Wake Forest University Executive and Leadership Team

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. Overseeing budgeting, endowment management, and capital investments, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the university maintains the resources required to support its six colleges. Travisano directs financial reporting and risk management strategies to protect the institution's assets. By analyzing market trends and institutional needs, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer optimizes funding for academic programs and research initiatives. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Board of Trustees to ensure fiscal transparency and sustainability. Jacqueline Travisano executes financial policies that enable the university to expand its educational offerings. Ultimately, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides the economic foundation that allows the institution to thrive in a competitive higher education landscape.

Karina Yang, the Chief Operating Officer at Wake Forest University, directs the daily administrative functions and infrastructure requirements necessary for a premier educational institution. Overseeing campus facilities and operational efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all physical and digital resources support the academic mission. Yang manages complex logistical frameworks to maintain high standards across the Winston-Salem campus. By coordinating with department heads, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes resource allocation to improve student and faculty experiences. This leadership role involves implementing sustainable practices that reduce overhead while enhancing institutional capacity. Through rigorous oversight of campus services, Karina Yang drives operational excellence. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer secures the foundational stability required for the university to deliver 45 majors and 60 minors effectively, ensuring that all operational activities align with the long-term strategic goals of the institution.

Ashleigh Brock, the Vice President & Chief of Staff & President, Office of at Wake Forest University, coordinates executive communications and strategic initiatives across the entire university leadership team. Managing the flow of information to the President, the Vice President & Chief of Staff & President, Office of facilitates decision-making processes that impact the broader academic community. Brock aligns departmental objectives with the overarching mission of the institution, ensuring that all administrative units operate in harmony. By streamlining internal governance, the Vice President & Chief of Staff & President, Office of enhances organizational agility. This role requires constant collaboration with senior leadership to address institutional challenges and opportunities. Ashleigh Brock executes high-level projects that define the university's public and private standing. Ultimately, the Vice President & Chief of Staff & President, Office of maintains the integrity of the executive office while supporting the diverse educational goals of the six colleges.

Edith MacKenzie, the President's Aide at Wake Forest University, supports the executive office by managing scheduling, correspondence, and high-priority administrative tasks. Facilitating the daily workflow of the President, the President's Aide ensures that executive time remains focused on critical institutional priorities. MacKenzie coordinates meetings with internal and external stakeholders to advance the university's strategic agenda. By organizing complex itineraries and preparing briefing materials, the President's Aide enables the President to engage effectively with the academic community. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage sensitive information with discretion. Edith MacKenzie executes administrative functions that keep the executive office running smoothly. Ultimately, the President's Aide contributes to the overall efficiency of the university leadership, allowing the institution to focus on delivering high-quality education across its 45 majors and 60 minors.

Eva Probus, the President's Aide at Wake Forest University, assists in the execution of special projects and administrative duties that support the President's vision for the institution. Managing research tasks and event coordination, the President's Aide ensures that the executive office remains responsive to the needs of the faculty, students, and alumni. Probus tracks progress on key university initiatives, providing the President with the data necessary for informed decision-making. By streamlining communication between the President and various campus departments, the President's Aide fosters a collaborative environment. This role involves managing complex logistics for university-wide events and official functions. Eva Probus executes tasks that enhance the visibility and impact of the President's office. Ultimately, the President's Aide supports the university's mission by ensuring that executive leadership remains connected to the core academic activities of the six colleges.

Samuel Helman, the President of Japanese Studies Club at Wake Forest University, leads student-driven initiatives that promote cultural exchange and academic interest in Japanese language and history. Organizing workshops, guest lectures, and community events, the President of Japanese Studies Club enhances the extracurricular landscape for students interested in global studies. Helman manages club membership and budget allocations to ensure the successful delivery of educational programming. By fostering partnerships with academic departments, the President of Japanese Studies Club integrates student activities with the broader curriculum of the university. This leadership role involves mentoring members and coordinating with university administration to secure event spaces and funding. Samuel Helman drives student engagement through active participation in campus life. Ultimately, the President of Japanese Studies Club contributes to the vibrant intellectual community that defines the student experience at the university.

Aamori Gaines, the President, Wayward Fashion Club at Wake Forest University, directs creative projects and student-led fashion showcases that highlight artistic expression on campus. Overseeing design workshops and runway events, the President, Wayward Fashion Club provides a platform for students to explore textile arts and industry trends. Gaines manages the club's operational logistics, including event planning and resource procurement. By collaborating with other student organizations, the President, Wayward Fashion Club promotes interdisciplinary creativity and community building. This leadership role involves managing a diverse team of students to execute high-quality fashion presentations. Aamori Gaines drives student interest in design and professional development within the creative arts. Ultimately, the President, Wayward Fashion Club enriches the campus culture by offering unique opportunities for students to engage with fashion as a form of personal and artistic identity.

Grant McAllister, the Cycling Club President at Wake Forest University, manages the logistics and safety protocols for student cycling activities and competitive events. Organizing group rides and training sessions, the Cycling Club President promotes physical fitness and outdoor recreation among the student body. McAllister oversees equipment maintenance and ensures that all club activities comply with university safety regulations. By coordinating with local cycling organizations, the Cycling Club President expands the reach of the club and provides students with opportunities to engage with the broader community. This leadership role involves managing club finances and recruiting new members to sustain the organization's growth. Grant McAllister drives student participation in healthy, active lifestyles. Ultimately, the Cycling Club President contributes to the holistic development of students by providing a structured environment for athletic engagement and social connection on campus.

Lila Goldstein, the President at Wake Forest University, serves as the primary leader and visionary for the entire institution, guiding the strategic direction of all academic and administrative functions. Overseeing the university's mission to provide 45 majors and 60 minors, the President ensures that the institution maintains its commitment to academic excellence and research innovation. Goldstein collaborates with the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff to implement policies that enhance the university's national and global standing. By representing the institution to external stakeholders and donors, the President secures the resources necessary for long-term growth. This leadership role involves navigating the complexities of higher education to ensure that the university remains a leader in student development. Lila Goldstein drives the overarching strategy that defines the university's impact. Ultimately, the President provides the leadership required to sustain the institution's reputation as a premier center for learning and discovery.

Mary Lucal, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Wake Forest University, architects the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies essential for maintaining a world-class faculty and staff. Overseeing recruitment, benefits, and employee relations, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the university attracts top-tier academic talent. Lucal manages organizational culture initiatives that promote inclusivity and professional growth across all departments. By implementing robust performance management systems, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer aligns individual contributions with the institutional mission of providing 45 majors and 60 minors. This leadership role involves navigating complex labor regulations and fostering a supportive environment for all employees. Mary Lucal drives initiatives that enhance staff retention and engagement. Ultimately, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer secures the human capital necessary to sustain the academic reputation and operational success of the university.