Washington State University Executive and Leadership Team

Theresa James, the Chief Financial Officer at Washington State University, directs the fiscal strategy and budgetary planning for the entire institution. James oversees the allocation of research grants, tuition revenue, and state funding to ensure long-term financial health. By managing complex financial portfolios, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary capital to support academic programs and infrastructure development. Theresa James collaborates with the Board of Regents to maintain transparency and fiscal accountability across all departments. This leadership role requires precise forecasting and risk management to navigate the evolving economic landscape of public higher education. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, James secures the resources required for faculty recruitment and student success initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the university continues to deliver high-quality education while managing operational costs effectively.

Rita Whitcomb, the Director, Administrative Services & Chief Financial Officer at Washington State University, manages the intersection of administrative efficiency and fiscal oversight for specific campus divisions. Whitcomb directs the procurement processes and facility management budgets to ensure that operational needs align with financial constraints. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Director, Administrative Services & Chief Financial Officer reduces overhead costs while maintaining high service standards. Rita Whitcomb monitors departmental expenditures, providing detailed analysis to support informed decision-making. This leadership role involves coordinating with various stakeholders to optimize the use of physical and financial assets. Through the implementation of rigorous administrative policies, Whitcomb enhances the overall productivity of the university. The Director, Administrative Services & Chief Financial Officer ensures that all operational activities support the broader academic mission, fostering a culture of accountability and resourcefulness across the institution.

Daniel Schanze, the Senior Marketing Major and President at Washington State University, represents the student body while driving initiatives to enhance the university's public profile. Schanze leads student-focused campaigns that promote campus culture and academic pride. By collaborating with university administration, the Senior Marketing Major and President ensures that student perspectives inform institutional policy and marketing strategies. Daniel Schanze utilizes marketing expertise to amplify the reach of university programs, attracting prospective students and fostering community connections. This leadership role involves organizing events and outreach efforts that strengthen the bond between the institution and its diverse student population. Through the promotion of university values, Schanze supports the growth and visibility of the campus. The Senior Marketing Major and President maintains a focus on student advocacy, ensuring that the university environment remains inclusive, vibrant, and aligned with the needs of the modern student.

Jerry Roslund, the President at Washington State University, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire public research institution. Roslund oversees the academic, research, and outreach missions, ensuring that the university maintains its status as a leader in higher education. By engaging with state legislators, donors, and community partners, the President secures the necessary support to advance the university's long-term goals. Jerry Roslund leads the executive team in fostering an environment of innovation and academic rigor. This leadership role involves setting institutional priorities, such as expanding research capabilities and improving student outcomes. Through the promotion of excellence in teaching and service, Roslund drives the university's impact on the regional and national economy. The President maintains a commitment to accessibility and quality, ensuring that the institution continues to serve the public interest through transformative education and groundbreaking research.

John Mancinelli, the WCEAP President-Elect at Washington State University, prepares to lead the professional association in advancing the interests of university staff and faculty. Mancinelli focuses on developing initiatives that support professional growth and workplace advocacy. By engaging with members, the WCEAP President-Elect identifies key issues affecting the university community and proposes solutions to enhance the work environment. John Mancinelli collaborates with current leadership to ensure a smooth transition and continuity in the association's mission. This leadership role involves representing the interests of the membership in discussions with university administration. Through the promotion of collaborative practices, Mancinelli fosters a culture of mutual respect and professional development. The WCEAP President-Elect maintains a focus on strengthening the association's influence, ensuring that the voices of staff and faculty are heard and valued in the broader institutional decision-making process.

Brent Vernon, the Chief of Staff at Washington State University, manages executive communications and coordinates strategic priorities for the university leadership. Vernon facilitates alignment between the President and various administrative units, ensuring that institutional goals receive consistent focus. By overseeing the flow of information and managing high-level projects, the Chief of Staff enables efficient decision-making processes across the campus. Brent Vernon acts as a primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders, fostering partnerships that enhance the reputation of the university. This leadership role involves synthesizing complex data into actionable insights for the executive team. Through the management of critical administrative functions, Vernon supports the implementation of long-term strategic plans. The Chief of Staff ensures that all departments remain synchronized with the core mission of the institution, driving progress in research, teaching, and community engagement.

Christopher Coons, the Director, Information Technology & Global Campus Acting Chief Information Officer at Washington State University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting both physical and remote learning environments. Coons manages the integration of advanced educational technologies to enhance student engagement across the Global Campus. By overseeing cybersecurity protocols and data management systems, the Director, Information Technology & Global Campus Acting Chief Information Officer ensures the integrity of research and administrative information. Christopher Coons leads the digital transformation efforts, providing faculty with the tools necessary for modern pedagogical delivery. This leadership role involves scaling cloud-based solutions to accommodate a growing student population. Through the optimization of IT services, Coons supports the university's commitment to accessible, high-quality education. The Director, Information Technology & Global Campus Acting Chief Information Officer maintains a focus on technological innovation, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of digital learning.

Kerri Davidson, the Vice President of Institutional Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer, WSU System at Washington State University, coordinates administrative functions across the entire university system. Davidson manages institutional policy development and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. By overseeing the integration of administrative services, the Vice President of Institutional Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer, WSU System promotes consistency and efficiency across all campuses. Kerri Davidson facilitates communication between system-wide leadership and individual campus units, ensuring that strategic objectives are met. This leadership role involves managing complex organizational structures to support the university's mission. Through the implementation of standardized administrative practices, Davidson enhances the operational capacity of the institution. The Vice President of Institutional Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer, WSU System maintains a focus on system-wide cohesion, ensuring that all parts of the university work in harmony to achieve academic and research excellence.

Dennis Fiess, the Deputy Director at Washington State University, manages daily operational workflows to ensure institutional efficiency. Fiess coordinates cross-departmental initiatives, aligning internal resources with the broader research mission of the university. By streamlining administrative processes, the Deputy Director supports the academic goals of faculty and students alike. Dennis Fiess maintains rigorous standards for operational excellence, facilitating communication between various campus divisions to optimize resource allocation. This leadership role involves monitoring performance metrics and implementing improvements to support the long-term sustainability of the institution. Through consistent oversight of internal systems, the Deputy Director fosters an environment conducive to high-level research and educational achievement. Fiess drives organizational stability by addressing complex logistical challenges, ensuring that the university remains a premier public research institution within the competitive landscape of higher education.

Coryelle Scott, the Team Captain at Washington State University, leads student-athletes in achieving excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Scott fosters a culture of discipline, teamwork, and resilience among the team members. By setting high standards for performance, the Team Captain motivates peers to reach their full potential while representing the university with integrity. Coryelle Scott coordinates training schedules and team activities, ensuring that all members remain focused on their competitive and academic goals. This leadership role involves serving as a mentor and a bridge between the coaching staff and the student-athletes. Through the promotion of sportsmanship and dedication, Scott enhances the reputation of the university's athletic programs. The Team Captain maintains a focus on personal and collective growth, ensuring that the team contributes positively to the vibrant campus life and the overall mission of the institution.