Gallaudet University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gallaudet University has 6 executives leading key functions including administration, financial oversight, diversity initiatives, institutional leadership, and academic fellowship.

Committed to advancing deaf education, Gallaudet University fosters an inclusive environment where American Sign Language and deaf culture drive academic excellence and professional development for students globally.

Leadership Roles at Gallaudet University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Bradford Hermes
  • Deputy To the President and Associate Provost for Diversity - Angela McCaskill
  • President - Patricia Beech
  • President - Roberta Cordano
  • President's Fellow - Julie Bourne
  • Chief of Staff - Heather Harker
  • Bradford Hermes - Chief Financial Officer

    Bradford Hermes, the Chief Financial Officer at Gallaudet University, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the institution. Hermes oversees the budgeting process, ensuring that financial assets support the specialized academic programs and campus infrastructure required for deaf learners. By analyzing revenue streams and expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer secures the long-term sustainability of the university. Bradford Hermes collaborates with the Board and other executive leaders to align financial planning with the strategic vision of the institution. This leadership role involves managing endowment funds, grants, and operational budgets to maximize the impact of educational services. Through prudent fiscal management, Hermes supports the expansion of research opportunities and the maintenance of high-quality facilities. The Chief Financial Officer drives financial transparency and accountability, ensuring that resources directly benefit the student population and the broader deaf community while maintaining the institution's competitive standing in higher education.
    Bradford Hermes

    Angela McCaskill - Deputy To the President and Associate Provost for Diversity

    Angela McCaskill, the Deputy To the President and Associate Provost for Diversity at Gallaudet University, architects inclusive policies that define the campus culture. McCaskill leads initiatives focused on equity and representation, ensuring that American Sign Language and deaf culture remain central to the academic experience. The Deputy To the President and Associate Provost for Diversity collaborates with faculty and student organizations to foster an environment where diverse perspectives thrive. Angela McCaskill monitors the implementation of diversity programs across all departments, measuring the impact on student engagement and civic participation. By integrating inclusive practices into the curriculum and professional development, the Associate Provost for Diversity strengthens the university's commitment to social justice. This leadership role involves addressing systemic barriers and promoting a supportive atmosphere for all members of the community. McCaskill drives the institutional strategy for diversity, ensuring that the university remains a vibrant intellectual hub for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

    Patricia Beech - President

    Patricia Beech, the President at Gallaudet University, focuses on external relations and the expansion of global partnerships to enhance the university's academic reach. Beech cultivates relationships with international educational institutions and research organizations to broaden the scope of programs available to deaf students. The President directs the development of external funding sources and philanthropic efforts that support the university's long-term growth. Patricia Beech represents the institution in national and international forums, advocating for the importance of specialized higher education for the deaf. By building a robust network of professional partners, the President creates new opportunities for student internships and career advancement. This leadership role involves setting the overarching strategic direction for the university's global presence and influence. Through active engagement with stakeholders, Beech ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of innovation in deaf education, consistently elevating the profile of the university within the global academic landscape.

    Roberta Cordano - President

    Roberta Cordano, the President at Gallaudet University, oversees the internal academic vision and the overall operational success of the institution. Cordano drives the development of undergraduate and graduate degree programs that integrate liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields with deaf education methodologies. The President manages the alignment of campus infrastructure with the evolving needs of the student population, ensuring that learning environments are optimized for American Sign Language instruction. Roberta Cordano leads the executive team in executing the university's core mission of fostering leadership and civic participation among deaf students. By prioritizing academic excellence and student support services, the President maintains the institution's reputation as a premier center for deaf higher education. This leadership role involves direct oversight of faculty development and the enhancement of campus life. Through strategic planning and consistent focus on student outcomes, Cordano ensures that the university continues to empower the next generation of deaf leaders.

    Julie Bourne - President's Fellow

    Julie Bourne, the President's Fellow at Gallaudet University, conducts specialized research and analysis to support executive decision-making. Bourne investigates emerging trends in higher education and deaf studies, providing data-driven insights that inform the university's strategic initiatives. The President's Fellow collaborates with various departments to evaluate the effectiveness of current academic programs and support services. By identifying opportunities for innovation, Julie Bourne assists the leadership team in refining the university's approach to student development and campus engagement. This role involves managing cross-functional projects that require deep understanding of both academic and administrative operations. Through rigorous inquiry and assessment, the President's Fellow contributes to the continuous improvement of the institution's educational offerings. Bourne supports the executive office by synthesizing complex information into actionable recommendations, ensuring that the university remains responsive to the changing needs of the deaf community and the broader academic environment.

    Heather Harker - Chief of Staff

    Heather Harker, the Chief of Staff at Gallaudet University, manages executive operations and coordinates strategic initiatives across the institution. Harker directs the flow of information between the President and various academic departments to ensure alignment with the university mission. By facilitating communication among senior leadership, the Chief of Staff optimizes decision-making processes regarding campus infrastructure and student support services. Heather Harker monitors the execution of long-term institutional goals, ensuring that administrative functions remain responsive to the unique needs of deaf and hard of hearing students. This role involves managing high-level projects that impact the entire university community, from academic policy updates to campus-wide cultural events. Through rigorous oversight of internal workflows, the Chief of Staff maintains the operational integrity of the institution. Harker provides essential support to the executive team, enabling the university to sustain its position as a leader in specialized higher education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gallaudet University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Gallaudet University?
    Gallaudet University is led by Bradford Hermes (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Angela McCaskill (Deputy To the President and Associate Provost for Diversity) and Patricia Beech (President).
    Who is part of Gallaudet University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Gallaudet University includes leaders such as Bradford Hermes (Chief Financial Officer), Angela McCaskill (Deputy To the President and Associate Provost for Diversity), Patricia Beech (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Gallaudet University have?
    Gallaudet University has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Gallaudet University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Gallaudet University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Deputy To the President and Associate Provost for Diversity, President, President, President's Fellow.