Maricopa Community Colleges Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Maricopa Community Colleges provides thousands of degrees, certificates, and workforce skills training programs. The institution's leadership philosophy centers on student success and community impact across Maricopa County.

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 Vice Chancellor and Associate Chief Information Officer for Academic Technology Services - Michele Agostinelli
  • Associate Chief Human Resources Officer - Melissa McMullen
  • Interim For IT Vice Chancellor & Chief Information Officer - Gordon Wishon
  • 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 executive leadership for the 10-college system. Dunnigan guides the institution's mission to serve over 100,000 students annually across Maricopa County, ensuring the delivery of thousands of degrees, certificates, and workforce skills training programs. This leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with community stakeholders and driving educational innovation to meet evolving workforce demands. Overseeing all major institutional initiatives, Julie Dunnigan ensures alignment with the core values of accessibility and student success that define the Maricopa Community Colleges' impact on the region. The President and Chief Executive Officer's vision shapes the future direction of academic offerings and operational excellence across the entire district.
    Julie Dunnigan

    Gary Yaquinto - Chief Financial Officer

    Gary Yaquinto, the Chief Financial Officer at Maricopa Community Colleges, manages the fiscal health and financial strategy for the multi-college district. Yaquinto oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial planning, ensuring the responsible allocation of resources to support educational programs and institutional growth. This critical role involves developing financial models that sustain the delivery of thousands of degrees, certificates, and workforce skills training programs to over 100,000 students each year. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with other executive leaders to secure funding, manage investments, and maintain financial compliance across the 10 regionally accredited colleges. By optimizing financial performance, Gary Yaquinto directly contributes to the long-term stability and operational capacity of Maricopa Community Colleges, enabling continued service to Maricopa County.

    Lee Bohn - Chief Operating Officer

    Lee Bohn, the Chief Operating Officer at Maricopa Community Colleges, directs the operational infrastructure and administrative functions supporting the district's educational mission. Bohn oversees the day-to-day management of facilities, campus services, and logistical operations across the 10 regionally accredited colleges, ensuring an optimal learning environment for over 100,000 students each year. This leadership position involves implementing operational efficiencies and strategic planning to enhance service delivery for thousands of degrees, certificates, and workforce skills training programs. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other executives to drive innovation in campus management and resource utilization. By ensuring robust operational support, Lee Bohn directly enables the effective functioning of Maricopa Community Colleges throughout Maricopa County.

    Judy Sanchez - Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Judy Sanchez, the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Maricopa Community Colleges, drives operational excellence and strategic execution across key administrative functions. Sanchez oversees critical operational areas, ensuring the efficient delivery of services that support the academic mission and student success for over 100,000 students annually. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation and implementing best practices in operational management throughout the 10 colleges. The Vice President and Chief Operating Officer collaborates with executive peers to enhance institutional effectiveness and support the development of thousands of degrees, certificates, and workforce skills training programs. By focusing on operational integrity and strategic alignment, Judy Sanchez significantly contributes to the robust functioning and continued growth of Maricopa Community Colleges.
    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 across the 10 colleges, ensuring seamless communication and alignment between departments and the President's office. This role involves managing special projects, advising on policy development, and enhancing the efficiency of institutional operations to better serve over 100,000 students annually. The Chief of Staff acts as a key liaison, bridging communication gaps and driving forward the strategic priorities of Maricopa Community Colleges. By streamlining processes and fostering collaboration, Darcy Renfro plays a vital part in the effective delivery of thousands of degrees, certificates, and workforce skills training programs throughout Maricopa County.

    Georgetta Kelly - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Georgetta Kelly, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Maricopa Community Colleges, leads the strategic direction for all human capital management initiatives across the district. Kelly oversees talent acquisition, employee development, compensation, benefits, and labor relations for the thousands of faculty and staff who support over 100,000 students annually. This executive role is crucial for fostering a positive and productive work environment that attracts and retains top talent, essential for delivering thousands of degrees, certificates, and workforce skills training programs. The Chief Human Resources Officer ensures compliance with employment laws and promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the 10 colleges. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Georgetta Kelly significantly contributes to the overall success and mission fulfillment 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, spearheads the integration and advancement of technology in academic settings. Agostinelli directs the strategy and implementation of digital tools and platforms that enhance teaching and learning experiences for over 100,000 students annually. This role is pivotal in ensuring that faculty have access to cutting-edge academic technology services, supporting the delivery of thousands of degrees, certificates, and workforce skills training programs. The Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Chief Information Officer for Academic Technology Services collaborates closely with academic leaders and IT departments to foster innovation and digital literacy across the 10 colleges. By optimizing academic technology, Michele Agostinelli directly supports the educational mission and student success at Maricopa Community Colleges.

    Melissa McMullen - Associate Chief Human Resources Officer

    Melissa McMullen, the Associate Chief Human Resources Officer at Maricopa Community Colleges, supports the comprehensive human resources strategy and operational execution for the district's workforce. McMullen assists in managing employee relations, talent development programs, and HR policy implementation across the 10 colleges, contributing to a supportive environment for faculty and staff. This position is integral to ensuring the effective administration of HR functions that underpin the delivery of thousands of degrees, certificates, and workforce skills training programs to over 100,000 students annually. The Associate Chief Human Resources Officer works collaboratively with the Chief Human Resources Officer to enhance HR services and employee engagement. By focusing on operational excellence within human resources, Melissa McMullen reinforces the capacity of Maricopa Community Colleges to achieve its educational objectives.

    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 district's information technology infrastructure. Wishon oversees the development and implementation of technology solutions that support academic delivery, administrative functions, and student services for over 100,000 students annually. This role is essential for ensuring the reliability, security, and advancement of IT systems that underpin the delivery of thousands of degrees, certificates, and workforce skills training programs. The Interim For IT Vice Chancellor & Chief Information Officer collaborates with executive leadership to align technology initiatives with institutional goals. By guiding technological innovation and infrastructure, Gordon Wishon ensures Maricopa Community Colleges remains at the forefront of educational technology.

    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 high-level strategic support and operational oversight within the Chancellor's office. Hernandez manages critical initiatives, facilitates executive communications, and ensures the effective coordination of efforts across the district's 10 colleges to support over 100,000 students annually. This multifaceted role involves advising on policy, driving key projects, and enhancing the operational efficiency of the Chancellor's agenda. The Chief of Staff & Associate & Vice Chancellor & Office of The Chancellor plays a crucial part in advancing the strategic priorities that enable the delivery of thousands of degrees, certificates, and workforce skills training programs. By ensuring seamless operations and strategic alignment, Cathleen Hernandez significantly contributes to the leadership and mission execution of Maricopa Community Colleges.

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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.