Ashley Clark has been appointed as the new Vice President, Finance and Administration at the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). The selection follows a national search managed by Anthem Executive. Clark brings over ten years of experience in public finance, operations, and strategic planning within government and nonprofit organizations in Colorado and California.
Clark most recently worked as director of finance and administration for the Colorado Department of Corrections. In that role, she was part of the executive team overseeing a $1.1 billion budget. She managed divisions such as business operations, payroll, facilities, budget, procurement, and the controller’s office with more than 300 full-time staff members. Since 2021, Clark implemented process improvements, secured additional funding to expand programs, and modernized departmental operations through data-driven decisions and collaboration across agencies.
Craig Milburn retired from his position as WICHE’s chief financial officer on June 30. Consultant Kris Flewelling has served in an interim capacity during the transition period. Clark will begin her new role on August 21.
“Out of a large pool of highly qualified candidates, Ashley Clark demonstrated an extensive skillset in public finance, compliance, and operational leadership with a consistent focus on strategic alignment and service delivery,” said WICHE President Demarée Michelau. “Her commitment to operational excellence and mission-driven impact was evident, and I warmly welcome her to the WICHE senior leadership team. On behalf of our staff and partners across the West, we wish Craig Millburn the best in his retirement after 25 years of dedicated service at WICHE.”
Reporting directly to the president of WICHE, Clark will oversee daily operations including accounting data processing systems, payroll functions, cash receipts management, accounts payable and receivable activities, facilities oversight, grant expenditure reports, and invoicing.
The vice president is also responsible for managing WICHE’s nearly $19.5 million annual operating budget through financial planning processes such as budgeting and forecasting while ensuring compliance with regulations. The position includes overseeing distribution of more than $14.8 million in Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) fees among participating states or territories to institutions supporting students pursuing high-demand health professions.
“I am delighted to join WICHE and help support its important mission throughout the West,” Clark said. “I look forward to contributing to the innovative work WICHE advances around student access and success, workforce development, and rigorous postsecondary education policy research. I am ready to hit the ground running.”
Before joining WICHE or working at the Colorado Department of Corrections, Clark held leadership positions in Colorado's Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting; earlier roles included fiscal or policy posts with San Francisco city government along with serving as a Fulbright Public Policy Fellow in Timor-Leste. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College in Vermont along with two master’s degrees—one each in public policy and international studies—from University of California Berkeley.