Willamette University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Willamette University has 4 executives leading key functions including financial management, information technology, health professions development, and campus sustainability.

Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, Willamette University fosters critical thinking and leadership development through active community engagement and a deep connection to civic life in the Pacific Northwest.

Leadership Roles at Willamette University

  • Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance - Anne Gallagher
  • President, Health Professions Club - Gavin Klipfel
  • Growing Oaks President - Rose Grimson
  • 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. Overseeing the allocation of institutional resources, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance ensures the financial stability required to support diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. This leadership role involves managing complex endowment funds and coordinating with the Board of Trustees to maintain fiscal health. By optimizing operational expenditures, Anne Gallagher directly impacts the university's ability to provide an academically enriching environment. Gallagher secures the necessary capital to sustain campus infrastructure and faculty research initiatives. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance maintains the institution's competitive position within the private liberal arts sector while driving sustainable growth across all academic departments.

    Gavin Klipfel - President, Health Professions Club

    Gavin Klipfel, the President, Health Professions Club at Willamette University, drives student engagement and professional development within the medical and healthcare fields. Overseeing collaborative workshops and networking events, the President, Health Professions Club ensures that aspiring practitioners gain exposure to real-world clinical environments. This leadership role involves coordinating with local healthcare partners to provide mentorship opportunities for undergraduate students. By facilitating connections between students and industry professionals, Gavin Klipfel directly impacts the career readiness of the next generation of health leaders. Klipfel manages the club's strategic outreach to expand awareness of graduate program pathways. Through active community engagement, the President, Health Professions Club strengthens the university's reputation as a hub for health-focused academic excellence, ensuring that students possess the necessary skills and professional networks to succeed in competitive medical landscapes.

    Rose Grimson - Growing Oaks President

    Rose Grimson, the Growing Oaks President at Willamette University, directs sustainability initiatives and campus environmental stewardship programs. Overseeing student-led conservation projects and ecological awareness campaigns, the Growing Oaks President ensures that the university maintains its commitment to environmental responsibility. This leadership role involves collaborating with campus facilities to implement waste reduction strategies and promote sustainable living practices among the student body. By fostering a culture of ecological mindfulness, Rose Grimson directly impacts the university's footprint and community impact. Grimson manages partnerships with local environmental organizations to provide hands-on learning experiences for students interested in sustainability. Through consistent advocacy for green policies, the Growing Oaks President enhances the campus environment, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in promoting sustainable practices within the liberal arts academic community.

    Jeremy Lovato - Chief Information Officer, Vpit

    Jeremy Lovato, the Chief Information Officer, Vpit at Willamette University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern pedagogical needs. Overseeing campus-wide network security and data management systems, the Chief Information Officer, Vpit ensures seamless integration of technology into the classroom experience. This leadership role involves modernizing administrative software to improve operational efficiency for faculty and staff. By implementing scalable cloud solutions, Jeremy Lovato directly impacts the university's capacity for remote learning and digital collaboration. Lovato manages the technical roadmap to align with the institution's mission of fostering critical thinking through advanced research tools. Through strategic investment in cybersecurity, the Chief Information Officer, Vpit protects sensitive academic data while facilitating innovation across the entire campus ecosystem, ensuring that technological resources remain robust and accessible for all students and researchers.

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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 Gavin Klipfel (President, Health Professions Club) 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), Gavin Klipfel (President, Health Professions Club), Rose Grimson (Growing Oaks President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Willamette University have?
    Willamette University has 4 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, President, Health Professions Club, Growing Oaks President, Chief Information Officer, Vpit.