Meet the
Leadership Team

Allison Baird-James

Senior Vice President, Administration & Finance

Serving as Senior Vice President of Administration and Finance, Allison Baird-James oversees a diverse portfolio that includes financial services, facilities management, information technology, business services, public safety, audit services, event centers and Cal Poly Partners. She strives to ensure A&F supports our vibrant Cal Poly community where every student, faculty and staff member is equipped to thrive.

Dan DiPaola

Assistant Vice President, Audit and Consulting Services

As Cal Poly’s inaugural Executive Director of Internal Audit, Dan DiPaola, helped establish the initial Audit and Consulting Services function, including the CSU’s first university-wide Audit Committee. Now, as Assistant Vice President Audit and Consulting Services, his team provides independent, objective assurance and consulting services that improve Cal Poly’s operations.

Ryan Gruss

Director, Performing Arts Center

Director Ryan Gruss oversees every aspect of the Performing Arts Center (PAC), from planning and fundraising to patron services and the volunteer usher program. The Central Coast’s premier event venue, the PAC hosts more than 150 public performances annually and over 12,000 local students for live, arts performances through the free School Matinee Program.

George Hughes

Assistant Vice President & Chief of Police, Public Safety

Focusing on building trust while fostering a holistic approach to public safety and community partnerships, Assistant Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of the Cal Poly Police Department, George Hughes works to address crime and increase quality of life, all to create a safe living, working and learning environment for everyone.

Angela Kraetsch

Acting Chief Financial Officer, Cal Maritime

In a shared service agreement with Cal Maritime, Angie Kraetsch provides strategic leadership and oversight for long- and short-term planning and debt management of Cal Maritime's finances. As the Acting Chief Financial Officer for Cal Maritime, she oversees a diverse portfolio that includes financial services and business services.

Meggan Levitt

Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services

Vice President and Chief Information Officer Meggan Levitt is responsible for managing Cal Poly’s information technology enterprise. She directs daily operations for Cal Poly's Information Technology Services division and leads the campus cloud transformation effort, as well as development and implementation of the campus’ technology service delivery model.

Mike McCormick

Vice President, Facilities Management and Development

Each day Vice President for Facilities Management and Development Mike Mccormick leads his team in collaborative project delivery, design development, integrated capital planning, and more, all to keep this small city that we call Cal Poly running. Facilities is responsible for the planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance of university buildings and grounds.

David Valadez

Interim Associate Vice President, Financial Services

Overseeing budgeting, accounting, payroll and student financials, Interim Associate Vice President for Financial Services David Valadez provides strategic leadership and oversight for long- and short-term planning and debt management of Cal Poly's finances. The Financial Services team provides the complete suite of critical functions, like cashiering, payroll, fiscal reporting.

Cody VanDorn

Chief Executive Officer, Cal Poly Corporation

As the CEO of Cal Poly Partners, Cody VanDorn is responsible for the day-to-day operation of its programs and services, and strategically working with the board of directors, university leadership, and student body to enhance the Cal Poly experience. Cal Poly Partners is the university’s nonprofit auxiliary and provides vital resources to the campus community.

Justin Vastine

Director, Divisional Operations

Director of Operations Justin Vastine works across all Administration and Finance units to lead projects and ensure they align with departmental strategies and the division’s goals. Operational Business Support works on operational effectiveness throughout the division by assisting individual units with process improvements and helping them increase efficiencies.

Dru Zachmeyer

Assistant Vice President, Strategic Business Services

Assistant Vice President of Strategic Business Services Dru Zachmeyer leads a variety of campus functions and initiatives focused on cost management, revenue generation, operational innovation and strategic advising. Strategic Business Services provides support in university contracting, purchasing, payment services, distribution services, and risk management.