Central Washington University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment, Central Washington University delivers diverse academic programs while maintaining a strong focus on student success and regional educational advancement.

Leadership Roles at Central Washington University

  • Executive Secretary To the Chief Financial Officer - Akiko Hall
  • President - Michelle Hunter
  • President - James Wohlpart
  • President - Jesus Iñiguez
  • President - Clare Bresnahan
  • President - James Gaudino
  • 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, coordinates financial documentation and administrative support for the fiscal department. Hall manages complex scheduling and communication needs for the Chief Financial Officer, ensuring that financial reporting remains accurate and timely. By organizing critical budget meetings and maintaining essential records, the Executive Secretary facilitates smooth operations within the finance division. Akiko Hall monitors departmental expenditures and assists in the preparation of fiscal reports that guide university-wide decision-making. This role requires high attention to detail and a deep understanding of public university financial regulations. Hall supports the Chief Financial Officer by streamlining workflows and managing correspondence with external stakeholders. Through efficient administrative management, the Executive Secretary ensures that the financial office remains focused on long-term fiscal health. Hall contributes to the overall stability of the institution by maintaining rigorous standards in all financial administrative tasks.

    Michelle Hunter - President

    Michelle Hunter, the President at Central Washington University, defines the strategic vision and academic direction for the entire institution. Hunter oversees the expansion of degree programs and ensures that the university meets the needs of a diverse student population. As the primary leader, Michelle Hunter engages with the Board of Trustees to secure funding and support for campus development. Hunter drives initiatives that promote inclusivity and academic excellence across all departments. By fostering partnerships with regional industries, the President enhances career opportunities for graduates. This leadership role involves managing the university budget and ensuring compliance with state educational standards. Hunter coordinates with faculty leaders to maintain high research output and teaching quality. Through consistent advocacy for the university, the President strengthens the reputation of the institution within the Pacific Northwest. Hunter leads the campus toward a future defined by innovation and student-centered learning.

    James Wohlpart - President

    James Wohlpart, the President at Central Washington University, focuses on the holistic development of the student experience and the advancement of academic programs. Wohlpart directs efforts to improve retention rates and graduation outcomes through targeted support services. As the President, Wohlpart champions the integration of community engagement into the curriculum to prepare students for professional success. James Wohlpart collaborates with academic deans to refine the university mission and ensure that all programs remain relevant to current market demands. This leadership role involves overseeing the physical and digital growth of the campus to accommodate increasing enrollment. Wohlpart manages relationships with state legislators to advocate for public funding and educational policy improvements. By prioritizing student well-being and faculty development, the President creates a supportive environment for intellectual growth. Wohlpart drives the university toward achieving its long-term goals of accessibility and academic distinction.
    James Wohlpart

    Jesus Iñiguez - President

    Jesus Iñiguez, the President at Central Washington University, leads the institution in expanding its reach and impact within the regional education sector. Iñiguez oversees the implementation of new academic initiatives designed to increase student enrollment and diversity. As the President, Iñiguez manages the strategic allocation of resources to support faculty research and student extracurricular activities. Jesus Iñiguez coordinates with administrative leaders to ensure that the university remains a pillar of the local community. This role involves navigating the complexities of public university governance while maintaining a focus on long-term sustainability. Iñiguez drives efforts to modernize campus facilities and improve the overall student experience. By fostering a culture of collaboration, the President ensures that all departments work toward common institutional objectives. Iñiguez maintains a strong commitment to academic integrity and excellence, guiding the university through evolving educational landscapes and ensuring continued growth.

    Clare Bresnahan - President

    Clare Bresnahan, the President at Central Washington University, directs the overarching strategy for institutional growth and academic quality. Bresnahan oversees the development of new partnerships that enhance the university reputation and provide students with unique learning opportunities. As the President, Bresnahan manages the executive team to ensure that all operational goals align with the core mission of the university. Clare Bresnahan leads efforts to secure grants and private funding to support innovative research projects. This leadership role involves representing the university at regional and national forums to advocate for public higher education. Bresnahan coordinates with the faculty senate to address academic policy and curriculum improvements. By focusing on student-centered outcomes, the President ensures that the university remains a leader in providing accessible, high-quality education. Bresnahan drives the institution toward a future of increased visibility and academic success.

    James Gaudino - President

    James Gaudino, the President at Central Washington University, manages the long-term strategic planning and fiscal health of the institution. Gaudino oversees the expansion of academic programs to meet the changing needs of the workforce. As the President, Gaudino leads the university in maintaining high standards of teaching and research excellence. James Gaudino coordinates with the Board of Trustees to implement policies that promote student success and campus safety. This leadership role involves overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects that support the growing student population. Gaudino drives initiatives to increase the university presence in the regional market, ensuring that graduates remain competitive. By fostering a collaborative environment, the President ensures that all staff and faculty contribute to the institutional mission. Gaudino maintains a focus on fiscal responsibility while pursuing ambitious goals for academic growth and community engagement throughout the region.
    James Gaudino

    Sherer Holter - Chief of Staff

    Sherer Holter, the Chief of Staff at Central Washington University, manages high-level administrative workflows and coordinates strategic initiatives across the institution. Holter facilitates communication between the executive office and various academic departments to ensure alignment with the university mission. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff enhances operational efficiency within the public university framework. Holter monitors project timelines and resource allocation to support the broader goals of the administration. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with senior faculty and staff to address complex institutional challenges. Through meticulous oversight of daily operations, Sherer Holter maintains organizational stability. The Chief of Staff also provides critical support for long-term planning efforts, ensuring that all administrative functions contribute to the overall growth of the university. Holter drives excellence by fostering a culture of accountability and transparency throughout the campus community.

    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, directs the digital infrastructure and academic evolution of the institution. Tomlinson oversees the integration of advanced technology into the classroom to improve student learning outcomes. As the Chief Information Officer, Tomlinson manages data security and network reliability across the entire campus. Virginia Tomlinson also leads institutional transformation efforts, focusing on modernizing administrative systems to better serve the student body. By aligning information services with academic goals, the Vice Provost ensures that the university remains competitive in the digital age. Tomlinson coordinates with other senior leaders to implement scalable solutions that support research and instruction. This role involves managing complex technical projects that impact the entire university ecosystem. Through strategic planning, Tomlinson optimizes resource utilization and fosters innovation in educational delivery.
    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 James Wohlpart (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), James Wohlpart (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.