Gallaudet University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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

Leadership Roles at Gallaudet University

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

    Bradford Hermes, the Chief Financial Officer at Gallaudet University, architects the fiscal strategy and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Hermes manages the university budget, endowment, and capital investments to ensure the continued delivery of specialized academic programs and campus infrastructure tailored for deaf learners. By analyzing financial trends and market conditions, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource distribution across liberal arts, sciences, and professional degree programs. Bradford Hermes collaborates with the Board to maintain fiscal transparency while securing funding for research partnerships that expand the university's academic reach. This leadership role involves mitigating financial risks and identifying growth opportunities that support the unique communication needs of the student population. Through disciplined oversight of institutional assets, Hermes drives the financial health required to sustain the vibrant intellectual and cultural community that defines the campus experience for students and faculty alike.
    Bradford Hermes

    Julie Bourne - President's Fellow

    Julie Bourne, the President's Fellow at Gallaudet University, executes specialized research and policy projects that advance the strategic vision of the institution. Bourne analyzes current trends in deaf education and higher learning to provide actionable insights for the executive leadership team. By bridging the gap between academic theory and administrative practice, the President's Fellow supports the development of new initiatives that enhance the student experience and campus culture. Julie Bourne collaborates with faculty members to integrate innovative methodologies into the curriculum, ensuring that classroom delivery remains optimized for deaf and hard of hearing learners. This role involves representing the university in external partnerships and professional networks to bolster the institution's reputation as a leader in the field. Through focused inquiry and project management, Bourne contributes to the ongoing evolution of the university's academic offerings and its commitment to fostering leadership skills among the student body.

    Patricia Beech - President

    Patricia Beech, the President at Gallaudet University, directs the overarching mission and strategic trajectory of the institution as a premier center for deaf education. Beech oversees the academic, cultural, and administrative functions that define the university's unique role in higher education. By championing the integration of American Sign Language and deaf culture into all aspects of campus life, the President ensures that the institution remains a vibrant intellectual hub for students. Patricia Beech engages with external stakeholders, government entities, and educational partners to expand research opportunities and enhance the university's global impact. This leadership role involves setting the tone for institutional excellence and fostering an environment where students develop professional networks and civic participation skills. Through visionary guidance and commitment to the core mission, Beech drives the university toward sustained growth and continued relevance in the evolving landscape of higher education for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

    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 policies that promote an inclusive and equitable environment for all students and faculty. McCaskill leads initiatives that celebrate deaf culture while ensuring that diversity remains a central component of the university's academic and social infrastructure. By overseeing programs that support student organizations and peer mentorship, the Deputy To the President and Associate Provost for Diversity fosters a campus climate where every individual can thrive. Angela McCaskill collaborates with academic departments to ensure that curriculum delivery respects the unique communication needs of the student population. This leadership role involves addressing systemic challenges and implementing strategies that enhance civic participation and personal development across the university. Through dedicated advocacy and policy development, McCaskill strengthens the institution's commitment to creating a diverse, accessible, and supportive community for the entire deaf and hard of hearing population.

    Roberta Cordano - President

    Roberta Cordano, the President at Gallaudet University, leads the strategic development and operational execution of the university's mission to provide comprehensive higher education for deaf and hard of hearing students. Cordano manages the complex balance of academic rigor, campus infrastructure, and cultural advocacy that defines the institution. By driving partnerships with other educational organizations, the President expands the research capabilities and professional opportunities available to the student body. Roberta Cordano oversees the implementation of specialized academic programs that combine liberal arts and professional fields with deep expertise in deaf education methodologies. This leadership role involves constant interaction with the Board and faculty to ensure that the university remains at the forefront of innovation in the field. Through a focus on student success and institutional growth, Cordano secures the university's position as a vital intellectual and cultural community that empowers deaf learners to achieve their full potential.

    Heather Harker - Chief of Staff

    Heather Harker, the Chief of Staff at Gallaudet University, manages the daily operations of the executive office while coordinating strategic initiatives across all academic departments. Harker directs the flow of information between the president and the broader university leadership to ensure alignment with the institutional mission of providing specialized higher education for deaf and hard of hearing students. By overseeing cross-functional projects, the Chief of Staff facilitates efficient communication and resource allocation throughout the campus infrastructure. Heather Harker maintains rigorous standards for administrative excellence, supporting the development of programs that integrate American Sign Language into every facet of university life. This role requires constant collaboration with the Board and senior faculty to advance the long-term goals of the institution. Through meticulous planning and execution, Harker secures the operational stability necessary for the university to thrive as a premier center for deaf education and research.

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