Colby College Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Colby College has 10 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, financial management, human resources, marketing, and student leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and liberal arts tradition, Colby College fosters intellectual growth and prepares students for global impact through rigorous inquiry and community engagement.

Leadership Roles at Colby College

  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Nicole Trufant
  • Founder & President - Maddie Fresco
  • President - Benjamin Wexler-Waite
  • President - Ben Townsend
  • President - Ai Tong
  • President - Logan Ngai
  • Cycling Club President - Hannah Wolf
  • Vice President & Chief of Staff - Naamah Jarnot
  • Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Julie Wood
  • Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Rosalind Drisko
  • Nicole Trufant - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Nicole Trufant, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Colby College, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Trufant oversees budgeting, endowment management, and capital planning to ensure resources support the academic mission of this historic liberal arts college. By analyzing financial trends and market conditions, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer directs investment strategies that bolster the college's competitive position. Nicole Trufant collaborates with the Board of Trustees to maintain rigorous financial standards and transparency. This role involves balancing operational costs with the need for continued investment in faculty, facilities, and student programs. Through prudent fiscal oversight, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk and secures the financial foundation necessary for future growth. Trufant drives institutional stability by implementing robust financial controls and reporting mechanisms that reflect the values of the college.
    Nicole Trufant

    Maddie Fresco - Founder & President

    Maddie Fresco, the Founder & President at Colby College, establishes the foundational vision and long-term strategic direction for the institution. Fresco oversees the core mission of this liberal arts college, ensuring that academic programs and campus initiatives remain true to the founding principles. By guiding the executive team, the Founder & President directs the growth and development of the college in a competitive higher education landscape. Maddie Fresco maintains relationships with key stakeholders and donors to secure the resources necessary for institutional advancement. This leadership role involves setting the tone for campus culture and academic rigor. Through visionary planning, the Founder & President navigates complex challenges and identifies opportunities for innovation. Fresco drives the overall success of the college by championing excellence in teaching and research, ensuring that the institution continues to provide a transformative educational experience for every student.

    Benjamin Wexler-Waite - President

    Benjamin Wexler-Waite, the President at Colby College, leads the academic and administrative operations of the institution. Wexler-Waite oversees the implementation of strategic plans that enhance the reputation and educational quality of this private liberal arts college. By engaging with faculty, students, and alumni, the President directs initiatives that foster a vibrant intellectual community. Benjamin Wexler-Waite manages the college's external relations and represents the institution in national academic forums. This leadership role involves balancing the needs of various campus constituencies while maintaining a focus on long-term sustainability. Through collaborative governance, the President ensures that the college remains at the forefront of liberal arts education. Wexler-Waite drives institutional progress by prioritizing academic innovation and student success, ensuring that the college continues to prepare graduates for meaningful contributions to society through rigorous inquiry and critical thinking.

    Ben Townsend - President

    Ben Townsend, the President at Colby College, focuses on the expansion of research capabilities and academic partnerships for the institution. Townsend oversees the integration of new technologies into the curriculum to ensure the college remains competitive in the modern liberal arts landscape. By fostering relationships with global research organizations, the President directs efforts to increase the visibility of the college's scholarly output. Ben Townsend manages the allocation of research grants and academic resources to support faculty projects. This leadership role involves promoting interdisciplinary collaboration across departments to solve complex societal problems. Through strategic academic planning, the President enhances the intellectual environment of the campus. Townsend drives institutional growth by cultivating a culture of inquiry and discovery, ensuring that the college provides students with access to cutting-edge research opportunities and a world-class educational experience.

    Ai Tong - President

    Ai Tong, the President at Colby College, concentrates on student life and campus infrastructure development for the institution. Tong oversees the enhancement of residential facilities and student support services to ensure a holistic educational experience at this private liberal arts college. By directing campus-wide initiatives, the President fosters an inclusive environment that promotes student well-being and community engagement. Ai Tong manages the coordination of extracurricular programs and student organizations to enrich the campus experience. This leadership role involves addressing the evolving needs of the student body through proactive policy development and facility upgrades. Through dedicated focus on student success, the President strengthens the sense of community and belonging on campus. Tong drives institutional excellence by prioritizing the quality of life for all students, ensuring that the college remains a premier destination for personal and academic development.

