Eastern Washington University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Eastern Washington University has 7 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, regulatory compliance, information technology, athletic fiscal management, and presidential administration.

Committed to academic excellence and regional accessibility, Eastern Washington University empowers students through comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs across Washington state.

Leadership Roles at Eastern Washington University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Toni Habegger
  • Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Financial Officer - Alexis Kelly
  • Secretary & President, S Office - Sarah Karnes
  • President - Gary Krug
  • Compliance Chief of Staff - Annika Scharosch
  • Executive Associate To Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Campitelli Denise
  • Assistant VP, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Charles Peyton
  • Toni Habegger - Chief Financial Officer

    Toni Habegger, the Chief Financial Officer at Eastern Washington University, directs all fiscal operations and budgetary planning for the institution. Habegger manages the allocation of university resources to support academic departments and infrastructure development across multiple regional campuses. By overseeing long-term financial forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the university maintains fiscal health while expanding educational access. Toni Habegger collaborates with the Board of Trustees to align spending with strategic institutional goals. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of endowment funds and operational expenditures to maximize value for students. Through precise financial modeling, Habegger secures the economic stability necessary for the university to thrive in a competitive higher education landscape. The Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency in all reporting, fostering trust among stakeholders and supporting the broader mission of providing high-quality, affordable public education throughout the Pacific Northwest.

    Alexis Kelly - Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Financial Officer

    Alexis Kelly, the Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Financial Officer at Eastern Washington University, manages the fiscal health and operational budget of the athletic department. Kelly oversees revenue generation, scholarship funding, and facility maintenance costs to ensure the sustainability of sports programs. By aligning athletic spending with university-wide financial policies, the Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Financial Officer supports the success of student-athletes both on and off the field. Alexis Kelly coordinates with external partners and donors to secure funding for athletic initiatives and infrastructure improvements. This leadership role involves rigorous financial reporting and compliance with collegiate athletic regulations. Through strategic resource allocation, Kelly optimizes the performance of the department while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Financial Officer drives growth in athletic programs, ensuring that the university maintains a competitive presence in regional and national sports while upholding the academic mission of the institution.

    Sarah Karnes - Secretary & President, S Office

    Sarah Karnes, the Secretary & President, S Office at Eastern Washington University, manages the executive communications and administrative functions of the presidential office. Karnes coordinates the flow of information between the President, the Board of Trustees, and the broader university community. By overseeing the scheduling and documentation of high-level meetings, the Secretary & President, S Office ensures that the executive leadership team remains aligned on strategic priorities. Sarah Karnes facilitates the execution of institutional policies and maintains the official records of the university. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring that the President has the necessary support to drive the university mission forward. Through meticulous administrative oversight, Karnes enables the efficient operation of the executive office. The Secretary & President, S Office maintains the continuity of leadership, ensuring that the university remains focused on its long-term goals of academic excellence and regional service.
    Sarah Karnes

    Gary Krug - President

    Gary Krug, the President at Eastern Washington University, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Krug oversees the university's growth, fostering partnerships with regional stakeholders to expand educational opportunities across Washington. By leading the executive team, the President ensures that all departments remain focused on student success and institutional excellence. Gary Krug manages the university's relationship with the Board of Trustees and state government to secure necessary funding and support for academic programs. This leadership role involves championing innovation in teaching and research to maintain the university's competitive edge. Through clear communication and decisive action, Krug drives the implementation of long-term goals that enhance the university's reputation. The President maintains a commitment to accessibility and public service, ensuring that the institution continues to provide high-quality education to a diverse student body while contributing to the economic and social development of the region.

    Annika Scharosch - Compliance Chief of Staff

    Annika Scharosch, the Compliance Chief of Staff at Eastern Washington University, architects the regulatory framework governing institutional policies and legal adherence. Scharosch monitors federal and state mandates to ensure the university operates within strict legal boundaries. By coordinating with various administrative departments, the Compliance Chief of Staff mitigates institutional risk and promotes ethical standards across all campuses. Annika Scharosch manages complex reporting requirements and internal audits to maintain accreditation and public trust. This leadership role involves translating intricate legal requirements into actionable operational guidelines for faculty and staff. Through proactive policy development, Scharosch safeguards the university against potential liabilities while fostering an environment of accountability. The Compliance Chief of Staff drives initiatives that align institutional conduct with the core values of the university, ensuring that all regional programs meet the highest standards of integrity and operational excellence.

    Campitelli Denise - Executive Associate To Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Campitelli Denise, the Executive Associate To Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Eastern Washington University, coordinates administrative workflows and strategic communications for the information technology division. Denise manages the daily operations of the office, ensuring that the Chief Information Officer remains focused on high-level digital transformation initiatives. By facilitating collaboration between IT leadership and academic departments, the Executive Associate To Vice President and Chief Information Officer streamlines project delivery and resource management. Campitelli Denise oversees the scheduling of critical technology upgrades and infrastructure deployments across all university locations. This leadership role involves managing sensitive data protocols and supporting the implementation of campus-wide digital tools. Through efficient administrative oversight, Denise enables the IT division to provide robust support for student learning and faculty research. The Executive Associate To Vice President and Chief Information Officer maintains organizational alignment, ensuring that technology investments directly enhance the overall educational experience.

    Charles Peyton - Assistant VP, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Charles Peyton, the Assistant VP, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Eastern Washington University, drives the digital strategy and technological infrastructure for the entire institution. Peyton oversees the deployment of secure network systems and cloud-based learning platforms that support students across multiple regional sites. By architecting scalable IT solutions, the Assistant VP, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures that the university remains at the forefront of educational technology. Charles Peyton manages the cybersecurity posture of the institution, protecting sensitive research and student data from emerging threats. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic leaders to integrate digital tools into the curriculum. Through strategic investment in hardware and software, Peyton optimizes operational efficiency and enhances the digital experience for the entire campus community. The Assistant VP, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer secures the technological foundation required for the university to deliver high-quality education in a modern, interconnected world.

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

    Who leads Eastern Washington University?
    Eastern Washington University is led by Toni Habegger (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Alexis Kelly (Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Financial Officer) and Sarah Karnes (Secretary & President, S Office).
    Who is part of Eastern Washington University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Eastern Washington University includes leaders such as Toni Habegger (Chief Financial Officer), Alexis Kelly (Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Financial Officer), Sarah Karnes (Secretary & President, S Office) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Eastern Washington University have?
    Eastern Washington University has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Eastern Washington University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Eastern Washington University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Financial Officer, Secretary & President, S Office, President, Compliance Chief of Staff.