President's Cabinet
With direction from the Board of Trustees, the President's Cabinet leads day to day efforts at the college to support students, faculty, and staff.
Dr. Carli Schiffner
President
Dr. Carli Schiffner assumed the role of President of Grays Harbor College in July, 2023, bringing with her a wealth of leadership experience and a passion for higher education. Prior to her appointment as President, Carli served as the Deputy Executive Director of Education at the Washington State Board for Career and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). Her portfolio at SBCTC included workforce, transfer, dual credit, basic education for adults, corrections, Guided Pathways, policy research, student services, e-learning, and innovation. She championed tribal partnerships, expanded baccalaureate degree development, secured funding and implemented climate solutions curricular work, promoted accessibility, and advocated for student services.
In addition to her accomplishments at the State Board, Carli has held leadership positions at institutions in Washington State and New York State, including roles as the Vice President of Instruction at Wenatchee Valley College and Dean of Arts and Sciences at Yakima Valley College. She earned a bachelor of arts in history and political science from Gonzaga University, a master of arts in cultural and intellectual history from Drew University, and a Ph.D. in American History from Washington State University.
Carli is active in her community, serving as a trustee for 10 years for Humanities Washington and in leadership roles in the American Association for University Women. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends in Westport, attending her children’s sporting events, reading a good book, and searching for the state’s best clam chowder!
Dr. Aaron Coby
Interim Vice President for Instruction
Dr. Aaron Coby comes to GHC after 17 years as a faculty member and administrator at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, WA, where he was the Associate Dean for the College of Arts & Sciences for seven years before serving as the Dean for the last three years. While his academic training is centered on Environmental Microbiology, Dr. Coby has spent the last several years focusing on pedagogical research that incorporates engaged and metacognitive learning in the classroom. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Saint Xavier University, a Master of Public Affairs and Master of Science in Environmental Science from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Indiana University.
Laurie Franklin
Interim Vice President for Student Services
Laurie Franklin joined Grays Harbor College as the Interim Vice President for Student Services in February 2024. Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, Laurie earned her degrees from Oregon State University with a BS in Psychology and Sociology with a Human Services certificate and a M.Ed in College Student Services Administration with a minor in Family Finance. Prior to joining GHC, Laurie held several positions at Everett Community College, including Vice President for Student Services, Dean of Enrollment and Student Financial Services, and Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Laurie is an active board member and speaker on topics that include equity, athletics, and access to education.
Jason Gordon
Vice President for Administrative Services
Jason Gordon joined Grays Harbor College as the Vice President for Administrative Services in March 2025. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University, a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from The Evergreen State College, and an Associate of Technical Arts in Accounting from South Puget Sound Community College. With over 17 years of experience in finance and project management within higher education and state government, Jason brings a wealth of experience to his role. Prior to joining Grays Harbor College, he was the Associate Vice President of Fiscal Services at Pierce College District, where he led the district’s financial operations. Previously, he held key positions including Financial Services Manager at the Washington State Investment Board, Project Manager for the ctcLink project at the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), Finance Director at Bates Technical College, and Assistant Accounting Director at SBCTC, among other finance roles within state government. Outside of work, Jason enjoys spending time with his family and traveling to new places.
Derek Edens
Associate Vice President for Information Technology
Derek Edens was appointed Associate Vice President of Information Technology at Grays Harbor College in November 2021. He spent 22 years with the David Douglas School District in Portland, Oregon, starting as a classroom teacher, technology instructor, and technology coach before transitioning into district leadership in 2010 as the Director of Technology, Assessment, and Accountability. Derek holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Concordia University, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Portland State University, and an Oregon K-12 Administrative License from George Fox University.
Information Technology Organizational Chart
Kristy Anderson, M.P.A.
Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and College Relations
A native of Poulsbo, Washington, Kristy Anderson graduated from Western Washington University in 1995 and went on to earn an MPA in Public Administration from the Evergreen State College in 1997. Kristy began her professional career in the Planning Unit of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. She worked for 13 years at Olympic College serving as the Associate Dean for Planning, Assessment and Research. During this time, she led the college’s Strategic Planning Committee, Co-Chaired the Outcomes Assessment Committee, and was responsible for Institutional Research and Institutional Effectiveness programs to support Student Achievement. From 2010-2013, Kristy served as the Director of Planning, Assessment & Research at the College of the Siskiyous in Northern California, where she served as the college’s Accreditation Liaison Officer.
Institutional Effectiveness and College Relations Organizational Chart
Lisa J. Smith
Executive Director of GHC Foundation and Director of College Development
Lisa was named the Executive Director of the Grays Harbor College Foundation and GHC’s Director of College Development in 2017. Previously, Lisa worked at Sierra Pacific, Imperium Grays Harbor (now REG), and as a Certified Financial Advisor for Edward Jones. Lisa grew up in North River and graduated from Aberdeen High School. She was a World Class Scholar, participating in the program that helps pay tuition for qualifying Grays Harbor College students the third year that the College and the Foundation offered the scholarship. Lisa earned a bachelor’s degree in business management at Central Washington University before returning to Grays Harbor. She is passionate about the Foundation’s mission and enjoys matching donor gifts with GHC priorities.
Erin Tofte J.D.
Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Erin Tofte joined Grays Harbor College in November of 2024. Erin received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Washington in 2005 in Law, Societies and Justice with a minor in Human Rights. She received her Juris Doctorate degree in 2011 from Willamette’s College of Law with a certificate in International and Comparative law. Erin is Bilingual in Spanish and English. Before coming to Grays Harbor College, she was the Director of Budget Management & Planning for the Pierce College District where she oversaw the management of the instruction and student services budgets, faculty contract compliance and pay and provided high-level, equity-informed resource allocation and budgeting support to the VP. Previously she worked at Wenatchee Valley College for eight and a half years as Associate Dean of Campus Life, Equity and Inclusion, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Interim Director of Student Programs, and as a Multicultural Coordinator. Her duties included being the head campus diversity officer, overseeing the 75-bed residence hall, student government, international programs, DEI, student clubs, and the student recreation center. Erin is an experienced supervisor and diversity and equity trainer with over 15 years of experience providing diversity and equity training to students and employees.
Julie Randall
Executive Director of Project Management & Strategic Initiatives
Julie Randall joined Grays Harbor as the Executive Director of Project Management and Strategic Initiatives, January 2024. After graduating from George Fox University, Julie spent 10 years strengthening children and families as a social worker. Julie went on to get her master of science degree in Psychology with a specialization in Leadership Development and Coaching. In 2011, Julie joined the team at Wenatchee Valley College, where her love for serving students was ignited. Later she went on to Tacoma Community College and Seattle Central where her career has spanned Instruction and Student Services. Julie’s specialty in higher education has been focused on change management through building programs, systems and processes that support student success. Julie enjoys bringing cross-functional teams together to inspire innovation and bringing projects to a successful completion.
Ja'Shonae Cooks
Executive assistant to the President, Trustees, and Special Projects
Ja’Shonae joined Grays Harbor College as the Executive Assistant to the President & Special Projects in Fall 2024. With a master's degree in College Student Personnel Administration from the University of Central Missouri, she has built a strong foundation in higher education. Prior to Grays Harbor, she held two different administrative assistant roles at Colorado University Boulder, contributing to a range of initiatives. She began her career at Salt Lake Community College, working with Alternative Breaks and Days of Service, demonstrating a commitment to student engagement and service learning. As a military brat, she grew up in various locations, which has given her a broad perspective and adaptability in different environments.