to improve operational performance. Helwig maintains a focus on organizational health, ensuring that administrative workflows support the broader mission of the university. Through meticulous oversight of office operations, the Chief of Staff enables the executive team to focus on long-term academic goals and regional impact.

Bethany Gilden, the Chief Information Officer at Cal Poly Humboldt, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern teacher education. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess reliable access to essential academic resources. This role involves securing the university's data assets against emerging threats while supporting the expansion of online undergraduate programs. By modernizing campus technology, Bethany Gilden drives efficiency across all administrative and academic units. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align technical investments with the university's strategic roadmap. Gilden manages the deployment of scalable cloud solutions that support the institution's regional operations. Through the continuous improvement of digital tools, the Chief Information Officer empowers the campus community to achieve academic excellence in an increasingly connected educational landscape.

Bethany Rizzardi, the Acting Chief of Staff at Cal Poly Humboldt, supports the executive leadership team by managing high-priority institutional projects. Overseeing the coordination of special initiatives, the Acting Chief of Staff ensures that university objectives remain on schedule. This role involves bridging the gap between executive strategy and departmental execution to maintain organizational momentum. By facilitating effective communication across the campus, Bethany Rizzardi drives the successful implementation of policies that support teacher education. The Acting Chief of Staff monitors internal workflows to identify opportunities for process improvement and resource optimization. Rizzardi provides critical support to the President, ensuring that all administrative tasks align with the university's core mission. Through proactive management of office activities, the Acting Chief of Staff contributes to the overall stability and operational success of the institution.

Cade Webb, the Acting Chief Information Officer at Cal Poly Humboldt, manages the maintenance and optimization of campus-wide information systems. Overseeing the technical support teams, the Acting Chief Information Officer ensures that all digital platforms remain functional for students and faculty. This role involves evaluating new software solutions that enhance the delivery of undergraduate programs. By prioritizing the stability of the university's network, Cade Webb drives the reliability of academic services. The Acting Chief Information Officer works closely with department heads to address specific technology needs that support teacher education. Webb monitors system performance metrics to proactively resolve potential issues before these impact the campus community. Through the effective management of IT resources, the Acting Chief Information Officer ensures that the university's digital environment remains a robust foundation for learning and administrative productivity.