BFA Leadership Team

Joyce Lopes

Vice President 

Division of Business & Financial Affairs 

Joyce.Lopes@wwu.edu

Joyce Lopes is the chief financial and business officer of the university and leads the 7 units within BFA.

Dolapo Akinrinade

Director

University Policy & Public Records

akinrio@wwu.edu

Dolapo Akinrinade is responsible for the university policy making process, working collaboratively with policy owners, departmental managers and directors, and university leadership to ensure that university policies and procedures are effectively established, maintained, reviewed, communicated, and aligned with strategic goals and university values, leadership decisions and statutory or legislative changes. In addition, the Director of University Policy and Public Records advises on policy development, policy process improvement, developing strategies to enhance implementation of policies, and serves as the subject matter expert on university policy development. The Director manages all aspects of the public records program and is responsible for the fulfilment of public records requests in accordance with state laws, case laws and other statutes.

Faye Gallant

Assistant Vice President 

Strategy, Management & Budget

gallanf@wwu.edu

The Strategy, Management & Budget (SMB) department serves as the budget development, analysis, financial planning, and strategic management lead for WWU. SMB supports financial stewardship, strategic budgeting, and transparency through comprehensive reporting and analysis, streamlined processes, and impactful communications. 

  • University Budgeting & Financial Planning
  • Division Budget Director
  • BFA Strategic Planning & Implementation 
  • BFA Communications 

Liz Parkes 

Associate Vice President 

Human Resources 

parkese@wwu.edu

Liz Parkes leads a service orientated team committed to providing courteous and efficient support to Western's employees, in compliance with Federal, State, and university regulations. 

  • Employee Benefits and HRIS
  • Employee & Labor Relations 
  • Leave of Absence & Medical Accommodations 
  • Payroll Services & Compensation 
  • Onboarding 
  • Recruitment 

Steve Hollenhorst

Associate Vice President 

Facilities Development & Operations 

hollens@wwu.edu

Steve Hollenhorst oversees Facilities Management and Capital Planning & Development, which provide essential services to campus including facility maintenance, repairs, engineering, architecture and design, and planning expertise. 

  • Design, Planning & Development
  • Capital Budget & Public Works Procurement
  • FDO Financial & Business Services
  • Building & Campus Services
  • Maintenance & Operations
  • Sustainability
  • Asset Management

Nancy Phillips

Executive Assistant to the VP for BFA

VP for BFA Office

Phillips@wwu.edu

Nancy Phillips serves as the confidential executive assistant to the Vice President and manages the day-to-day operations of the Vice President’s Office.

Katy Potts

Chief of Police

University Police 

kpotts@wwu.edu

The Chief of Police is responsible for the effective leadership, management and operation of the University Police Department including planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the department and assuring that law and order is maintained, state and federal laws are enforced, and appropriate measures are implemented to prevent crime and protect Western Washington’s students, staff, faculty, and visitors. Oversees the management and coordination of all university public safety functions with a community-centered focus on the public safety of the university community.

  • University Police
  • Dispatch
  • Transportation Services 
  • Records/Administration
  • Green Coats

Darin Rasmussen

Assistant Vice President 

Risk, Ethics, Safety & Resilience

rasmusd4@wwu.edu

Darin Rasmussen leads a set of functions to help ensure our campus is a safe, resilient, and supportive place to live, learn, and work. He also holds the designation of University Ethics Advisor.

  • Environmental Health & Safety
  • Emergency Management & Business Continuity
  • Risk Management, Ethics, & Compliance

Brian Sullivan

Associate Vice President

Finance & Business Services

Brian.Sullivan@wwu.edu

Brian Sullivan is the principal accounting executive, chief controls officer, and designated tax official for WWU, and also provides oversight and management for bond issuance and compliance. Brian oversees various functions of the university including:

  • Business Services: Print, Copy & Mail Services, Purchasing & Contracts, and Travel Services
  • Financial Services: Accounting Services and Treasury Services
  • Student Business Office: Loan Servicing, Tuition and Payments