Gaston College Executive and Leadership Team

Anissa Starnes, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Gaston College, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional mission. Overseeing all academic and administrative operations, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the educational needs of Gaston and Lincoln Counties. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders to secure long-term institutional growth. By prioritizing student success and community engagement, Anissa Starnes drives the development of high-quality programs that define the college's market position. The President & Chief Executive Officer also manages the implementation of state-mandated educational standards across North Carolina. Through rigorous oversight of campus resources and faculty development, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the high standards expected of a comprehensive community college. Ultimately, Starnes secures the future of the institution by fostering an environment of academic excellence and operational efficiency.

Michael Whiteman, the Chief Financial Officer at Gaston College, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire institution. Overseeing the allocation of state and local funding, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the responsible distribution of resources to support academic programs and campus infrastructure. This leadership role involves rigorous financial reporting and compliance with North Carolina state regulations to maintain institutional transparency. By optimizing operational expenditures, Michael Whiteman directly impacts the college's ability to provide affordable, high-quality education to the citizens of Gaston and Lincoln Counties. The Chief Financial Officer also coordinates with the Board of Trustees to develop long-term financial strategies that support growth and sustainability. Through the careful monitoring of revenue streams and capital investments, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability of the college. Ultimately, Whiteman provides the fiscal foundation required for the institution to fulfill its comprehensive community mission.

John Hauser, the President at Gaston College, focuses on the expansion of workforce development initiatives and vocational training programs. Overseeing partnerships with local industries, the President ensures that the curriculum remains responsive to the economic demands of the North Carolina region. This leadership role involves aligning academic outcomes with the specific skill requirements of the local labor market to improve student employability. By fostering collaboration between faculty and industry leaders, John Hauser directly impacts the college's role as a primary engine for regional economic growth. The President also manages the implementation of specialized certification programs that serve the unique needs of Gaston and Lincoln Counties. Through the continuous evaluation of program effectiveness, the President maintains the relevance of the college's educational offerings. Ultimately, Hauser drives the institution's commitment to providing practical, career-oriented education that empowers the local workforce and supports the broader community mission.

Patricia Skinner, the President at Gaston College, oversees the development of student support services and campus life initiatives. Focusing on student retention and academic success, the President directs the implementation of counseling, tutoring, and extracurricular programs that enhance the overall student experience. This leadership role involves creating an inclusive campus environment that supports the diverse needs of the student body across Gaston and Lincoln Counties. By prioritizing student-centered policies, Patricia Skinner directly impacts the graduation rates and long-term success of the college's learners. The President also manages the integration of student feedback into institutional planning to ensure that services remain effective and accessible. Through the oversight of student affairs, the President maintains the college's reputation as a supportive and comprehensive educational institution. Ultimately, Skinner fosters a culture of academic achievement and personal growth that aligns with the core mission of providing high-quality education to the local community.

Savonne McNeill, the Chief Information Officer at Gaston College, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all academic and administrative functions. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across the North Carolina campus network. This leadership role involves protecting sensitive institutional data through robust cybersecurity protocols and modernizing hardware assets to support evolving educational technologies. By optimizing digital workflows, Savonne McNeill directly impacts the efficiency of the college's service delivery. The Chief Information Officer also collaborates with academic leadership to implement innovative software solutions that enhance the classroom experience. Through the management of enterprise-wide IT initiatives, the Chief Information Officer supports the broader mission of providing accessible education. Ultimately, McNeill maintains the technological backbone necessary for the college to serve the diverse needs of the local community effectively.

Todd Hagens, the Chief Communications Officer at Gaston College, directs all internal and external messaging to promote the institution's educational mission. Overseeing public relations and community outreach, the Chief Communications Officer ensures consistent brand alignment across all regional platforms in North Carolina. This leadership role involves managing media relations and digital content strategies to increase awareness of the college's diverse academic offerings. By crafting compelling narratives about student success and faculty achievements, Todd Hagens directly impacts the college's enrollment and community standing. The Chief Communications Officer also collaborates with executive leadership to communicate institutional goals and policy changes to the public. Through the development of comprehensive communication plans, the Chief Communications Officer strengthens the connection between the college and the residents of Gaston and Lincoln Counties. Ultimately, Hagens maintains the public reputation and visibility necessary for the institution to thrive as a community-focused educational leader.