Gaston College Executive and Leadership Team

Anissa Starnes, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Gaston College, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the institution. This leadership role involves guiding all academic and administrative departments to ensure the delivery of high-quality educational programs and services. Starnes oversees the college's financial health, resource allocation, and long-term planning, aligning institutional goals with the needs of Gaston and Lincoln Counties. The President & Chief Executive Officer champions the college's mission of providing an open-door, comprehensive community college experience. By fostering strong relationships with community stakeholders, industry partners, and governmental bodies, Anissa Starnes drives institutional growth and enhances the college's impact on regional economic development and workforce readiness. This executive ensures the college remains a vital resource for educational advancement and community enrichment.

Michael Whiteman, the Chief Financial Officer at Gaston College, directs all financial operations and fiscal management for the institution. This executive oversees budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, and resource allocation, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Whiteman manages the college's financial health, including revenue generation, expenditure control, and investment strategies, to support the delivery of educational programs and services. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in developing long-term financial plans and securing funding to advance the college's mission within Gaston and Lincoln Counties. By ensuring sound financial practices, Michael Whiteman supports the college's commitment to providing an open-door, comprehensive community college experience. This leadership position involves strategic financial planning, risk management, and compliance with all relevant financial regulations.

John Hauser, the President at Gaston College, provides dedicated leadership focused on advancing the institution's educational mission and community service. This executive guides strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing academic offerings and student success, ensuring the college remains a vital resource for Gaston and Lincoln Counties. Hauser oversees key operational areas, fostering an environment conducive to learning and professional development. The President works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners to uphold the college's commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education. By championing the college's values, John Hauser drives forward its role as a comprehensive community college. This leadership position involves strategic oversight and the promotion of institutional excellence.

Patricia Skinner, the President at Gaston College, directs strategic efforts to fulfill the institution's mission of serving the citizens of Gaston and Lincoln Counties. This executive focuses on enhancing educational programs and services, ensuring the college provides a comprehensive and accessible learning environment. Skinner oversees the implementation of initiatives designed to support student achievement and community engagement. The President works to strengthen the college's position as a key provider of workforce development and lifelong learning opportunities. By leading with a commitment to excellence, Patricia Skinner champions the college's role in regional progress. This leadership involves fostering collaboration and driving institutional growth.

Bill Gibbons, the President at Gaston College, leads the institution with a focus on its core mission of providing high-quality educational programs and services. This executive guides strategic planning and operational oversight to meet the needs of Gaston and Lincoln Counties. Gibbons ensures the college maintains its open-door policy, offering comprehensive learning opportunities to all citizens. The President fosters a culture of academic excellence and community engagement, promoting the college's vital role in regional development. By directing institutional efforts, Bill Gibbons supports the advancement of workforce readiness and personal growth for students. This leadership position is central to upholding the college's commitment to accessible and impactful education.

Savonne McNeill, the Chief Information Officer at Gaston College, architects and manages the institution's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. This critical role ensures the seamless integration of information systems to support academic delivery, administrative functions, and student services. McNeill oversees the development and implementation of robust IT policies, cybersecurity measures, and data management protocols, safeguarding institutional assets and sensitive information. The Chief Information Officer drives innovation in educational technology, exploring new platforms and tools to enhance learning experiences and operational efficiency. By leading the IT department, Savonne McNeill ensures that technology serves as a catalyst for achieving the college's mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. This executive's focus extends to optimizing network performance, supporting digital learning environments, and providing essential technical support across all college operations.

Todd Hagens, the Chief Communications Officer at Gaston College, leads the strategic development and execution of all internal and external communication initiatives. This role involves shaping the college's public image, managing media relations, and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. Hagens oversees the creation and dissemination of content that highlights the college's achievements, programs, and community impact. The Chief Communications Officer works to enhance stakeholder engagement, foster positive relationships with the public, and support the college's mission of service to Gaston and Lincoln Counties. By directing communication strategies, Todd Hagens ensures that the college's story is effectively told, promoting its value as a comprehensive community college. This executive's responsibilities include managing brand identity, overseeing digital communications, and advising leadership on communication matters.