Whitman College Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Whitman College has 7 executives leading key functions including technology, administration, strategy, and governance.

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

Leadership Roles at Whitman College

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

    Joanie Lucarelli, serving as President's Office Staff at Whitman College, provides essential administrative and operational support to the presidential leadership. This role involves managing key communications, coordinating schedules, and facilitating the smooth functioning of the President's immediate office, thereby enabling effective governance and strategic execution. Lucarelli's contributions are vital for maintaining the college's administrative integrity and supporting its mission to foster character and responsibility among students. By ensuring efficient office operations, Joanie Lucarelli directly impacts the college's ability to engage with its community and uphold its commitment to academic excellence. The President's Office Staff ensures that the college's leadership can focus on strategic initiatives and student development.

    Matthew Ames - Member, President's Advisory Board

    Matthew Ames, a Member of the President's Advisory Board at Whitman College, contributes strategic guidance and external perspective to the college's leadership. This advisory capacity involves offering insights on institutional development, market positioning, and long-term planning, aligning with the college's dedication to fostering scholarship and creativity. Ames's involvement supports the President's Office in navigating complex challenges and identifying opportunities for growth. By providing expert counsel, Matthew Ames helps shape the college's trajectory, ensuring its continued commitment to academic rigor and student success. The President's Advisory Board plays a critical role in reinforcing Whitman College's standing as a nationally recognized liberal arts institution.

    Trina Whitman - President

    Trina Whitman, the President of Whitman College, directs the overall strategic vision and operational leadership of the institution. This executive role encompasses guiding academic programs, fostering faculty development, and ensuring the college's financial health, all in service of its mission to cultivate scholarship, creativity, character, and responsibility. Whitman's leadership focuses on enhancing the student experience and strengthening the college's national reputation as a premier liberal arts institution. By championing innovative educational approaches and community engagement, Trina Whitman drives the college's commitment to preparing students for informed global citizenship. The President's strategic direction is paramount to Whitman College's continued success and impact.

    Sarah Ozar - President

    Sarah Ozar, holding the position of President at Whitman College, spearheads the institution's strategic direction and administrative oversight. This leadership function involves championing the college's core values of scholarship, creativity, character, and responsibility, while ensuring the delivery of a high-quality liberal arts education. Ozar's focus is on advancing the college's mission to support students in becoming informed global citizens through accessible faculty and a close-knit community. By cultivating a supportive academic environment, Sarah Ozar directly contributes to the college's goal of providing exceptional learning experiences. The President's leadership is integral to maintaining Whitman College's commitment to academic excellence and student development.

    Christopher Perdue - Board Member, President's Advisory Board

    Christopher Perdue, a Board Member of the President's Advisory Board at Whitman College, provides critical strategic input and governance support. This role involves advising on institutional priorities, resource allocation, and long-term planning to uphold the college's commitment to fostering scholarship and creativity. Perdue's expertise aids the presidential leadership in navigating the evolving landscape of higher education and ensuring the college's continued excellence. By contributing to strategic discussions, Christopher Perdue helps shape the college's future, reinforcing its dedication to developing responsible and informed global citizens. The President's Advisory Board, with members like Perdue, ensures robust oversight and strategic alignment.

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

    Grant Didway, as Student Representative for the President's Budget Advisory Committee at Whitman College, offers the student perspective on financial planning and resource allocation. This vital role ensures that student needs and priorities are considered in budgetary decisions, supporting the college's mission to foster responsibility and character. Didway's participation provides valuable insights into student life and academic requirements, informing strategic financial management. By representing the student body, Grant Didway contributes to a more holistic approach to institutional governance and resource deployment. The President's Budget Advisory Committee benefits from this direct student input, enhancing fiscal stewardship.

    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 that support academic research, administrative operations, and student learning experiences. This leadership role involves managing the college's network, cybersecurity protocols, and data management systems, directly contributing to the college's mission of fostering scholarship and creativity. By implementing innovative technological solutions, Dan Terrio enhances the accessibility of educational resources and supports the college's commitment to providing a top-tier liberal arts education. The Chief Information Officer's efforts are crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and advancing the college's digital footprint across its Walla Walla, Washington campus.
    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 Matthew Ames (Member, President's Advisory Board) and Trina Whitman (President).
    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), Matthew Ames (Member, President's Advisory Board), Trina Whitman (President) 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, Member, President's Advisory Board, President, President, Board Member, President's Advisory Board.