Gaston College Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gaston College has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, information technology, communications, and academic leadership.

Dedicated to serving the people of Gaston and Lincoln Counties, Gaston College provides high-quality educational programs and services, fostering community growth and development through accessible learning opportunities.

Leadership Roles at Gaston College

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Anissa Starnes
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Whiteman
  • President - Patricia Skinner
  • President - John Hauser
  • Chief Information Officer - Savonne McNeill
  • Chief Communications Officer - Todd Hagens
  • Anissa Starnes - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Anissa Starnes, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Gaston College, directs the institution's overall strategic vision and operational execution. This leadership role involves setting the direction for educational programs and services, ensuring alignment with the mission to serve Gaston and Lincoln Counties. Starnes oversees the integration of academic and administrative functions, driving initiatives that enhance student success and community engagement. The President & Chief Executive Officer champions the college's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education, fostering partnerships that expand opportunities for citizens. By guiding resource allocation and strategic planning, Anissa Starnes ensures Gaston College remains a vital educational hub for North Carolina.

    Michael Whiteman - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Whiteman, the Chief Financial Officer at Gaston College, manages the institution's fiscal health and financial strategy. This executive oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Whiteman develops financial plans that support the college's mission of providing high-quality educational programs and services to Gaston and Lincoln Counties. The Chief Financial Officer plays a critical part in resource management, optimizing expenditures to maximize educational impact and operational efficiency. By maintaining strong financial controls and seeking funding opportunities, Michael Whiteman safeguards the college's assets and supports its long-term growth objectives.
    Michael Whiteman

    Patricia Skinner - President

    Patricia Skinner, the President at Gaston College, provides dedicated leadership focused on academic excellence and institutional advancement. This executive guides the strategic direction of educational programs, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of students and the workforce in Gaston and Lincoln Counties. Skinner oversees faculty development and academic initiatives, fostering an environment conducive to high-quality teaching and learning. The President champions the college's commitment to accessibility and community service, driving initiatives that enhance student success and institutional impact. By collaborating with stakeholders and leading key academic endeavors, Patricia Skinner reinforces Gaston College's role as a premier provider of educational services.
    Patricia Skinner

    John Hauser - President

    John Hauser, the President at Gaston College, spearheads strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the college's educational offerings and community impact. This leadership position involves overseeing key operational areas and driving forward the institution's mission to serve Gaston and Lincoln Counties with high-quality educational programs. Hauser focuses on fostering innovation within academic departments and ensuring the efficient delivery of services to students. The President plays a crucial role in institutional development, cultivating partnerships that expand access to learning and professional development opportunities. By guiding strategic planning and operational improvements, John Hauser strengthens Gaston College's commitment to educational excellence and community support.

    Savonne McNeill - Chief Information Officer

    Savonne McNeill, the Chief Information Officer at Gaston College, leads the strategic development and implementation of information technology across the institution. This role involves overseeing all aspects of the college's IT infrastructure, ensuring robust and secure systems that support educational delivery and administrative functions. McNeill drives technological innovation, enhancing the digital learning environment and operational efficiency to better serve students and staff in Gaston and Lincoln Counties. The Chief Information Officer manages IT resources, cybersecurity measures, and data management strategies, aligning technology initiatives with the college's overarching mission. By championing digital transformation, Savonne McNeill ensures Gaston College leverages technology effectively to provide high-quality educational programs.

    Todd Hagens - Chief Communications Officer

    Todd Hagens, the Chief Communications Officer at Gaston College, directs the institution's comprehensive communication strategies and public relations efforts. This executive is responsible for shaping and disseminating the college's message, enhancing its brand reputation, and fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Hagens oversees all marketing, media relations, and internal communications, ensuring consistent and effective outreach to the communities of Gaston and Lincoln Counties. The Chief Communications Officer plays a vital role in articulating the college's mission and achievements, promoting its high-quality educational programs and services. By managing communication channels and crisis response, Todd Hagens supports the college's strategic objectives and community engagement.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gaston College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Gaston College?
    Gaston College is led by Anissa Starnes (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michael Whiteman (Chief Financial Officer) and Patricia Skinner (President).
    Who is part of Gaston College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Gaston College includes leaders such as Anissa Starnes (President & Chief Executive Officer), Michael Whiteman (Chief Financial Officer), Patricia Skinner (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Gaston College have?
    Gaston College has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Gaston College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Gaston College includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President, Chief Information Officer.