University of the Pacific’s Cabinet has two additions with the promotions of Ashley Williams to director of presidential strategic initiatives and Rob Henderson to chief technology officer.

The president's Cabinet is a group of higher education professionals who work to ensure Pacific's values are upheld and the institution is positioned to meet the needs of its student body and communities.

In her newly created role, Williams reports to President Christopher Callahan and works on an array of strategies, many of which involve innovative revenue-generating opportunities.

Henderson will lead a staff of about 90 on the Stockton and Sacramento campuses and works closely with the San Francisco Campus on technology needs.

“Ashley and Rob have been key contributors to Pacific’s growth and success,” Callahan said. “They will have enhanced responsibilities and opportunities as we move forward. Both are great additions to our senior leadership team.”

Ashley Williams

One of Williams’ goals is to lessen financial reliance on student tuition.

The initiatives she will handle are multi-faceted, including rental of Pacific facilities to outside groups, developing for-credit prototype classes that bring high school students onto campus and exploration of new housing projects.

“We want to take advantage of the things we do well that align with our values and mission,” Williams said. “That includes new programs, grant opportunities and other synergies that we can leverage. I am working on many of the president’s priorities.

“I appreciate the incredible advantage of having University of the Pacific located in this region of California and the enormous opportunities it brings to students, alumni and the broader community.”

Her previous role was special assistant to the president.

Williams graduated from California State University, Stanislaus (1998) with a degree in organizational communications. She earned a master’s degree (2013) in organizational development from the University of San Francisco.

Williams and her husband Jeff have three children: Kate, 16, Elle, 14, and Brody, 11.

Ashley’s favorites:

Book: “The Heart of Change” by John P. Kotter

Movie: “Moneyball”

TV: Generally anything design related on the Magnolia Network

Food: Mexican

Hobby or interest: Watching my kids play sports

Rob Henderson

Henderson, who steadily worked his way up through several positions in his 23-year career at Pacific, was promoted to chief technology officer on Sept. 1, 2023. Henderson had served in the position on an interim basis for one year.

Other roles have included project manager, leader of the network and systems teams and help desk leader.

Henderson’s accomplishments include helping the university tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, moving technology staff to facilities on March Lane and years later back to campus and filling key leadership roles.

“When COVID hit, we were able to pack up this campus within a week so people could work remotely. We went to many stores and bought as many laptops as we could find to help students,” he said. “We have a great staff and I am so proud of our team. I embrace everything about being at Pacific.”

Henderson is known for his perpetual smile.

“I have had many people ask why I am always smiling,” he said. “I guess I just have a very positive outlook on life.”

He has bachelor’s (1995) and master’s (1999) degrees from California State University, Stanislaus.

Henderson and his wife Emily have two children: Carly, 17, and Kyle, 15.

Rob’s favorites

Book: “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth

Movie: “Top Gun” (the first one) 

TV Show: “Yellowstone”

Food: I am a cheeseburger addict.

Hobby or interest: I love going out to the lake and just floating and relaxing.