Cal Poly Pomona Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cal Poly Pomona has 7 executives leading key functions including information technology, academic leadership, faculty representation, and institutional security.

Dedicated to academic excellence and polytechnic learning, Cal Poly Pomona fosters innovation through hands-on education and community-focused research initiatives across the California region.

Leadership Roles at Cal Poly Pomona

  • CFA Chapter President - Bonnie Thorne
  • President - Vanya Quiñones
  • California Faculty Association Chapter President - Nicholas Glahn
  • President, Pace Setters - Kathleen Harcharik
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Debra Brum
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - John McGuthry
  • Assistant Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer, Information Technology Security Compliance & Chief People Officer - Carolyn Gonzales
  • Bonnie Thorne - CFA Chapter President

    Bonnie Thorne, the CFA Chapter President at Cal Poly Pomona, represents faculty interests in collective bargaining and institutional policy development. Thorne advocates for equitable working conditions and professional development opportunities for academic staff across the university. By facilitating communication between the faculty body and the administration, the CFA Chapter President ensures transparency in governance and resource distribution. This leadership role involves mediating disputes and promoting a collaborative environment that supports the polytechnic mission. Bonnie Thorne drives initiatives focused on faculty retention and the enhancement of academic freedom within the classroom. Through the active participation in university committees, the CFA Chapter President influences strategic decisions regarding curriculum development and campus culture. Thorne maintains a strong focus on protecting the rights of educators, ensuring that faculty voices remain central to the ongoing success and reputation of the institution within the competitive California higher education market.

    Vanya Quiñones - President

    Vanya Quiñones, the President at Cal Poly Pomona, provides the overarching strategic vision and executive leadership for the entire university. Quiñones directs the long-term growth of academic programs, ensuring alignment with the polytechnic model of hands-on learning and career readiness. By overseeing the university budget and external fundraising efforts, the President secures the financial stability necessary for campus expansion and facility upgrades. This leadership role involves representing the institution to state officials, donors, and the broader public to enhance the university profile. Vanya Quiñones drives the implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering a supportive environment for a diverse student population. Through the coordination of the executive cabinet, the President ensures that all departments work toward common institutional goals. Quiñones maintains a focus on regional economic impact, positioning the university as a primary driver of innovation and workforce development throughout the California region.
    Vanya Quiñones

    Nicholas Glahn - California Faculty Association Chapter President

    Nicholas Glahn, the California Faculty Association Chapter President at Cal Poly Pomona, leads the advocacy efforts for faculty members regarding compensation and workplace safety. Glahn manages the negotiation process for labor contracts, ensuring that the needs of the teaching staff remain a priority for the university leadership. By organizing faculty forums and town halls, the California Faculty Association Chapter President promotes open dialogue on critical issues affecting the academic community. This leadership role involves analyzing institutional budget reports to ensure fair allocation of resources toward faculty support services. Nicholas Glahn drives the development of policies that improve the quality of life for educators, directly impacting the overall morale and productivity of the university. Through consistent engagement with the administration, the California Faculty Association Chapter President secures commitments to professional growth and research support. Glahn champions the importance of faculty participation in shared governance to maintain the high standards of the institution.

    Kathleen Harcharik - President, Pace Setters

    Kathleen Harcharik, the President, Pace Setters at Cal Poly Pomona, leads the organization dedicated to supporting retired faculty and staff through continued engagement with the university community. Harcharik coordinates events and networking opportunities that maintain the connection between the institution and its emeritus members. By facilitating the transfer of institutional knowledge from retirees to current staff, the President, Pace Setters ensures the preservation of the university history and culture. This leadership role involves managing the communication channels that keep the retired community informed about campus developments and academic achievements. Kathleen Harcharik drives initiatives that encourage volunteerism and mentorship, allowing the university to benefit from the extensive experience of its former employees. Through the cultivation of these relationships, the President, Pace Setters strengthens the alumni and retiree network, fostering a sense of lifelong belonging that enhances the overall reputation and community spirit of the university in the California region.
    Kathleen Harcharik

    Debra Brum - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Debra Brum, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Cal Poly Pomona, directs the digital infrastructure and enterprise software systems supporting the university mission. Brum manages the integration of academic technology platforms to enhance student learning outcomes and faculty research capabilities. By overseeing the modernization of campus-wide data networks, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for the entire academic community. This leadership role involves coordinating with administrative departments to streamline operational workflows through advanced software solutions. Debra Brum drives the implementation of scalable cloud services, facilitating efficient resource allocation across the Pomona campus. Through the strategic deployment of information systems, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer supports the long-term technological growth of the institution. Brum maintains high standards for digital accessibility, ensuring all students and staff possess the necessary tools for success in a polytechnic environment.

    John McGuthry - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    John McGuthry, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Cal Poly Pomona, architects the cybersecurity framework and data governance policies protecting institutional assets. McGuthry focuses on the hardware lifecycle management and the physical infrastructure supporting the university research laboratories. By directing the maintenance of high-performance computing clusters, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer enables complex data analysis for faculty and student projects. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with academic deans to align technology investments with specific departmental needs. John McGuthry executes comprehensive disaster recovery plans, ensuring operational continuity during unforeseen technical disruptions. Through the optimization of campus-wide hardware procurement, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer reduces overhead costs while increasing system reliability. McGuthry prioritizes the development of robust network security protocols, safeguarding sensitive research data and student records against evolving digital threats across the broader California educational landscape.
    John McGuthry

    Carolyn Gonzales - Assistant Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer, Information Technology Security Compliance & Chief People Officer

    Carolyn Gonzales, the Assistant Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer, Information Technology Security Compliance & Chief People Officer at Cal Poly Pomona, oversees the intersection of digital security and human capital management. Gonzales directs the implementation of rigorous IT security protocols while simultaneously managing organizational culture and talent development strategies. By auditing information systems for compliance with state and federal regulations, the Assistant Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer, Information Technology Security Compliance & Chief People Officer mitigates risks to institutional data. This leadership role involves designing training programs that educate staff on cybersecurity best practices and professional conduct. Carolyn Gonzales drives the integration of human resources data with security systems to ensure secure access management across all departments. Through the alignment of people-centric policies with technical security requirements, the Assistant Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer, Information Technology Security Compliance & Chief People Officer strengthens the operational resilience of the university.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cal Poly Pomona Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cal Poly Pomona?
    Cal Poly Pomona is led by Bonnie Thorne (CFA Chapter President), along with executives such as Vanya Quiñones (President) and Nicholas Glahn (California Faculty Association Chapter President).
    Who is part of Cal Poly Pomona’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cal Poly Pomona includes leaders such as Bonnie Thorne (CFA Chapter President), Vanya Quiñones (President), Nicholas Glahn (California Faculty Association Chapter President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cal Poly Pomona have?
    Cal Poly Pomona has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cal Poly Pomona’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cal Poly Pomona includes roles such as CFA Chapter President, President, California Faculty Association Chapter President, President, Pace Setters, Vice President & Chief Information Officer.