Central Washington University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Central Washington University has 8 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, financial oversight, institutional transformation, and academic leadership.

Committed to providing an inclusive 4-year public education, Central Washington University fosters academic excellence and student success through a diverse range of majors and a long-standing tradition of scholarly achievement.

Leadership Roles at Central Washington University

  • Executive Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer - Akiko Hall
  • President - Michelle Hunter
  • President - Clare Bresnahan
  • President - Jesus Iñiguez
  • President - James Gaudino
  • President - James Wohlpart
  • Chief of Staff - Sherer Holter
  • Vice Provost, Institutional Transformation & Assistant VP, Information Services & Chief Information Officer - Virginia Tomlinson
  • Akiko Hall - Executive Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer

    Akiko Hall, the Executive Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer at Central Washington University, manages critical financial documentation and administrative support for the fiscal department. Hall coordinates complex scheduling and communication requirements for the Chief Financial Officer, ensuring that financial planning and reporting remain on schedule. By organizing essential data for budget reviews, the Executive Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer facilitates informed decision-making regarding the university's fiscal health. Akiko Hall maintains strict confidentiality and accuracy in all financial records, supporting the broader goal of institutional transparency. This role involves interacting with various departments to gather necessary fiscal information, thereby streamlining the reporting process. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Executive Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the financial office operates with maximum efficiency. Hall contributes to the stability of the university's economic framework by providing consistent, high-level administrative support to the financial leadership team.

    Michelle Hunter - President

    Michelle Hunter, the President at Central Washington University, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Hunter oversees the university's commitment to providing an inclusive, 4-year public education to a diverse student body. By fostering partnerships with regional stakeholders, the President expands the university's impact across the Pacific Northwest. Michelle Hunter leads the executive team in developing policies that promote student success and faculty research. This leadership role involves managing the university's reputation and ensuring that academic programs remain relevant in a competitive higher education market. Through the implementation of long-term growth strategies, the President secures the financial and academic future of the institution. Hunter maintains a focus on institutional values, ensuring that every decision supports the core mission of accessibility and excellence. The President also engages with the board to align institutional goals with the broader needs of the state and the community.

    Clare Bresnahan - President

    Clare Bresnahan, the President at Central Washington University, focuses on the expansion of academic outreach and the enhancement of student engagement programs. Bresnahan directs the development of community-based initiatives that connect the university to broader regional markets. By prioritizing the growth of specialized degree programs, the President ensures that the institution meets the changing demands of the workforce. Clare Bresnahan oversees the allocation of resources to support innovative teaching methods and student support services. This leadership role involves managing external relations and advocating for the university's interests at the state level. Through the cultivation of a vibrant campus culture, the President drives student retention and success. Bresnahan maintains a commitment to the university's mission of inclusivity, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality educational opportunities. The President also leads efforts to modernize campus facilities, creating an environment conducive to learning and professional development.

    Jesus Iñiguez - President

    Jesus Iñiguez, the President at Central Washington University, leads the implementation of sustainable campus operations and long-term fiscal planning. Iñiguez directs the university's efforts to optimize resource management while maintaining high standards of academic quality. By overseeing the expansion of online and hybrid learning models, the President increases the accessibility of the university's programs to a wider geographic audience. Jesus Iñiguez manages the strategic alignment of academic departments with the university's core mission of public service. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across all administrative and academic units. Through the development of robust partnerships with industry leaders, the President enhances the career readiness of the student body. Iñiguez maintains a focus on institutional stability, ensuring that the university remains a cornerstone of the regional education system. The President also drives initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the campus community.

    James Gaudino - President

    James Gaudino, the President at Central Washington University, oversees the comprehensive academic and administrative functions of the institution. Gaudino directs the university's efforts to maintain its status as a premier public university by focusing on student-centered learning and faculty excellence. By managing the university's strategic planning, the President ensures that all departments work toward the common goal of academic success. James Gaudino leads the institution in navigating the complexities of the higher education landscape, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and affordability. This leadership role involves engaging with the board and the broader community to secure the resources necessary for institutional growth. Through the promotion of research and scholarly activity, the President enhances the university's reputation. Gaudino maintains a focus on the long-term viability of the institution, ensuring that it continues to serve the needs of the state and its students for years to come.
    James Gaudino

    James Wohlpart - President

    James Wohlpart, the President at Central Washington University, drives the institutional commitment to holistic student development and academic rigor. Wohlpart oversees the integration of interdisciplinary studies to prepare students for a dynamic global economy. By directing the university's efforts toward community engagement and social responsibility, the President strengthens the institution's role as a public resource. James Wohlpart manages the strategic initiatives that support faculty development and research excellence. This leadership role involves fostering an environment of collaboration and inclusivity across all campus departments. Through the implementation of forward-thinking policies, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of educational innovation. Wohlpart maintains a focus on student success, ensuring that all programs provide the necessary support for academic and personal growth. The President also leads the university's efforts to build strong relationships with alumni and donors, securing the resources needed for future success.
    James Wohlpart

    Sherer Holter - Chief of Staff

    Sherer Holter, the Chief of Staff at Central Washington University, manages high-level administrative workflows and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives. Holter directs the flow of information between the executive office and various academic units to ensure operational efficiency. By aligning internal processes with the broader mission of this public university, the Chief of Staff supports the execution of strategic goals. Holter facilitates communication across the campus community, ensuring that institutional priorities remain clear and actionable. This leadership role involves managing complex projects that impact the university's overall effectiveness. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, Sherer Holter maintains the integrity of institutional decision-making processes. The Chief of Staff also collaborates with other senior leaders to address emerging challenges within the higher education landscape, ultimately driving the university toward its long-term objectives while maintaining a focus on student-centered outcomes.

    Virginia Tomlinson - Vice Provost, Institutional Transformation & Assistant VP, Information Services & Chief Information Officer

    Virginia Tomlinson, the Vice Provost, Institutional Transformation & Assistant VP, Information Services & Chief Information Officer at Central Washington University, architects the digital infrastructure and institutional change strategies. Tomlinson oversees the integration of advanced information services to support academic and administrative functions across the university. By driving North American initiatives in educational technology, the Chief Information Officer ensures that digital resources align with the evolving needs of students and faculty. Virginia Tomlinson manages the transformation of institutional processes, focusing on scalability and technological innovation. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to implement data-driven solutions that enhance the learning environment. Through the oversight of information services, the Vice Provost, Institutional Transformation & Assistant VP, Information Services & Chief Information Officer secures the university's technological future. Tomlinson maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that all digital systems support the core mission of providing a high-quality, inclusive public education.
    Virginia Tomlinson

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Central Washington University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Central Washington University?
    Central Washington University is led by Akiko Hall (Executive Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Michelle Hunter (President) and Clare Bresnahan (President).
    Who is part of Central Washington University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Central Washington University includes leaders such as Akiko Hall (Executive Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer), Michelle Hunter (President), Clare Bresnahan (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Central Washington University have?
    Central Washington University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Central Washington University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Central Washington University includes roles such as Executive Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President, President.