Willamette University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Willamette University has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, information technology, student organization leadership, community development, and health professions advocacy.

Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, Willamette University fosters critical thinking and leadership development through active community engagement and rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs.

Leadership Roles at Willamette University

  • Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance - Anne Gallagher
  • Boffer Club President - Andrew Nelson
  • Growing Oaks President - Rose Grimson
  • President, Health Professions Club - Gavin Klipfel
  • Chief Information Officer, Vpit - Jeremy Lovato
  • Anne Gallagher - Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance

    Anne Gallagher, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance at Willamette University, directs all fiscal operations and long-term budgetary planning. Managing the university's endowment and operational funds, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance ensures the institution maintains financial health while supporting academic growth. This role involves collaborating with the Board of Trustees to allocate resources toward campus infrastructure and faculty development. By overseeing financial reporting and risk management, Anne Gallagher secures the economic stability necessary for the university to thrive as a premier liberal arts institution. The Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance also monitors regional economic trends to optimize investment strategies. Through precise financial oversight, the office supports the broader mission of providing an academically enriching environment for students across the Pacific Northwest and beyond, ensuring that every dollar invested directly enhances the educational experience and institutional longevity.

    Andrew Nelson - Boffer Club President

    Andrew Nelson, the Boffer Club President at Willamette University, coordinates student engagement initiatives focused on physical activity and community building. Managing club logistics and event scheduling, the Boffer Club President fosters an inclusive environment where students develop leadership skills through organized recreational activities. This role involves collaborating with student government to secure funding and promote campus-wide participation in club events. By facilitating regular training sessions and competitive matches, Andrew Nelson encourages teamwork and strategic thinking among the student body. The Boffer Club President also maintains safety standards and equipment maintenance to ensure a high-quality experience for all members. Through these efforts, the club contributes to the vibrant campus life that defines the university experience. This leadership role directly supports the institution's mission of active community engagement, providing students with meaningful opportunities to connect with peers outside the classroom while building lasting interpersonal relationships and personal resilience.

    Rose Grimson - Growing Oaks President

    Rose Grimson, the Growing Oaks President at Willamette University, directs environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives across the campus. Overseeing community gardening projects and ecological awareness programs, the Growing Oaks President ensures the university remains a leader in campus-based environmental action. This role involves coordinating with faculty and local organizations to implement sustainable practices that align with the institution's commitment to civic life. By organizing workshops and volunteer events, Rose Grimson promotes ecological literacy and hands-on learning for the student body. The Growing Oaks President also manages resource allocation for campus green spaces, ensuring these areas serve as living laboratories for environmental studies. Through these initiatives, the office drives the university's impact on local sustainability efforts. This leadership role supports the broader mission of fostering responsible citizenship, empowering students to apply critical thinking to real-world environmental challenges while enhancing the natural beauty and ecological health of the campus grounds.

    Gavin Klipfel - President, Health Professions Club

    Gavin Klipfel, the President, Health Professions Club at Willamette University, architects professional development pathways for students pursuing careers in medicine and healthcare. Overseeing networking events and clinical shadowing opportunities, the President, Health Professions Club ensures members gain exposure to diverse medical fields and industry standards. This role involves collaborating with regional healthcare providers to facilitate internships and mentorship programs that bridge the gap between academic theory and clinical practice. By organizing guest lectures and skill-building workshops, Gavin Klipfel prepares students for the rigors of graduate school and professional life. The President, Health Professions Club also manages internal communications to keep members informed about medical school application requirements and industry trends. Through these efforts, the office supports the university's goal of producing graduates ready to lead in the health sector. This leadership role directly impacts student success by providing the resources and connections necessary for navigating complex career paths in the healthcare industry.

    Jeremy Lovato - Chief Information Officer, Vpit

    Jeremy Lovato, the Chief Information Officer, Vpit at Willamette University, architects the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the entire campus community. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols and data management systems, the Chief Information Officer, Vpit ensures seamless integration of academic software and administrative tools. This leadership position involves modernizing classroom technology to facilitate advanced research and collaborative learning. By driving digital transformation initiatives, Jeremy Lovato enables faculty and students to access high-performance computing resources essential for modern liberal arts education. The Chief Information Officer, Vpit also manages the network architecture that connects the university to global research databases and government partners. Through strategic technology deployment, the office maintains a secure, efficient, and innovative digital environment. This work supports the university's commitment to critical thinking by providing the necessary tools for data-driven inquiry and effective communication across all academic departments and administrative functions.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Willamette University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Willamette University?
    Willamette University is led by Anne Gallagher (Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance), along with executives such as Andrew Nelson (Boffer Club President) and Rose Grimson (Growing Oaks President).
    Who is part of Willamette University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Willamette University includes leaders such as Anne Gallagher (Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance), Andrew Nelson (Boffer Club President), Rose Grimson (Growing Oaks President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Willamette University have?
    Willamette University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Willamette University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Willamette University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance, Boffer Club President, Growing Oaks President, President, Health Professions Club, Chief Information Officer, Vpit.