Leadership Overview
Wake Forest University has 10 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, operational management, human resources, financial oversight, and administrative support.
Committed to academic excellence and holistic student development, Wake Forest University fosters a rigorous intellectual environment that prepares graduates for impactful careers across diverse global industries.
Committed to academic excellence and holistic student development, Wake Forest University fosters a rigorous intellectual environment that prepares graduates for impactful careers across diverse global industries.
Leadership Roles at Wake Forest University
Jacqueline Travisano - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Jacqueline Travisano, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Wake Forest University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Travisano oversees budgeting, endowment management, and capital investments to ensure the university maintains its competitive position in higher education. By analyzing financial data and market trends, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary resources for the 45 majors and 60 minors offered across the six colleges. Travisano collaborates with the Board to establish fiscal policies that support sustainable growth and academic innovation. This role involves rigorous oversight of financial reporting and risk management to protect institutional assets. Jacqueline Travisano drives the financial strategy that enables the university to invest in cutting-edge research and student facilities. Through disciplined fiscal stewardship, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the university remains financially robust while fulfilling its core educational mission.
Karina Yang - Chief Operating Officer
Karina Yang, the Chief Operating Officer at Wake Forest University, directs the daily business functions and infrastructure requirements necessary to support a premier educational institution. Yang oversees the physical campus environment and logistical operations, ensuring that facilities and services meet the needs of students and faculty. By optimizing operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer improves the delivery of essential services across the six colleges. Yang manages large-scale projects that enhance campus safety and sustainability, aligning these efforts with the broader institutional strategy. This role involves frequent interaction with the Board to report on operational performance and resource utilization. Karina Yang executes complex logistical plans that support the university mission of academic excellence. Through rigorous oversight of campus systems, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards expected of a top-tier university, ensuring that all operational activities directly facilitate the success of the academic community.
Benjamin Hobson - President's Aide
Benjamin Hobson, the President's Aide at Wake Forest University, supports the executive office by managing scheduling, correspondence, and high-priority administrative tasks. Hobson facilitates the daily operations of the Office of the President, ensuring that leadership remains focused on strategic institutional goals. By coordinating meetings and preparing briefing materials, the President's Aide enables efficient decision-making processes for the university administration. Hobson acts as a liaison between the President and various campus stakeholders, including faculty, students, and external partners. This role requires exceptional organizational skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. Benjamin Hobson drives the administrative efficiency of the executive office, allowing for seamless communication across the six colleges. Through proactive support and meticulous attention to detail, the President's Aide contributes to the overall effectiveness of the university leadership team, ensuring that institutional priorities receive the necessary focus and resources to succeed.
Riley Anderson - WFU President's Aide- Office of the President
Riley Anderson, the WFU President's Aide- Office of the President at Wake Forest University, manages the logistical requirements and communication flow for the executive leadership team. Anderson coordinates complex schedules and prepares essential documentation for university-wide initiatives. By streamlining the administrative functions of the Office of the President, the WFU President's Aide- Office of the President ensures that leadership can effectively address the needs of the six colleges. Anderson facilitates interactions between the President and key institutional stakeholders, maintaining clear lines of communication. This role involves managing high-priority projects that support the university mission of academic excellence. Riley Anderson drives the operational success of the executive office by providing consistent administrative support and project management. Through careful coordination and reliable service, the WFU President's Aide- Office of the President enables the university to maintain its focus on student development and institutional growth, ensuring that all executive activities remain aligned with strategic goals.
Clara Ambrose - President & Safety, Women's Club Ultimate Frisbee Officer
Clara Ambrose, the President & Safety, Women's Club Ultimate Frisbee Officer at Wake Forest University, leads the student organization in promoting athletic engagement and safety standards. Ambrose directs the club operations, ensuring that all members adhere to university safety protocols during practices and competitions. By fostering a culture of teamwork and physical wellness, the President & Safety, Women's Club Ultimate Frisbee Officer enhances the extracurricular experience for students. Ambrose manages the club budget and coordinates travel logistics for regional tournaments, representing the university in competitive settings. This role involves balancing athletic performance with academic responsibilities, demonstrating the holistic approach to student life at the university. Clara Ambrose drives the growth of the club by recruiting new members and organizing community outreach events. Through dedicated leadership, the President & Safety, Women's Club Ultimate Frisbee Officer contributes to the vibrant campus culture, ensuring that students have access to diverse opportunities for personal development and physical activity.
