WVC names Stephen Ward interim vice president of Administrative Services

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley College has appointed Stephen Ward as interim vice president of Administrative Services. He began in the role on Nov. 18.

In the interim position, Ward will oversee and evaluate WVC’s fiscal services operations, staffing and organizational structure; ensure compliance with auditing requirements; coordinate the annual audit and prepare audited financial statements; support accreditation efforts in administrative and financial areas; assist with hiring processes; review factors affecting the college budget; and work with campus leaders on annual budget development.

“Wenatchee Valley College has a long tradition of serving this community, and I'm honored to help during this time of transition,” Ward said. “The faculty and staff have been very welcoming, and I look forward to assisting where I can in helping the college fulfill its educational mission.”

Ward is the owner of Ward Higher Education Consulting, LLC, working with nonprofit organizations, state agencies, and government entities in Washington and Oregon on capital project management, financial statement analysis, and operational and strategic planning. He recently served under contract with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges on the Allocation Review Model Taskforce, whose recommendations were approved with modifications by the State Board of Trustees in October 2025.

He has also served with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities as a peer evaluator and trainer, specializing in higher-education finance, and as a member of both the Finance Committee and Financial Review Committee.

Ward brings over 30 years of experience in higher education administration and auditing. His past roles include vice president of Finance and Administration and executive director of the Foundation at Centralia College; assistant comptroller at Northern Arizona University; controller at the University of Puget Sound; and auditor with Knight, Vale, and Gregory.

WVC President Faimous Harrison said the college is grateful for Ward’s leadership. “We are confident that his expertise, leadership, and exemplary knowledge of higher-education finance and accreditation will provide the steady guidance needed to advance the college during this important period,” Harrison said.

Ward will serve as interim vice president through the 2025–26 academic year, or until the college hires a permanent vice president.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media