Maricopa Community Colleges Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Maricopa Community Colleges has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, human resources, and information technology.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Maricopa Community Colleges offers thousands of degrees, certificates, and workforce skills training programs. The institution's leadership philosophy centers on student success and community impact, serving over 100,000 students annually across its 10 colleges.

Leadership Roles at Maricopa Community Colleges

  • President and Chief Executive Officer - Julie Dunnigan
  • Chief Financial Officer - Gary Yaquinto
  • Chief Operating Officer - Lee Bohn
  • Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Judy Sanchez
  • Chief of Staff - Darcy Renfro
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Georgetta Kelly
  • Associate Chief Human Resources Officer - Melissa McMullen
  • Interim For IT Vice Chancellor & Chief Information Officer - Gordon Wishon
  • Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Chief Information Officer for Academic Technology Services - Michele Agostinelli
  • Chief of Staff & Associate & Vice Chancellor & Office of The Chancellor - Cathleen Hernandez
  • Julie Dunnigan - President and Chief Executive Officer

    Julie Dunnigan, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Maricopa Community Colleges, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the entire educational system. Dunnigan's leadership guides the institution's mission to provide accessible, high-quality education across 10 colleges in Maricopa County. Overseeing all academic and administrative functions, the President and Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the strategic goals of serving over 100,000 students annually. This role involves fostering innovation in curriculum development and expanding workforce skills training programs to meet evolving industry demands. By championing student success initiatives, Julie Dunnigan drives the institution's commitment to empowering individuals through education and contributing to the economic vitality of the region. The executive's focus remains on enhancing the educational experience and expanding access to opportunities for all learners.
    Julie Dunnigan

    Gary Yaquinto - Chief Financial Officer

    Gary Yaquinto, the Chief Financial Officer at Maricopa Community Colleges, directs all financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal management for the multi-college system. Yaquinto oversees the allocation of resources to support educational programs, operational needs, and strategic investments across 10 campuses. The Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial health and sustainability of the institution, managing revenue streams, expenditures, and financial reporting. This critical role involves developing financial strategies that support the organization's growth and its commitment to serving over 100,000 students annually. By maintaining rigorous financial controls and transparency, Gary Yaquinto safeguards institutional assets and ensures compliance with all financial regulations. The executive's expertise is vital for enabling the continued delivery of affordable and accessible educational opportunities.

    Lee Bohn - Chief Operating Officer

    Lee Bohn, the Chief Operating Officer at Maricopa Community Colleges, manages the day-to-day operational efficiency across the system's 10 campuses. Bohn oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives, ensuring seamless delivery of educational services and administrative support. The Chief Operating Officer directs campus operations, facilities management, and resource allocation to optimize student learning environments. This leadership position involves coordinating inter-departmental efforts to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness. By focusing on process improvement and resource optimization, Lee Bohn supports the institution's mission of providing accessible education. The executive's responsibilities extend to ensuring that all operational aspects of the colleges function cohesively to support the academic mission and student success across Maricopa County.

    Judy Sanchez - Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Judy Sanchez, the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Maricopa Community Colleges, oversees critical operational functions that support the delivery of educational services across the system. Sanchez manages key administrative departments and ensures the efficient execution of strategic plans at the 10 colleges. The Vice President and Chief Operating Officer plays a vital role in optimizing resource utilization and enhancing operational workflows to support over 100,000 students annually. This leadership position involves driving operational excellence and ensuring that all campuses function effectively to meet student needs. By focusing on operational efficiency and strategic implementation, Judy Sanchez contributes significantly to the institution's mission of providing accessible and high-quality education. The executive's leadership ensures the smooth functioning of the college system.
    Judy Sanchez

    Darcy Renfro - Chief of Staff

    Darcy Renfro, the Chief of Staff at Maricopa Community Colleges, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the executive leadership team. Renfro facilitates the execution of key initiatives and ensures effective communication across the system's 10 colleges. The Chief of Staff manages special projects, advises on policy development, and streamlines administrative processes to enhance organizational efficiency. This role involves acting as a key liaison between various departments and leadership levels, ensuring strategic alignment and timely project completion. By coordinating efforts and driving strategic priorities, Darcy Renfro supports the institution's mission of delivering accessible education and workforce training. The executive's contributions are essential for maintaining operational momentum and achieving institutional objectives.

