College Officers

Benjamin Baum

Vice President of Enrollment

410-626-2523 | benjamin.baum(at)sjc.edu

Benjamin Baum joined the college as director of admissions in Annapolis in 2015 and was promoted to vice president of enrollment in 2018. He oversees admissions and financial aid on both campuses. He holds a BA from Amherst College, MSt from the University of Oxford, and JD from the University of Michigan.

Kelly Brown

Vice President of Advancement, Campaign Director

443-482-6575 | kelly.brown(at)sjc.edu

Kelly Brown oversees the college’s development efforts, including the Freeing Minds campaign. She joined St. John’s in 2018, following the initial public launch of Freeing Minds; in that time, support for the campaign has risen from approximately $130 million to more than $215 million under her leadership. She previously held senior positions at the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and, most recently, Trinity Washington University. Kelly holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University.

Carol Carpenter

Vice President of Communications and Creative Strategy

505-984-6102 | 323-459-4661 (cell) | carol.carpenter(at)sjc.edu

Carol Carpenter oversees communications and creative strategy collegewide. Carpenter came to St. John’s from New York City Outward Bound, where she was the communications director and an annual giving officer. Previously, she worked for many years in advertising and publishing at Paramount Pictures in Los Angeles. A native New Mexican, she holds a creative writing degree from College of Santa Fe and a master’s degree in dramatic writing from the University of Southern California.

Phelosha Collaros

Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations

505-984-6109 | phelosha.collaros(at)sjc.edu

Phelosha Collaros (SF00) oversees alumni relations, annual giving and advancement services collegewide, and community events and outreach for the Santa Fe campus. She was previously foundation director for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. A Certified Quality Improvement Associate, she holds degrees in business and public administration from Walden University.

Michael S. Duran

Treasurer, Santa Fe and Collegewide Financial Officer

505-988-6096 | michael.duran(at)sjc.edu ​​​​​​| View SANTA FE Treasurer's OFFICE PAGE

Michael Duran oversees Santa Fe finances and budget, human resources, buildings & grounds, conference services, office services, and auxiliary operations. He holds a BS degree with over 30 years’ experience managing finances, operations, and benefits insurances for universities, government agencies, and private organizations. He returned to the college in 2017 after previously serving the college from 1989–2006.

Ally Gontang-Highfield

Treasurer, Annapolis

410-626-2514 | ally.gontang(at)sjc.edu

Ally Gontang-Highfield oversees Annapolis finances and budget as well as personnel, buildings and grounds, and auxiliary operations. With more than 18 years of leadership experience, she has managed financial and administrative functions for nonprofit and higher education institutions in Annapolis and Washington, DC. She joined the college in 2017.