The university announced the hiring and promotion of the following individuals this fall.
HANNAH FISHER ’19 started as the director of student care and support in October. She joins Linfield from the Hillsboro School District, where she served as a high school teacher for the last three years. In her new role, Fisher leads the McMinnville campus’ Care Team in responding to and supporting students through educational and personal challenges.
In July, KIKI FORNERO was appointed as the director of simulation for the School of Nursing. Fornero has been at Linfield since 2019 as an assistant professor. During that time, she has worked with nursing students at various levels, helped develop new programs and fully integrated simulation experiences into the curriculum. She has served as the director of the ABSN and MEPN programs since February 2024.
JOE READY joined Linfield in August as the athletic band director. Ready is the principal tuba for the Portland Opera and an associate artist for The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass. He is also an instructor for the Seattle Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps and Pacific University.
In August, KATRINA VALERA started as the assistant dean of students/director of Portland Student Life. Valera has an extensive background in student affairs. Prior to joining Linfield, she served as associate dean of students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. In her new role, she oversees student affairs, activities and support initiatives on the Portland campus.
