Western Carolina University Executive and Leadership Team

Heather Swayne, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee President at Western Carolina University, represents the interests of the student-athlete population within the university governance structure. Overseeing the advocacy efforts for athletic programs, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee President ensures that the needs of student athletes are integrated into campus health and safety policies. Heather Swayne facilitates communication between the athletic department and the emergency medical service to ensure proper care for participants in university sports. By promoting student welfare and academic success, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee President drives engagement across the campus community. This leadership role involves collaborating with other student leaders to address concerns regarding campus facilities and support services. Through the coordination of athlete-focused initiatives, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee President supports the overall mission of the university. Ultimately, Swayne enhances the student experience by fostering a safe and supportive environment for all athletes.

Grady Jones, the SGA President, Ex-Officio at Western Carolina University, serves as the primary voice for the student body in institutional decision-making processes. Overseeing the student government agenda, the SGA President, Ex-Officio ensures that student concerns regarding campus services, including the emergency medical service, reach the administration. Grady Jones facilitates dialogue between students and university leadership to improve the quality of life on campus. By advocating for policies that prioritize student health and safety, the SGA President, Ex-Officio drives positive change within the university community. This leadership role involves participating in board meetings to provide a student perspective on operational and strategic matters. Through the promotion of student-led initiatives, the SGA President, Ex-Officio supports the university's commitment to a vibrant and secure campus environment. Ultimately, Jones ensures that the student experience remains central to the strategic direction of the institution.

Samuel Shepherd, the President at Western Carolina University, provides executive leadership for the entire university system, focusing on long-term sustainability and academic growth. Overseeing the strategic direction of all departments, the President ensures that the emergency medical service remains fully staffed and compliant with North Carolina Office of EMS standards. Samuel Shepherd manages the allocation of resources to support the university's mission of providing high-quality education and essential services. By driving initiatives that enhance the university's regional impact, the President ensures that the institution remains a leader in public service. This leadership role involves working closely with the Chancellor to implement policies that improve campus safety and health outcomes. Through the oversight of institutional operations, the President supports the delivery of 911 emergency services to the entire campus population. Ultimately, Shepherd secures the future of the university by maintaining excellence in all operational areas.

Bil Stahl, the Chief Information Officer at Western Carolina University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all campus operations, including the data systems utilized by the emergency medical service. Overseeing the security and reliability of university networks, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless communication between Health Services and regional medical facilities. Bil Stahl manages the deployment of advanced technology solutions to enhance administrative efficiency and student safety protocols. By optimizing digital workflows, the Chief Information Officer directly impacts the speed and accuracy of emergency response coordination. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of cybersecurity threats to protect sensitive student health data. Through the modernization of campus-wide information systems, the Chief Information Officer supports the operational scale of the university. Ultimately, Stahl maintains the technological backbone necessary for the delivery of critical life support services across the campus environment.

Melissa Wargo, the Chief of Staff & Chief External Affairs Officer at Western Carolina University, manages internal administrative operations and external stakeholder relations. Overseeing the communication strategy for the university, the Chief of Staff & Chief External Affairs Officer ensures that institutional initiatives, such as the emergency medical service, receive proper support from regional partners. Melissa Wargo coordinates efforts between the Chancellor and various departments to streamline decision-making processes. By cultivating relationships with external entities, the Chief of Staff & Chief External Affairs Officer expands the reach and influence of the university within the North Carolina healthcare landscape. This leadership role involves managing complex public affairs projects that impact the university's standing. Through the alignment of internal goals with external expectations, the Chief of Staff & Chief External Affairs Officer drives institutional success. Ultimately, Wargo secures the necessary partnerships to sustain the university's commitment to public health and safety.

Kelli Brown, the Chancellor at Western Carolina University, directs the overarching strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Overseeing the integration of campus health services with broader educational goals, the Chancellor ensures alignment between administrative policy and student welfare. Kelli Brown manages high-level institutional partnerships, including the affiliation with Harris EMS, to maintain the safety and operational integrity of the university. By fostering a culture of academic rigor and community engagement, the Chancellor drives long-term growth across the North Carolina region. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board of Trustees to secure financial stability and infrastructure development. Through the implementation of comprehensive campus policies, the Chancellor supports the delivery of emergency medical services to students, faculty, and visitors. Ultimately, the Chancellor secures the reputation of the university as a premier center for learning and public service.