Whitman College Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Whitman College has 6 executives leading key functions including information technology, strategic advisory, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and fostering global citizenship, Whitman College provides a rigorous liberal arts education designed to cultivate character, creativity, and responsibility within a supportive, close-knit community environment.

Leadership Roles at Whitman College

  • Member, President's Advisory Board - Matthew Ames
  • President - Sarah Ozar
  • President - Sarah Bolton
  • President's Office Staff - Joanie Lucarelli
  • President - Trina Whitman
  • Chief Information Officer - Dan Terrio
  • Matthew Ames - Member, President's Advisory Board

    Matthew Ames, the Member, President's Advisory Board at Whitman College, provides strategic guidance and external perspective to the executive leadership team. Focusing on long-term institutional sustainability and community engagement, the Member, President's Advisory Board evaluates initiatives that expand the college's reach and influence within the national higher education landscape. Matthew Ames collaborates with senior administrators to refine the strategic vision, ensuring that academic programs remain relevant to evolving student needs and global market demands. This role involves analyzing institutional performance metrics and advising on resource allocation to support the college's commitment to scholarship and character development. By bridging the gap between the institution and broader professional networks, Ames strengthens the college's reputation and fosters partnerships that benefit the student body. The Member, President's Advisory Board contributes to the governance framework that sustains the college's status as a premier liberal arts destination.

    Sarah Ozar - President

    Sarah Ozar, the President at Whitman College, architects the overarching academic and operational strategy for the institution. Focusing on internal scaling and the optimization of faculty-student engagement, the President drives initiatives that enhance the quality of the liberal arts curriculum. Sarah Ozar manages the alignment of departmental goals with the college's mission of fostering scholarship and responsibility. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board of Trustees to secure financial stability and advance the college's reputation as a nationally recognized institution. By overseeing the implementation of diverse academic programs, the President ensures that the college remains a hub for creativity and intellectual growth. Ozar directs the administrative functions that support a supportive campus environment, facilitating the development of informed global citizens. Through consistent focus on institutional excellence, the President maintains the college's competitive position within the higher education sector.

    Sarah Bolton - President

    Sarah Bolton, the President at Whitman College, directs the external relations and long-term growth strategy for the institution. Focusing on market expansion and the cultivation of philanthropic support, the President secures the resources necessary to sustain the college's diverse academic offerings. Sarah Bolton oversees the development of partnerships that provide students with hands-on learning experiences and global opportunities. This leadership role involves representing the college to prospective students, alumni, and the broader academic community to reinforce the institution's value proposition. By championing the liberal arts model, the President drives initiatives that promote character development and academic rigor. Bolton manages the strategic planning process, ensuring that the college adapts to the changing needs of the modern educational landscape. Through the promotion of the college's unique identity, the President strengthens the institution's standing as a leader in providing a top-tier, supportive educational environment.

    Joanie Lucarelli - President's Office Staff

    Joanie Lucarelli, the President's Office Staff at Whitman College, coordinates the daily operational flow and executive communications for the college's leadership. Overseeing the scheduling of high-level meetings and the preparation of institutional briefings, the President's Office Staff ensures that the executive team remains focused on core strategic priorities. Joanie Lucarelli manages the flow of information between the President and various campus departments, facilitating efficient decision-making processes. This role involves maintaining the integrity of administrative records and supporting the execution of college-wide initiatives that promote scholarship and creativity. By streamlining the operations of the executive office, the President's Office Staff enables the leadership to dedicate more time to student-centered programs and community engagement. Lucarelli plays a vital role in maintaining the organizational cohesion required to support the college's mission of fostering responsibility and academic excellence among the student body.

    Trina Whitman - President

    Trina Whitman, the President at Whitman College, oversees the integration of student services and campus culture initiatives. Focusing on the holistic development of the student body, the President drives programs that emphasize character, responsibility, and community engagement. Trina Whitman manages the alignment of student life activities with the college's academic mission, ensuring a cohesive experience for all learners. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty and administrative staff to create a supportive environment that encourages diverse academic exploration. By championing the importance of a close-knit community, the President fosters an atmosphere where students thrive both intellectually and personally. Whitman directs the implementation of policies that enhance the student experience, from residential life to extracurricular opportunities. Through a dedicated focus on the student journey, the President ensures that the college continues to produce informed global citizens prepared for the challenges of the modern world.

    Dan Terrio - Chief Information Officer

    Dan Terrio, the Chief Information Officer at Whitman College, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy supporting the institution's academic mission. Overseeing campus-wide network security, data management, and instructional technology integration, the Chief Information Officer ensures that faculty and students possess the tools necessary for advanced scholarship. Dan Terrio manages the deployment of enterprise software solutions that streamline administrative workflows and enhance the student experience across the Pacific Northwest region. By aligning technical resources with the college's pedagogical goals, the Chief Information Officer facilitates seamless access to digital research archives and collaborative learning platforms. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of emerging educational technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the liberal arts sector. Through the modernization of campus systems, Terrio supports the overarching objective of providing a top-tier, technology-enabled educational environment for all members of the community.
    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 Matthew Ames (Member, President's Advisory Board), along with executives such as Sarah Ozar (President) and Sarah Bolton (President).
    Who is part of Whitman College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Whitman College includes leaders such as Matthew Ames (Member, President's Advisory Board), Sarah Ozar (President), Sarah Bolton (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Whitman College have?
    Whitman College has 6 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 Member, President's Advisory Board, President, President, President's Office Staff, President.