Valencia College Executive and Leadership Team

Oscar Cristancho, the Chief Financial Officer at Valencia College, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the institution. Overseeing long-term financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures resources align with the educational mission of the college. This role involves rigorous oversight of institutional funding, grant management, and capital expenditure projects across the Florida region. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling operational costs, Oscar Cristancho maintains the financial stability required for academic growth. Cristancho collaborates with the Board to implement sustainable economic policies that support student access and faculty development. Through precise financial modeling and risk assessment, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to expand campus facilities and enhance technological infrastructure. Ultimately, Cristancho drives the fiscal strategy that enables the college to provide affordable, accredited education to the community while maintaining a robust balance sheet for future institutional expansion.

Nissa Hopkins, the EAP Professor and Faculty Association President at Valencia College, represents the interests of the teaching staff while maintaining a focus on English for Academic Purposes instruction. Overseeing faculty advocacy and professional development initiatives, the Faculty Association President ensures that academic standards remain high. This role involves facilitating communication between the faculty and the administration to improve teaching conditions and student outcomes. By championing pedagogical innovation, Nissa Hopkins supports the educational mission of the college. Hopkins collaborates with department heads to refine curriculum standards and promote inclusive classroom practices. Through active participation in governance, the Faculty Association President influences institutional policies that affect the daily lives of educators. Ultimately, Hopkins drives faculty engagement and professional growth, ensuring that the teaching staff remains equipped to provide high-quality instruction that prepares students for success in their academic and professional pursuits.

Jesse Kane, the President, VA Mentorship Program at Valencia College, directs the strategic development and implementation of student support initiatives. Overseeing the mentorship framework, the President, VA Mentorship Program ensures that students receive the guidance necessary to navigate their academic journeys. This role involves building partnerships with industry professionals and alumni to provide real-world insights to the student body. By fostering a culture of mentorship, Jesse Kane enhances student retention and career readiness. Kane coordinates with academic advisors to align mentorship activities with the broader educational goals of the college. Through the design of structured support programs, the President, VA Mentorship Program creates pathways for student growth and professional networking. Ultimately, Kane drives the success of the mentorship initiatives, ensuring that students gain the confidence and skills required to excel in their chosen fields while benefiting from the extensive resources provided by the college.

Kathleen Plinske, the President at Valencia College, provides the overarching strategic vision and leadership for the entire institution. Overseeing all academic, financial, and operational departments, the President ensures that the college remains true to its mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. This role involves engaging with the Board, community leaders, and regional stakeholders to advance the long-term goals of the college. By setting the institutional agenda, Kathleen Plinske fosters an environment of innovation and student-centered learning. Plinske collaborates with the executive team to implement policies that drive enrollment, graduation rates, and workforce readiness. Through decisive leadership and a commitment to excellence, the President guides the college through complex educational landscapes. Ultimately, Plinske drives the strategic direction of the institution, ensuring that the college continues to serve as a vital resource for the community while maintaining its reputation for academic rigor and student success.

Graham Garner, the Chief Communications Officer at Valencia College, directs all internal and external messaging strategies to elevate the institutional brand. Overseeing public relations, media outreach, and digital engagement, the Chief Communications Officer ensures consistent communication across all regional platforms. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight academic achievements and community partnerships. By managing the reputation of the college, Graham Garner strengthens ties with stakeholders and prospective students. Garner coordinates with executive leadership to align messaging with the core mission of providing accessible education. Through strategic media planning and crisis management, the Chief Communications Officer protects the integrity of the institution. Ultimately, Garner shapes the public perception of the college, ensuring that the value of the educational programs remains clear to the broader community while supporting enrollment goals through targeted, impactful communication campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.

Shaun Andrews, the Chief Operations Officer at Valencia College, manages the daily administrative functions and campus infrastructure required for seamless academic delivery. Overseeing facilities management, campus safety, and logistical support, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the physical environment supports student learning. This role involves streamlining operational workflows to improve efficiency across all departments. By coordinating with various campus leaders, Shaun Andrews maintains high standards for institutional services and resource allocation. Andrews implements policies that enhance the safety and accessibility of the college grounds for the entire student body. Through rigorous oversight of operational budgets and maintenance schedules, the Chief Operations Officer guarantees that the infrastructure remains modern and functional. Ultimately, Andrews drives the operational excellence necessary to support the mission of the college, ensuring that every student experiences a safe, well-maintained, and highly efficient environment conducive to academic success.