Office of the President Staff
Jessica Carrillo
Executive Assistant to the President
Jessica Carrillo serves as the Executive Assistant to the President in the Office of the President. In her role, Jessica provides total support to the President, which is vast in responsibility. Jessica has been employed at Texas Tech University since 1996, working in the Department of Biological Sciences, the Natural Sciences Research Laboratory, and the Provost office prior to transferring to the President’s office in the fall of 2000. Jessica is currently working towards her Bachelor’s in Management. Jessica enjoys spending time with her family who mean the world to her.
David Abercia
Executive Associate
David Abercia serves as the Executive Associate in the Office of the President. In his role, David works very closely with the Chief of Staff managing the day-to-day operation of the President's office as well as many presidential initiatives across campus. He also manages the State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) for the system and university. Prior to joining the president's staff, he worked for State Farm insurance agents in Houston and Lubbock. David is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a B.A. in Journalism, a B.A. in Political Science, a M.Ed. in Secondary Education and is currently working on a Ph.D. in Higher Education. He is also an active member of the Lubbock community and serves on the United Way Campaign Cabinet, the United Way Program Review Team and the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock/Plainview.
Grace Hernandez
Chief of Staff and Assistant Vice President for Administration
As Chief of Staff and Assistant Vice President for Administration, Grace Hernandez reports directly to the President and serves as the liaison between the President and other members of the senior staff. In addition, Human Resources, Payroll and the Office of Communications & Marketing report to Grace. She has a long history working in higher education and previously served as Chief of Staff and Affirmative Action Director at The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). Prior to UMKC, she served as the Director of Diversity & EEO Office at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Grace earned her B.A. in English from UTSA and received a M.A. in Human Resources Development from Webster University. She is also an active member of the Lubbock community and serves on the boards of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, the Science Spectrum, United Way and CASA of the South Plains.
Amy Huff
Senior Administrative Assistant
Amy Huff serves as a Senior Administrative Assistant for the Office of the President. In this role, Amy assists the administrative team in the office as well as some of the president's direct reports in their daily duties. In addition, Amy serves a vital role in assisting with the coordination of strategic initiatives within the office. Prior to joining the president's Staff, Amy received a B.A. in Communication Studies with minors in English and Spanish from Dallas Baptist University. Amy began working at Texas Tech University in 2010 at the Student Counseling Center.
Sarah Barron
Coordinator of Presidential Services and Communications
Barron serves as the Coordinator of Presidential Services and Communications in the Office of the President. In her role, Sarah coordinates the president's events, public appearances, communications and outreach activities. Prior to joining the president's staff, Sarah attended Tarleton State University where she received a B.S. in Communication Studies and recently graduated from Texas Tech University with a M.Ed. in Higher Education.
Cheryl Stephenson
Senior Administrative Assistant
Cheryl Stephenson serves as a Senior Administrative Assistant in the Office of the President. In her role, Cheryl is responsible for management of the front office. She is the initial point of contact for all visitors and inquiries, while also providing administrative support. Cheryl holds a bachelor's degree in English from Texas Tech, which she earned while employed on the Tech campus from 1976-1982. Prior to joining the president's staff, she worked for the Lubbock Conventions and Visitors Bureau as servicing director and staff writer, then for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal as editor of the Business and Industrial Review. Cheryl returned to Texas Tech employment in 2006 when she joined the staff of the CASNR Dean's Office. Cheryl has one daughter, Meagan, who lives in Austin and is also a Tech alumna.