Gallaudet University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gallaudet University has 6 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, and academic leadership.

Dedicated to empowering deaf and hard of hearing students, Gallaudet University provides specialized higher education, fostering deaf culture and ASL as central to its academic and social environment, driving innovation in deaf education methodologies and creating a vibrant community for personal and professional growth.

Leadership Roles at Gallaudet University

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

    Bradford Hermes, the Chief Financial Officer at Gallaudet University, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, Hermes ensures the university's financial health and sustainability. This leadership role involves managing investments, optimizing expenditures, and maintaining compliance with all financial regulations. By analyzing financial data, Bradford Hermes provides critical insights to support institutional decision-making and long-term strategic objectives. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to safeguarding university assets and driving fiscal responsibility across all departments, directly impacting Gallaudet's capacity to deliver its specialized educational mission to deaf and hard of hearing students. Hermes's financial acumen supports the university's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a robust learning environment.
    Bradford Hermes

    Patricia Beech - President

    Patricia Beech, the President at Gallaudet University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the institution. Guiding the university's vision and mission, Beech champions the unique educational needs of deaf and hard of hearing students. This pivotal role involves fostering academic innovation, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring the university's continued prominence in deaf education. By setting institutional priorities and overseeing major initiatives, Patricia Beech drives Gallaudet's commitment to excellence in higher education. The President's responsibilities include advocating for the university, cultivating donor relations, and ensuring a supportive and inclusive campus environment. Beech's leadership solidifies Gallaudet University's position as a global leader in providing comprehensive academic and cultural experiences tailored to deaf learners.

    Julie Bourne - President's Fellow

    Julie Bourne, the President's Fellow at Gallaudet University, supports the President's strategic objectives and special projects. Contributing to the advancement of the university's mission, Bourne engages in critical initiatives that enhance academic offerings and student support services. This fellowship role involves research, analysis, and the development of proposals aimed at strengthening Gallaudet's position in deaf education. By collaborating with various departments, Julie Bourne facilitates key projects that align with the university's commitment to deaf culture and American Sign Language. The President's Fellow's work directly impacts the university's ability to innovate and adapt its programs to meet the evolving needs of deaf and hard of hearing students. Bourne's contributions are vital to Gallaudet University's ongoing pursuit of educational excellence and leadership in the field.

    Roberta Cordano - President

    Roberta Cordano, the President at Gallaudet University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the institution. Guiding the university's vision and mission, Cordano champions the unique educational needs of deaf and hard of hearing students. This pivotal role involves fostering academic innovation, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring the university's continued prominence in deaf education. By setting institutional priorities and overseeing major initiatives, Roberta Cordano drives Gallaudet's commitment to excellence in higher education. The President's responsibilities include advocating for the university, cultivating donor relations, and ensuring a supportive and inclusive campus environment. Cordano's leadership solidifies Gallaudet University's position as a global leader in providing comprehensive academic and cultural experiences tailored to deaf learners.

    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, spearheads initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Working closely with the President, McCaskill ensures that Gallaudet's commitment to deaf culture and ASL is integrated across all university operations and academic programs. This dual role involves developing strategies to foster a more inclusive campus environment and enhancing the university's diversity outreach efforts. By championing equitable practices, Angela McCaskill supports the holistic development of deaf and hard of hearing students. The Deputy To the President and Associate Provost for Diversity's responsibilities include advising on policies that promote belonging and advancing Gallaudet University's reputation as a leader in accessible higher education. McCaskill's dedication strengthens the university's foundation of inclusivity and academic excellence.

    Heather Harker - Chief of Staff

    Heather Harker, the Chief of Staff at Gallaudet University, manages strategic initiatives and operational efficiency. Coordinating key projects and ensuring alignment across university departments, Harker facilitates the smooth execution of presidential directives. This role involves overseeing internal communications, supporting board relations, and driving cross-functional collaboration to advance the university's mission. By streamlining processes and optimizing resource deployment, Heather Harker enhances the effectiveness of Gallaudet's specialized educational programs for deaf and hard of hearing students. The Chief of Staff's influence extends to fostering a productive campus environment and ensuring that administrative functions directly support academic excellence and student success. Harker's strategic oversight ensures that Gallaudet University operates cohesively, maximizing its impact in deaf education and culture.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    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 Patricia Beech (President) 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), Patricia Beech (President), Julie Bourne (President's Fellow) 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, President, President's Fellow, President, Deputy To the President and Associate Provost for Diversity.