    Georgetta Kelly - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Georgetta Kelly, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Maricopa Community Colleges, leads all aspects of human capital management for the extensive educational network. Kelly oversees talent acquisition, employee development, compensation, benefits, and labor relations across the 10 colleges. The Chief Human Resources Officer cultivates a positive and productive work environment, ensuring that the institution attracts and retains highly qualified faculty and staff. This leadership position is crucial for supporting the organization's commitment to serving over 100,000 students annually by empowering its workforce. By implementing effective HR strategies, Georgetta Kelly drives employee engagement and organizational effectiveness. The executive's focus is on building a robust human resources infrastructure that supports the institution's educational mission and strategic goals.

    Melissa McMullen - Associate Chief Human Resources Officer

    Melissa McMullen, the Associate Chief Human Resources Officer at Maricopa Community Colleges, supports the strategic direction and operational execution of human resources functions across the system. McMullen assists in developing and implementing policies and programs that enhance employee experience and organizational effectiveness. The Associate Chief Human Resources Officer plays a key part in talent management initiatives, including recruitment, onboarding, and professional development for faculty and staff at the 10 colleges. This role involves collaborating with various departments to ensure HR strategies align with institutional goals and support the delivery of quality education. By contributing to HR operations, Melissa McMullen helps foster a supportive work environment essential for serving over 100,000 students annually. The executive's efforts are integral to maintaining a skilled and engaged workforce.

    Gordon Wishon - Interim For IT Vice Chancellor & Chief Information Officer

    Gordon Wishon, the Interim For IT Vice Chancellor & Chief Information Officer at Maricopa Community Colleges, directs the strategic vision and operational management of the institution's information technology infrastructure. Wishon oversees the development and implementation of technology solutions that support academic delivery, administrative functions, and student services across the 10 colleges. The Interim For IT Vice Chancellor & Chief Information Officer ensures the security, reliability, and scalability of IT systems, enabling over 100,000 students annually to access educational resources effectively. This leadership role involves driving technological innovation to enhance learning experiences and operational efficiency. By guiding IT strategy, Gordon Wishon supports the institution's commitment to providing accessible and modern educational pathways. The executive's focus is on leveraging technology to advance the mission of Maricopa Community Colleges.

    Michele Agostinelli - Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Chief Information Officer for Academic Technology Services

    Michele Agostinelli, the Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Chief Information Officer for Academic Technology Services at Maricopa Community Colleges, leads the integration and support of technology within academic environments. Agostinelli oversees the development and deployment of innovative academic technology solutions that enhance teaching and learning across the 10 colleges. The Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Chief Information Officer for Academic Technology Services ensures that faculty and students have access to the tools and resources necessary for effective educational engagement. This role is critical for supporting the institution's mission of delivering high-quality education and workforce training to over 100,000 students annually. By focusing on academic technology, Michele Agostinelli drives pedagogical advancements and improves the overall student learning experience. The executive's expertise is vital for modernizing educational delivery.

    Cathleen Hernandez - Chief of Staff & Associate & Vice Chancellor & Office of The Chancellor

    Cathleen Hernandez, the Chief of Staff & Associate & Vice Chancellor & Office of The Chancellor at Maricopa Community Colleges, provides comprehensive strategic and operational support to the Chancellor's office. Hernandez manages key initiatives, facilitates high-level communications, and ensures the effective coordination of activities across the 10 colleges. The Chief of Staff & Associate & Vice Chancellor & Office of The Chancellor acts as a central point of contact for critical projects and stakeholder engagement, driving progress on institutional priorities. This role is essential for aligning executive leadership efforts and supporting the mission of serving over 100,000 students annually. By streamlining operations and enhancing strategic execution, Cathleen Hernandez contributes to the overall effectiveness and advancement of the Maricopa Community Colleges system. The executive's role is pivotal in supporting institutional leadership.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Maricopa Community Colleges Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Maricopa Community Colleges?
    Maricopa Community Colleges is led by Julie Dunnigan (President and Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Gary Yaquinto (Chief Financial Officer) and Lee Bohn (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Maricopa Community Colleges’s executive team?
    The executive team of Maricopa Community Colleges includes leaders such as Julie Dunnigan (President and Chief Executive Officer), Gary Yaquinto (Chief Financial Officer), Lee Bohn (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Maricopa Community Colleges have?
    Maricopa Community Colleges has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Maricopa Community Colleges’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Maricopa Community Colleges includes roles such as President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff.