Wake Forest University Executive and Leadership Team

Jacqueline Travisano, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Wake Forest University, manages the financial health and long-term fiscal strategy of the institution. Travisano oversees budgeting, endowment management, and financial reporting to ensure the university maintains a robust economic foundation. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer evaluates investment opportunities and capital expenditures to support the expansion of academic programs and campus infrastructure. Jacqueline Travisano collaborates with the Board of Trustees to provide transparent financial oversight and risk management. By analyzing market trends and institutional data, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for sustained growth. This leadership role involves balancing immediate operational needs with future strategic investments. Through disciplined financial stewardship, Travisano ensures that the university remains well-positioned to deliver high-quality education while maintaining fiscal sustainability in a competitive higher education market.

Karina Yang, the Chief Operating Officer at Wake Forest University, directs the daily business operations that sustain the campus infrastructure. Yang oversees facilities management, campus services, and logistical support systems to ensure a seamless environment for students and faculty. The Chief Operating Officer implements scalable solutions to optimize resource allocation across the university, balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for modern educational facilities. Karina Yang evaluates operational data to identify opportunities for efficiency gains, ensuring that the physical campus supports the academic mission. By managing large-scale projects and cross-departmental initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the integrity of university operations. Yang coordinates with other executive leaders to align operational capacity with strategic growth targets. Through rigorous oversight of campus services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the university remains a competitive and functional institution capable of meeting the evolving needs of the academic community.

Ashleigh Brock, the Vice President & Chief of Staff & President, Office of at Wake Forest University, serves as the primary liaison for the President's office, managing high-level institutional priorities. Brock coordinates executive communications and ensures that the President's strategic vision permeates all levels of the university. The Vice President & Chief of Staff & President, Office of oversees special projects and cross-functional teams to address critical institutional challenges. Ashleigh Brock facilitates engagement with external stakeholders, including alumni and donors, to advance the university's mission. By managing the flow of information to the President, the Vice President & Chief of Staff & President, Office of ensures that leadership decisions are informed by accurate data and diverse perspectives. This role requires exceptional organizational skills to manage the complex demands of the executive office. Through proactive leadership, Brock supports the President in driving the university toward its long-term strategic goals.

Grant McAllister, the Cycling Club President at Wake Forest University, leads the student-run organization dedicated to promoting cycling and physical fitness within the campus community. McAllister coordinates group rides, training sessions, and competitive events to engage students in active lifestyles. The Cycling Club President manages the club's budget and equipment, ensuring that members have access to necessary resources for safe participation. Grant McAllister fosters a sense of community among students by organizing social events and collaborative projects with other campus groups. By promoting the benefits of cycling, the Cycling Club President contributes to the overall well-being of the student body. This leadership role involves managing logistics for travel to regional competitions and maintaining relationships with university administration. Through dedicated efforts, McAllister ensures that the club remains a vibrant and active part of the student experience, encouraging participation and personal growth through sport.

Melisa Yuce, the President of Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honors Society at Wake Forest University, oversees the academic and cultural activities of the society. Yuce coordinates events that celebrate Hispanic language and culture, providing students with opportunities for intellectual engagement beyond the classroom. The President of Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honors Society manages membership recruitment and induction ceremonies to recognize academic excellence in Spanish studies. Melisa Yuce facilitates collaborations with faculty members to host guest speakers and cultural workshops that enrich the student experience. By leading the society, the President of Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honors Society promotes the importance of linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness. This role involves managing administrative tasks and ensuring that the society remains active in the university community. Through leadership, Yuce fosters a supportive environment for students dedicated to the study of Spanish language and literature.

Charles Kost, the President's Aide at Wake Forest University, provides essential administrative support to the office of the President. Kost manages scheduling, correspondence, and logistical arrangements for the President, ensuring that daily operations run smoothly. The President's Aide assists in the preparation of briefings and reports, facilitating informed decision-making for the university's top leadership. Charles Kost coordinates with various departments to ensure that the President's initiatives are communicated effectively across the institution. By handling the administrative demands of the office, the President's Aide allows the President to focus on strategic institutional goals. This role requires high levels of discretion and organizational efficiency to manage the complex schedule of the university leader. Through diligent support, Kost contributes to the overall effectiveness of the executive office, ensuring that the President has the necessary resources to lead the university toward its mission of academic excellence.

Samuel Helman, the President of Japanese Studies Club at Wake Forest University, directs the activities of the student organization focused on Japanese language and culture. Helman organizes cultural events, language practice sessions, and educational workshops to foster interest in Japanese studies among the student body. The President of Japanese Studies Club manages the club's outreach efforts and coordinates with the department of East Asian languages to provide students with meaningful learning opportunities. Samuel Helman oversees the planning of social gatherings and collaborative projects that promote cross-cultural understanding. By leading the club, the President of Japanese Studies Club creates a space for students to explore their academic interests in a social setting. This role involves managing club finances and ensuring that all activities align with university policies. Through leadership, Helman encourages student engagement and contributes to the diverse intellectual life of the campus.

Brent Vernon, the Chief of Staff at Wake Forest University, coordinates high-level administrative initiatives to ensure alignment with institutional goals. Vernon manages complex workflows between the executive office and various academic departments, facilitating efficient communication across the university. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of academic excellence. Brent Vernon monitors key performance indicators to track progress on strategic projects, ensuring that resources remain focused on core educational objectives. This role requires constant collaboration with senior leadership to address emerging challenges within the higher education landscape. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational stability. Vernon drives operational improvements that enhance the overall effectiveness of the university administration, ultimately contributing to the long-term success of the institution and its commitment to providing a premier educational experience for all students.

Samantha Perrotta, the Chief of Staff & Provost, Office of at Wake Forest University, facilitates the integration of academic policy and administrative execution. Perrotta manages the daily operations of the Provost's office, ensuring that faculty initiatives and curriculum development align with institutional standards. The Chief of Staff & Provost, Office of coordinates communication between academic departments and executive leadership to foster a cohesive educational environment. Samantha Perrotta monitors academic performance metrics and supports the implementation of new degree programs across the six colleges. By overseeing administrative support for the faculty, the Chief of Staff & Provost, Office of enables academic leaders to focus on research and teaching excellence. This role involves managing complex academic schedules and policy reviews to maintain the university's reputation for rigorous scholarship. Through strategic coordination, Perrotta ensures that the academic mission remains the central focus of all administrative activities.

Mary Lucal, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Wake Forest University, directs the talent management and organizational development strategies for the entire workforce. Lucal oversees recruitment, benefits administration, and employee relations to foster a productive and inclusive campus culture. The Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer implements professional development programs that support faculty and staff growth, ensuring the university attracts and retains top-tier talent. Mary Lucal evaluates compensation structures and workplace policies to maintain competitiveness in the higher education sector. By managing human capital initiatives, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the university's core mission. This role involves navigating complex labor regulations and promoting a positive work environment. Through strategic human resources management, Lucal supports the operational success of the university by ensuring that all employees have the resources and support needed to excel.