Whitman College Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Whitman College has 8 executives leading key functions including information technology, institutional leadership, administrative support, advisory governance, and student budget oversight.

Dedicated to fostering scholarship and character, Whitman College provides a rigorous liberal arts education that prepares students to become informed global citizens through diverse academic programs and close-knit community engagement.

Leadership Roles at Whitman College

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

    Sarah Ozar, the President at Whitman College, executes the overarching strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Overseeing the alignment of faculty research with student development goals, the President ensures the college maintains its reputation for rigorous liberal arts education. This leadership role involves managing institutional partnerships and engaging with the broader academic community to enhance the college's national standing. By prioritizing scholarship and character development, Sarah Ozar directly impacts the quality of the student experience. The President coordinates with the Board of Trustees to secure financial stability and long-term growth for the campus. Through active engagement with alumni and donors, Ozar fosters a supportive environment that sustains diverse academic programs. Ultimately, the President drives the strategic initiatives that define the college's role as a premier destination for students seeking a transformative education in a close-knit, intellectually vibrant community.

    Joanie Lucarelli - President's Office Staff

    Joanie Lucarelli, the President's Office Staff at Whitman College, manages the daily operational flow and administrative coordination for the executive leadership team. Overseeing the scheduling of high-level meetings and the preparation of critical institutional communications, the President's Office Staff ensures the efficient execution of presidential priorities. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the President and various campus stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and student representatives. By streamlining administrative processes, Joanie Lucarelli directly impacts the productivity and responsiveness of the executive office. The President's Office Staff maintains the integrity of institutional records and supports the implementation of strategic projects across the college. Through meticulous attention to detail, Lucarelli enables the executive team to focus on long-term academic goals and community engagement. Ultimately, the President's Office Staff provides the essential organizational support required to maintain the smooth functioning of the college's leadership structure.

    Christopher Perdue - Board Member, President's Advisory Board

    Christopher Perdue, the Board Member, President's Advisory Board at Whitman College, provides strategic guidance and external perspective to the executive leadership team. Overseeing the evaluation of institutional policies and long-term planning initiatives, the Board Member, President's Advisory Board ensures alignment with the college's core mission of fostering scholarship and responsibility. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends in higher education to inform decision-making regarding academic programs and campus development. By offering objective insights, Christopher Perdue directly impacts the college's ability to navigate complex challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities. The Board Member, President's Advisory Board collaborates with other advisors to review financial health and institutional sustainability. Through active participation in governance discussions, Perdue supports the President in maintaining the college's high standards for academic excellence. Ultimately, the Board Member, President's Advisory Board drives the strategic oversight necessary to ensure the institution remains a leader in liberal arts education.

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

    Grant Didway, the Student Representative - President's Budget Advisory Committee at Whitman College, advocates for student interests during the critical financial planning and resource allocation processes. Overseeing the review of budgetary priorities, the Student Representative - President's Budget Advisory Committee ensures that institutional spending reflects the needs and values of the student body. This leadership role involves analyzing proposed expenditures and providing feedback on how financial decisions impact campus life, academic resources, and student services. By representing the diverse perspectives of the student population, Grant Didway directly impacts the transparency and equity of the college's fiscal strategy. The Student Representative - President's Budget Advisory Committee collaborates with administrators to balance fiscal responsibility with the goal of providing a top-tier educational experience. Through active participation in committee deliberations, Didway promotes a culture of shared governance. Ultimately, the Student Representative - President's Budget Advisory Committee drives the inclusion of student voices in the financial decision-making process.

    Sarah Bolton - President

    Sarah Bolton, the President at Whitman College, directs the comprehensive academic and administrative operations of the institution. Overseeing the development of innovative curricula and the recruitment of world-class faculty, the President ensures the college remains at the forefront of liberal arts education. This leadership role involves championing the college's commitment to creativity and character development across all 80 majors and programs. By fostering an inclusive and supportive campus culture, Sarah Bolton directly impacts student retention and success. The President leads the strategic planning efforts that guide the college's growth and market positioning within the competitive higher education landscape. Through engagement with regional and national academic organizations, Bolton enhances the college's visibility and influence. Ultimately, the President drives the institutional vision that empowers students to become informed global citizens, ensuring the college continues to provide a transformative educational experience for every member of the community.

    Trina Whitman - President

    Trina Whitman, the President at Whitman College, oversees the long-term institutional health and the advancement of the college's mission. Directing the fundraising and development efforts, the President secures the resources necessary to support scholarships, faculty research, and campus infrastructure. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners to expand the college's reach and impact. By prioritizing financial sustainability and academic quality, Trina Whitman directly impacts the college's ability to offer diverse learning experiences. The President works closely with the Board of Trustees to set the strategic direction for the institution, ensuring alignment with the core values of scholarship and responsibility. Through the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration, Whitman fosters an environment where creativity thrives. Ultimately, the President drives the initiatives that sustain the college's reputation as a premier liberal arts institution, ensuring that the educational mission remains accessible and impactful for future generations of students.

    Matthew Ames - Member, President's Advisory Board

    Matthew Ames, the Member, President's Advisory Board at Whitman College, contributes expert analysis and strategic advice to the executive leadership team. Overseeing the assessment of institutional goals, the Member, President's Advisory Board provides critical feedback on initiatives related to academic growth and community engagement. This leadership role involves evaluating the effectiveness of current programs and suggesting improvements to enhance the student experience. By leveraging professional expertise, Matthew Ames directly impacts the college's ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the higher education sector. The Member, President's Advisory Board participates in high-level discussions regarding the college's future direction and resource allocation. Through consistent engagement with the President, Ames helps refine the strategies that support the college's mission of fostering character and responsibility. Ultimately, the Member, President's Advisory Board drives the strategic thinking required to maintain the institution's status as a nationally recognized leader in liberal arts education.

    Keiko Pitter - Chief Information Officer

    Keiko Pitter, the Chief Information Officer at Whitman College, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy supporting academic excellence. Overseeing campus-wide network security and data management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration of modern learning tools across all departments. This leadership role involves architecting scalable cloud solutions that facilitate research and administrative efficiency for faculty and students. By modernizing digital resources, Keiko Pitter directly impacts the college's ability to maintain a competitive edge in the liberal arts sector. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with academic leadership to align technology investments with the broader mission of fostering creativity and scholarship. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols, Pitter secures sensitive institutional data while promoting an environment of open inquiry. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation necessary for long-term institutional success and operational agility within the Pacific Northwest higher education landscape.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Whitman College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Whitman College?
    Whitman College is led by Sarah Ozar (President), along with executives such as Joanie Lucarelli (President's Office Staff) and Christopher Perdue (Board Member, President's Advisory Board).
    Who is part of Whitman College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Whitman College includes leaders such as Sarah Ozar (President), Joanie Lucarelli (President's Office Staff), Christopher Perdue (Board Member, President's Advisory Board) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Whitman College have?
    Whitman College has 8 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, President's Office Staff, Board Member, President's Advisory Board, Student Representative - President's Budget Advisory Committee, President.