Gallaudet University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gallaudet University has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, administrative operations, diversity initiatives, academic fellowship, and institutional leadership.

Committed to advancing deaf education, Gallaudet University fosters an inclusive environment where American Sign Language and academic excellence empower students to achieve professional success and global leadership.

Leadership Roles at Gallaudet University

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

    Bradford Hermes, the Chief Financial Officer at Gallaudet University, directs all fiscal operations and long-term economic planning for the institution. Managing the university's complex budget, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources align with the specialized academic and infrastructure needs of deaf and hard of hearing students. This leadership role involves overseeing capital investments, endowment management, and financial reporting to maintain the university's operational stability. By optimizing resource allocation across various departments, Bradford Hermes directly impacts the quality of campus services and research initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to secure the financial future of the university while supporting the expansion of academic programs. Through rigorous oversight of institutional assets, Hermes secures the necessary funding to sustain the unique cultural and educational mission of the university, ensuring that every dollar supports the growth and development of the student population.
    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 and drives equity initiatives across the campus. Overseeing the integration of diversity into academic and student life, the Deputy To the President and Associate Provost for Diversity ensures that the university remains a welcoming environment for all members of the deaf and hard of hearing community. This leadership role involves developing programs that promote cultural competency, supporting faculty recruitment efforts, and advising the President on matters of social justice and institutional climate. By championing inclusive practices, Angela McCaskill directly impacts the university's ability to foster a diverse intellectual community. The Deputy To the President and Associate Provost for Diversity collaborates with student organizations and academic departments to ensure that equity remains a central component of the university's mission, ultimately strengthening the institution's commitment to accessibility and representation.

    Julie Bourne - President's Fellow

    Julie Bourne, the President's Fellow at Gallaudet University, executes specialized research and supports strategic projects that advance the university's academic goals. Overseeing targeted initiatives, the President's Fellow analyzes institutional data to identify opportunities for growth in liberal arts and professional degree programs. This role involves working closely with the President to implement innovative educational methodologies that cater to the unique learning needs of deaf students. By conducting in-depth assessments of current academic offerings, Julie Bourne provides the insights necessary to enhance curriculum delivery and student support services. The President's Fellow contributes to the development of long-term strategies that expand the university's research footprint and academic reputation. Through active engagement with faculty and administrative leaders, Bourne ensures that the university remains at the forefront of deaf education, consistently refining the academic experience to meet the evolving needs of the student body.

    Roberta Cordano - President

    Roberta Cordano, the President at Gallaudet University, directs the overall vision and strategic trajectory of the institution. Overseeing the university's mission to provide comprehensive higher education for deaf and hard of hearing students, the President ensures that academic programs, campus infrastructure, and support services remain world-class. This leadership role involves engaging with external partners, managing the Board of Trustees, and representing the university on a national stage to advocate for deaf education. By setting the tone for institutional culture, Roberta Cordano fosters an environment where American Sign Language and deaf culture thrive. The President drives initiatives that expand research opportunities and enhance the professional development of students, ensuring that the university remains a vibrant intellectual hub. Through decisive leadership and a commitment to excellence, Cordano secures the university's position as a global leader in higher education for the deaf community.

    Heather Harker - Chief of Staff

    Heather Harker, the Chief of Staff at Gallaudet University, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across the university's leadership team. Overseeing the daily administrative flow, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive consistent attention from all departments. This role involves managing high-level projects, preparing briefings for the President, and streamlining decision-making processes to enhance institutional efficiency. By fostering collaboration between academic units and administrative offices, Heather Harker maintains alignment with the university's core mission of providing specialized education for deaf learners. The Chief of Staff acts as a primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that organizational goals remain clear and actionable. Through meticulous management of executive workflows, Harker supports the university's ability to respond to evolving educational demands, ultimately strengthening the operational framework that allows the institution to serve the deaf community effectively.

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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 Julie Bourne (President's Fellow).
    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), Julie Bourne (President's Fellow) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Gallaudet University have?
    Gallaudet University has 5 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's Fellow, President, Chief of Staff.