    Logan Ngai - President

    Logan Ngai, the President at Colby College, manages the college's sustainability and environmental stewardship initiatives. Ngai oversees the implementation of green energy projects and campus-wide conservation efforts to align the institution with its commitment to environmental responsibility. By directing sustainability audits, the President ensures that the college reduces its carbon footprint while maintaining operational efficiency. Logan Ngai collaborates with faculty and student groups to integrate sustainability into the academic curriculum and campus operations. This leadership role involves securing funding for environmental projects and representing the college in regional sustainability networks. Through strategic environmental planning, the President positions the college as a leader in sustainable higher education. Ngai drives institutional impact by fostering a culture of environmental awareness, ensuring that the college serves as a model for responsible stewardship and sustainable practices in the liberal arts sector.

    Hannah Wolf - Cycling Club President

    Hannah Wolf, the Cycling Club President at Colby College, directs the operations and competitive activities of the student cycling organization. Wolf manages club membership, training schedules, and race logistics to promote physical fitness and community engagement among students. By coordinating with the college's athletic department, the Cycling Club President ensures that the club adheres to safety standards and institutional policies. Hannah Wolf oversees the procurement of equipment and the planning of regional cycling events that represent the college. This leadership role involves fostering a supportive environment for cyclists of all skill levels to develop their abilities. Through active recruitment and event planning, the Cycling Club President enhances the extracurricular landscape of the campus. Wolf drives student participation by organizing regular rides and competitive opportunities, ensuring that the club remains a vibrant part of the athletic culture at the college.

    Naamah Jarnot - Vice President & Chief of Staff

    Naamah Jarnot, the Vice President & Chief of Staff at Colby College, directs high-level administrative operations and coordinates strategic initiatives across the institution. Jarnot manages the flow of information between the president and various departments, ensuring alignment with the core mission of this private liberal arts college. By facilitating cross-functional collaboration, the Vice President & Chief of Staff optimizes internal processes and supports the execution of long-term institutional goals. Naamah Jarnot maintains oversight of complex projects that require precise communication and logistical planning. This leadership role involves bridging gaps between academic departments and administrative units to enhance operational efficiency. Through rigorous attention to detail, the Vice President & Chief of Staff secures the successful implementation of college-wide policies. Jarnot drives organizational health by streamlining decision-making frameworks and fostering a culture of transparency throughout the campus community.

    Julie Wood - Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Julie Wood, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Colby College, architects talent acquisition and organizational development strategies for the institution. Wood manages recruitment, benefits administration, and employee relations to cultivate a high-performing workforce dedicated to the liberal arts mission. By designing professional development programs, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures faculty and staff remain aligned with the evolving needs of the college. Julie Wood oversees compliance with labor regulations and promotes an inclusive campus culture that attracts top-tier talent. This leadership role involves partnering with department heads to address staffing requirements and performance management. Through strategic workforce planning, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer supports the overall operational capacity of the college. Wood drives employee engagement by fostering a supportive environment that values excellence, diversity, and professional growth across all administrative and academic sectors.
    Julie Wood

    Rosalind Drisko - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    Rosalind Drisko, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Colby College, directs the brand strategy and public relations efforts for the institution. Drisko manages digital presence, media relations, and institutional messaging to elevate the reputation of this private liberal arts college. By crafting compelling narratives, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer ensures consistent communication with prospective students, alumni, and the broader academic community. Rosalind Drisko oversees the development of marketing campaigns that highlight the unique value proposition of the college. This role involves coordinating with admissions and development teams to support enrollment and fundraising objectives. Through data-driven outreach, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer expands the reach of the institution across national and international markets. Drisko drives brand awareness by leveraging multi-channel platforms to showcase the academic achievements and community impact of the college to diverse audiences.
    Rosalind Drisko

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Colby College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Colby College?
    Colby College is led by Nicole Trufant (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Maddie Fresco (Founder & President) and Benjamin Wexler-Waite (President).
    Who is part of Colby College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Colby College includes leaders such as Nicole Trufant (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Maddie Fresco (Founder & President), Benjamin Wexler-Waite (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Colby College have?
    Colby College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Colby College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Colby College includes roles such as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Founder & President, President, President, President.