Technical Institute Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Technical Institute has 5 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, financial oversight, academic leadership, student governance, and business ownership.

Dedicated to fostering academic achievement and career readiness, Technical Institute provides comprehensive educational resources and workforce development programs to support diverse learners across North Carolina.

Leadership Roles at Technical Institute

  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Rashelle Penley
  • President - Mark Poarch
  • SGA President - Dawn Donovan
  • President & Owner - Wilfred Weymouth
  • Chief of Staff - John Chaffin
  • Rashelle Penley - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Rashelle Penley, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Technical Institute, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire institution. Penley directs the allocation of resources to support diverse educational programs, including college transfer options and specialized trade training. By overseeing financial reporting and long-term capital planning, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures the sustainability of campus operations in Hudson and Boone. Rashelle Penley collaborates with the Board to align fiscal strategies with the overarching goal of expanding workforce development opportunities. This leadership position involves rigorous monitoring of revenue streams and operational expenditures to maximize the impact of student services. Through precise financial modeling and risk management, Penley secures the necessary funding to maintain high standards of academic excellence. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer maintains a focus on fiscal transparency and institutional growth.

    Mark Poarch - President

    Mark Poarch, the President at Technical Institute, defines the strategic vision and academic direction for the entire institution. Poarch oversees the delivery of diverse educational programs, ranging from healthcare certifications to college transfer pathways. By fostering partnerships with local industries, the President ensures that curriculum offerings remain aligned with current workforce demands. Mark Poarch leads the executive team in implementing initiatives that support student success, including academic advising and counseling services. This role involves representing the institution to community stakeholders and government entities to secure support for regional educational expansion. Through consistent engagement with faculty and staff, Poarch drives a culture of academic achievement and career readiness. The President maintains a focus on scaling operations across Hudson and Boone to accommodate the needs of adult learners and community members. Poarch directs the long-term growth strategy to ensure the institution remains a leader in professional education.

    Dawn Donovan - SGA President

    Dawn Donovan, the SGA President at Technical Institute, represents the student body and advocates for enhanced campus services and academic support. Donovan facilitates communication between students and the administration to ensure that institutional policies reflect the needs of the diverse learner population. By organizing student-led initiatives and community engagement events, the SGA President fosters a vibrant campus culture across Hudson and Boone. Dawn Donovan collaborates with student services to improve access to counseling and academic resources, directly impacting the overall student experience. This leadership role involves managing student government budgets and coordinating activities that promote career readiness and personal development. Through active participation in institutional committees, Donovan ensures that student perspectives inform strategic decision-making processes. The SGA President remains dedicated to building a supportive environment that encourages academic achievement and active participation in the broader community, ultimately strengthening the connection between the student body and the institution.

    Wilfred Weymouth - President & Owner

    Wilfred Weymouth, the President & Owner at Technical Institute, establishes the foundational business model and long-term commercial viability of the institution. Weymouth directs the overarching investment strategy to ensure the continued availability of high-quality healthcare and trade programs. By overseeing the expansion of facilities in Hudson and Boone, the President & Owner maintains the physical and technological infrastructure required for modern workforce development. Wilfred Weymouth evaluates market trends to identify new opportunities for educational growth and community impact. This leadership role involves high-level governance and the alignment of business objectives with the mission of providing accessible education to adult learners and high school students. Through strategic oversight of institutional assets, Weymouth ensures the long-term sustainability of the organization. The President & Owner focuses on maintaining a competitive edge in the education sector while upholding the core values of academic excellence and career readiness for all community members.

    John Chaffin - Chief of Staff

    John Chaffin, the Chief of Staff at Technical Institute, coordinates administrative operations and facilitates communication across all academic departments. Chaffin manages internal workflows to ensure alignment with the broader mission of providing high-quality healthcare and trade education. By streamlining institutional processes, the Chief of Staff supports the executive team in executing long-term goals for workforce development. John Chaffin monitors the efficiency of student services and academic advising, ensuring that resources reach the intended community members effectively. This role requires constant collaboration with the President to maintain operational excellence across campuses in Hudson and Boone. Through rigorous oversight of daily administrative functions, Chaffin drives the organizational stability necessary for student success. The Chief of Staff remains focused on optimizing internal systems to better serve adult learners and high school students seeking professional advancement within the regional educational landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Technical Institute Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Technical Institute?
    Technical Institute is led by Rashelle Penley (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Mark Poarch (President) and Dawn Donovan (SGA President).
    Who is part of Technical Institute’s executive team?
    The executive team of Technical Institute includes leaders such as Rashelle Penley (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Mark Poarch (President), Dawn Donovan (SGA President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Technical Institute have?
    Technical Institute has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Technical Institute’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Technical Institute includes roles such as Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, President, SGA President, President & Owner, Chief of Staff.