Lila Goldstein - President
Lila Goldstein, the President at Wake Forest University, leads a specific student-governed organization focused on academic enrichment and community service. Goldstein directs the strategic planning and event coordination for the group, ensuring that all activities align with the university mission of fostering intellectual growth. By managing member engagement and outreach efforts, the President strengthens the connection between the student body and the broader Winston-Salem community. Goldstein oversees the allocation of resources for various projects, ensuring that the organization remains impactful and sustainable. This role requires strong leadership and the ability to motivate peers toward common goals. Lila Goldstein drives the success of the organization by implementing innovative programs that support student development. Through active participation and strategic oversight, the President contributes to the diverse extracurricular landscape of the university, ensuring that students have meaningful opportunities to lead and serve within the academic environment.
Leyla Herrera - President
Leyla Herrera, the President at Wake Forest University, manages a student-led initiative dedicated to professional development and networking for undergraduates. Herrera directs the organization strategy, focusing on creating opportunities for students to connect with industry leaders and alumni. By organizing workshops and seminars, the President facilitates the transition from academic study to professional practice. Herrera oversees the operational budget and membership recruitment, ensuring that the group provides consistent value to the student body. This role involves collaborating with faculty advisors to ensure that all initiatives support the university commitment to academic excellence. Leyla Herrera drives the growth of the organization by expanding its reach across the six colleges. Through effective leadership and strategic planning, the President enhances the professional readiness of students, contributing to the overall success of the university in preparing graduates for impactful careers in their chosen fields.
Citlali Martinez-Arellano - President of In Flight
Citlali Martinez-Arellano, the President of In Flight at Wake Forest University, leads a specialized student organization focused on aviation interests and aerospace education. Martinez-Arellano directs the group activities, including guest lectures, technical workshops, and industry site visits. By fostering a community of students interested in flight and engineering, the President of In Flight promotes academic exploration beyond the traditional classroom setting. Martinez-Arellano manages the organization resources and coordinates with university departments to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards. This role involves building partnerships with external aviation organizations to provide students with unique learning opportunities. Citlali Martinez-Arellano drives the development of the organization by creating programs that challenge students to apply their knowledge in practical ways. Through dedicated leadership, the President of In Flight contributes to the diverse intellectual environment of the university, ensuring that students have access to specialized resources that support their academic and professional aspirations.
Brent Vernon - Chief of Staff
Brent Vernon, the Chief of Staff at Wake Forest University, manages high-level administrative workflows and coordinates strategic initiatives across the institution. Vernon facilitates communication between the Office of the President and various academic departments to ensure alignment with long-term educational goals. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff enhances organizational efficiency and supports the university mission of providing 45 majors and 60 minors. Vernon monitors project timelines and resource allocation to maintain operational excellence within the Winston-Salem campus. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with senior administrators to address complex institutional challenges. Brent Vernon drives the execution of university-wide policies while maintaining focus on student success and faculty support. Through meticulous planning and cross-functional coordination, the Chief of Staff secures the stability of administrative operations, ultimately contributing to the overall academic reputation and institutional growth of the university.
Mary Lucal - Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
Mary Lucal, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Wake Forest University, architects the talent management strategy and organizational culture for the entire institution. Lucal directs recruitment, professional development, and benefits administration to attract and retain top-tier faculty and staff. By fostering an inclusive work environment, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that human capital remains aligned with the university commitment to academic rigor. Lucal manages complex labor relations and policy implementation, providing guidance to department heads on personnel matters. This leadership role involves designing programs that support employee well-being and career advancement across all six colleges. Mary Lucal drives initiatives that strengthen the institutional workforce, directly impacting the quality of education provided to students. Through strategic human resource planning, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer secures the long-term operational health and cultural vitality of the university.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Wake Forest University Top Executives and Leadership Team
