Whitman College Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Whitman College has 7 executives leading key functions including information technology, presidential operations, board governance, and institutional leadership.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Whitman College fosters scholarship, creativity, character, and responsibility, preparing students for global citizenship through diverse programs and accessible faculty.

Leadership Roles at Whitman College

  • President's Office Staff - Joanie Lucarelli
  • Board Member, President's Advisory Board - Christopher Perdue
  • Member, President's Advisory Board - Matthew Ames
  • Student Representative - President's Budget Advisory Committee - Grant Didway
  • President - Sarah Ozar
  • President - Trina Whitman
  • Chief Information Officer - Dan Terrio
  • Joanie Lucarelli - President's Office Staff

    Joanie Lucarelli, the President's Office Staff at Whitman College, provides critical support to the presidential functions and administrative operations. This role involves managing key initiatives and ensuring the smooth execution of daily activities within the President's Office. Lucarelli's contributions are vital to maintaining the operational integrity and strategic momentum of the college's highest leadership. By coordinating communications and supporting executive decision-making, Joanie Lucarelli directly facilitates the college's mission of fostering scholarship and responsibility. The President's Office Staff ensures that institutional priorities are addressed efficiently, supporting the overarching goals of Whitman College in its pursuit of academic excellence and student development.

    Christopher Perdue - Board Member, President's Advisory Board

    Christopher Perdue, the Board Member, President's Advisory Board at Whitman College, contributes strategic guidance and oversight to institutional leadership. Serving on the President's Advisory Board, Perdue offers valuable insights derived from extensive experience, shaping key decisions that advance the college's objectives. This governance role involves reviewing institutional performance and advising on long-term strategic planning, directly supporting Whitman College's commitment to fostering scholarship and character. By participating in board deliberations, Christopher Perdue helps ensure the college maintains its high standards and adapts to evolving educational landscapes. The Board Member's input is crucial for steering Whitman College toward sustained growth and academic distinction.

    Matthew Ames - Member, President's Advisory Board

    Matthew Ames, the Member, President's Advisory Board at Whitman College, provides essential advisory services to the college's leadership. As a Member of the President's Advisory Board, Ames contributes expertise and perspective to critical institutional matters, reinforcing the college's strategic direction. This position involves active participation in discussions aimed at enhancing academic programs and operational effectiveness, directly supporting Whitman College's dedication to creativity and responsibility. Through thoughtful counsel, Matthew Ames aids in navigating complex challenges and identifying opportunities for advancement. The Member's engagement is integral to maintaining Whitman College's reputation for academic rigor and fostering a supportive learning environment.

    Grant Didway - Student Representative - President's Budget Advisory Committee

    Grant Didway, the Student Representative - President's Budget Advisory Committee at Whitman College, offers a vital student perspective on financial planning and resource allocation. Representing the student body on the President's Budget Advisory Committee, Didway ensures that student needs and priorities are considered in budgetary decisions. This role directly supports Whitman College's commitment to fostering responsibility by integrating student voices into institutional governance. By advocating for student interests, Grant Didway contributes to equitable resource distribution and the overall student experience. The Student Representative's involvement enhances transparency and strengthens the connection between student life and administrative strategy at Whitman College.

    Sarah Ozar - President

    Sarah Ozar, the President at Whitman College, directs the overall strategic vision and operational leadership of the institution. Leading Whitman College, Ozar is responsible for advancing its mission of fostering scholarship, creativity, character, and responsibility among students. This executive role involves overseeing all academic and administrative departments, ensuring alignment with the college's core values and educational objectives. By guiding institutional development and external relations, Sarah Ozar significantly impacts the college's national standing and its ability to attract top-tier students and faculty. The President's leadership is paramount in maintaining Whitman College's commitment to providing a transformative liberal arts education.

    Trina Whitman - President

    Trina Whitman, the President at Whitman College, spearheads the institution's strategic direction and comprehensive operational management. As President, Whitman drives the college's commitment to fostering scholarship, creativity, character, and responsibility, ensuring a high-quality liberal arts education. This leadership position encompasses guiding academic innovation, enhancing student support services, and strengthening the college's community engagement. By championing institutional growth and excellence, Trina Whitman plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Whitman College. The President's focus on accessible faculty and a close-knit community directly supports the college's aim to develop informed global citizens.

    Dan Terrio - Chief Information Officer

    Dan Terrio, the Chief Information Officer at Whitman College, directs the institution's technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all aspects of information systems, Terrio ensures the seamless integration of digital tools to support academic and administrative functions. This leadership role involves managing the college's network, cybersecurity measures, and data management systems, directly impacting the student and faculty experience. By optimizing technological resources, Dan Terrio enhances operational efficiency and supports the college's mission of fostering scholarship and creativity. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities extend to evaluating emerging technologies for potential adoption, ensuring Whitman College remains at the forefront of educational technology.
    Dan Terrio

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Whitman College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Whitman College?
    Whitman College is led by Joanie Lucarelli (President's Office Staff), along with executives such as Christopher Perdue (Board Member, President's Advisory Board) and Matthew Ames (Member, President's Advisory Board).
    Who is part of Whitman College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Whitman College includes leaders such as Joanie Lucarelli (President's Office Staff), Christopher Perdue (Board Member, President's Advisory Board), Matthew Ames (Member, President's Advisory Board) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Whitman College have?
    Whitman College has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Whitman College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Whitman College includes roles such as President's Office Staff, Board Member, President's Advisory Board, Member, President's Advisory Board, Student Representative - President's Budget Advisory Committee, President.