President’s Council

President's Council

Western Connecticut State University's primary forum for shared governance, inclusive planning, budget consultation, and cross-divisional dialogue — bringing every voice to the table.

"The President's Council exists because the people closest to the work are closest to the answers. WestConn is at an inflection point — one that calls for shared leadership, honest conversation, and collective will. This council brings together every corner of our community — students, faculty, staff, and administration — because that's who WestConn is. This is how we work."

— Jesse M. Bernal, President

What Is the President's Council?

The President's Council was re-established and expanded under President Bernal to reflect WestConn's commitment to transparency, inclusion, and shared decision-making. Meeting at least every other month, the Council advises the president and senior leadership on strategic priorities, institutional policies, and resource allocation.

This is a working forum where faculty, staff, students, and administrators sit at the same table — and where diverse perspectives actively shape the decisions that affect every member of our community.

This structure is aligned with NECHE Standards 3.2, 3.7, and 3.17, which emphasize effective governance, broad participation, and alignment with institutional mission and responsibilities.

Our Goals

Serve as the principal university-wide forum for collaborative planning, budgeting, and policy review.
Strengthen alignment of institutional decisions with WCSU's mission, strategic priorities, and financial sustainability.
Increase transparency in the rationale and process behind major decisions.
Provide space for cross-functional dialogue, shared accountability, and coordination across divisions.

What We're Working Toward

Greater visibility and trust in institutional decisions through structured, recurring dialogue.
Documented advisory input reflected in strategic planning updates, budget submissions, and policy proposals.
Regular tracking of progress against strategic priorities and key institutional metrics.
Enhanced communication and feedback loops between leadership and campus constituencies.

Council Membership

The Council draws from every corner of the institution — academic leadership, operations, student affairs, enrollment, advancement, faculty governance, union leadership, and student representatives. This structure ensures both administrative accountability and genuine shared governance.

Administration
  • Jesse M. Bernal ★President
  • Stephen Hegedus ★VP for Academic Affairs / Provost
  • Ron Thomas ★VP for Finance & Administration / CFO (Interim)
  • Gregg Crerar ★VP for Institutional Advancement (Interim)
  • Fred Cratty ★Chief Human Resources Officer
  • John DeRosa ★Chief Information Officer
  • Jennifer Labate ★Chief DEI Officer
  • Marcia Firsick★ Director of Communications & Marketing
  • Mary O'Connor ★Executive Assistant to the President
  • Julie Perrelli ★Dean of Student Affairs (Interim)
  • Melissa Stephens ★Associate Vice President of Enrollment
  • Brian VernonDean, School of Visual, Performing & Communication Arts
  • Joan PalladinoDean, School of Professional Studies
  • Michelle BrownDean, Macricostats School of Arts and Sciences
  • Siamack ShojaiDean, Ancell School of Business
  • Yaseen HayajnehDean, School of Graduate, International & Career Studies (Interim)
Faculty
  • Manoj MisraProfessor, Social Science (AAUP)
  • Robert WhittemoreProfessor, Social Science (AAUP)
  • Tricia StewartProfessor, Education & Educational Psychology (AAUP)
  • Wenguang (Aaron) LinAssociate Professor, Finance (AAUP)
  • Wynn Gadkar-WilcoxProfessor, History (AAUP)
  • Danielle McDonnellWomen's Lacrosse Coach (AAUP)
  • Jeffrey SchlichtProfessor, Health Promotion & Exercise Sciences (University Senate President)
  • Jacqueline GuzdaAssociate Professor, Communication and Media Arts (University Senate)
  • Jennifer O'BrienLibrarian (University Senate)
Students
  • Owen IbeySGA President
  • Gianna Ruby-DaSilvaSGA Vice President
  • Abe SariSGA Director of Finance
  • Gaby TorresSGA Director of Student Relations
  • Dylan CaldwellSGA Chief Justice
  • Madelynn PhulSGA Secretary
  • Gideon OlawaleStudent Representative
  • Luis AsanzaStudent Representative
  • Razi NaoualiStudent Representative
Staff
  • Merisa WilliamsUnion – Administrative Clerical, President
  • Michael ErcoliUnion – Maintenance & Service Unit, Vice President
  • Rebecca WoodwardUnion – SUOAF President
  • Teresa SaundersUnion – Administrative & Residual (A&R), Representative
  • AnnMarie PuleoDirector, University Advisement Center
  • Bob BerryChief of Police / Director of Public Safety
  • Debra MananteDirector, Career Success Center
  • Debra ZavatkayRegistrar
  • Erica ThompsonBursar
  • Jacquelyn RayDirector of Library Services
  • John MurphyDirector of Auxiliary Services
  • Julianne JohnsonInformation Systems Manager
  • Lori MazzaDirector of Athletics
  • Luis SantiagoDirector of Admissions
  • Maria VeilleuxDirector of University Advancement & Business Operations
  • Paul SteinmetzDirector of Sponsored Research
  • Peter RosaDirector of Fiscal Affairs / Controller
  • Robert PoteDirector, Pre-Collegiate & Access Programs
  • Ron MasonDirector of Housing & Residence Life
  • Seth KoosDirector of Procurement Services & Contract Compliance

★ Denotes Senior Leadership Team (SLT) member