Appalachian State University Executive and Leadership Team

Brad Cooper, the Chief Financial Officer at Appalachian State University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the institution. Cooper directs long-term financial planning to support academic programs and infrastructure development across the campus. By analyzing revenue streams and expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the university maintains a stable economic foundation. This role involves collaborating with administrative leadership to align resource distribution with the core mission of teaching and scholarship. Brad Cooper monitors institutional investments and grant funding to maximize educational impact. Through rigorous oversight of financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards the integrity of university assets. This position requires constant evaluation of market trends to mitigate fiscal risks while promoting sustainable growth. Ultimately, Cooper provides the necessary financial framework to sustain the university's commitment to student success and regional service.

Jonathan Reeder, the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer at Appalachian State University, manages the financial operations specifically within the athletic department. Reeder oversees budget development, revenue generation, and expense management for all sports programs. By aligning athletic funding with university-wide fiscal policies, the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance and sustainability. This role involves evaluating the economic viability of athletic initiatives and optimizing resource allocation to support student-athlete success. Jonathan Reeder collaborates with university leadership to secure funding for facility upgrades and program expansion. Through strategic financial oversight, the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal health of the athletic division. This position requires balancing competitive excellence with responsible stewardship of university resources. Reeder drives financial performance to support the broader mission of fostering purposeful lives through athletics and academic engagement.

Thomas Van Gilder, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Operating Officer at Appalachian State University, integrates technological infrastructure with daily campus operations. Van Gilder oversees the digital transformation of academic systems to enhance learning environments. By streamlining operational workflows, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Operating Officer improves efficiency across administrative departments. This role involves managing complex data networks and ensuring cybersecurity protocols protect institutional information. Thomas Van Gilder coordinates with technical teams to implement scalable solutions that support the university's research and teaching goals. Through the optimization of campus-wide systems, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Operating Officer facilitates seamless communication between faculty, staff, and students. This leadership function focuses on leveraging technology to drive innovation in higher education. Van Gilder maintains a robust digital framework that supports the university's mission of creating a sustainable future.

J. J Brown, the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at Appalachian State University, directs the daily administrative functions and operational strategy of the institution. Brown oversees campus services, facilities management, and human resources to ensure a cohesive environment for learning. By implementing policies that enhance institutional efficiency, the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer supports the university's academic mission. This role involves coordinating with other executive leaders to execute long-term strategic goals and campus development projects. J. J Brown monitors operational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and growth. Through the management of essential campus infrastructure, the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer creates a foundation for student and faculty success. This position requires a focus on sustainable practices that honor the university's mountain heritage. Brown drives operational excellence to maintain the institution's status as a leader in higher education.

David Jones, the President at Appalachian State University, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Jones leads the university in fulfilling its core academic missions of teaching, scholarship, and service. By engaging with the Board of Trustees and the University of North Carolina system, the President ensures alignment with broader educational goals. This role involves representing the university to external stakeholders and promoting the institution's commitment to sustainability. David Jones fosters a culture of academic excellence and community involvement among students and faculty. Through the development of long-term institutional strategies, the President guides the university toward future growth and innovation. This position requires balancing the needs of diverse campus constituencies while maintaining the university's unique identity. Jones drives the mission of preparing students to lead purposeful lives as engaged global citizens who contribute to a sustainable future.

Allison Maza, the President, Interior Design Club at Appalachian State University, leads student-driven initiatives focused on professional development within the design field. Maza organizes workshops, guest lectures, and networking events to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice. By facilitating collaboration among design students, the President, Interior Design Club enhances the creative community on campus. This role involves managing club resources and coordinating with faculty advisors to support student projects. Allison Maza promotes the importance of sustainable design principles in alignment with the university's broader mission. Through the leadership of this student organization, the President, Interior Design Club provides opportunities for skill-building and career preparation. This position requires active engagement with the student body to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment. Maza drives the club's efforts to prepare members for successful careers as creative professionals who understand their responsibilities in a global context.

William Hupp, the RHA President at Appalachian State University, represents the interests of students living in residence halls to the university administration. Hupp oversees the Residence Hall Association's programming and advocacy efforts to improve the quality of campus life. By facilitating communication between residents and housing staff, the RHA President ensures a supportive living environment. This role involves managing student-led initiatives that promote community building and student engagement. William Hupp collaborates with other student leaders to address concerns and implement improvements in residential facilities. Through the leadership of the association, the RHA President fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility among the student population. This position requires a focus on creating a sustainable and inclusive residential experience. Hupp drives the association's mission to enhance the overall student experience by advocating for policies that support academic success and personal growth within the university community.

Paul Funderburk, the President at Appalachian State University, manages specific organizational initiatives that support the university's broader academic and community goals. Funderburk directs the activities of the organization to ensure alignment with the institution's mission of service and scholarship. By coordinating with university departments, the President facilitates partnerships that enhance student learning opportunities. This role involves overseeing project execution and resource management to achieve measurable outcomes. Paul Funderburk engages with the campus community to promote the values of sustainability and global citizenship. Through the leadership of this organization, the President contributes to the university's reputation for excellence in teaching and service. This position requires a focus on strategic planning and effective communication to drive organizational success. Funderburk maintains a commitment to the university's heritage while fostering innovation in all activities. The President ensures that every initiative supports the development of students as engaged and responsible citizens.

Jennifer Freas, the President, Asu Alumni Association Chapter (Wilmington) at Appalachian State University, leads efforts to maintain strong connections between the university and its alumni base in the coastal region. Freas organizes networking events, fundraising activities, and community outreach programs to support the university's mission. By fostering relationships among graduates, the President, Asu Alumni Association Chapter (Wilmington) strengthens the institutional network and promotes lifelong engagement. This role involves coordinating with the main alumni office to align regional activities with university-wide goals. Jennifer Freas encourages alumni to contribute to the university's sustainability and scholarship initiatives. Through the leadership of the chapter, the President, Asu Alumni Association Chapter (Wilmington) provides a platform for alumni to support current students and faculty. This position requires a focus on building a vibrant community that honors the university's heritage. Freas drives the chapter's efforts to ensure that alumni remain active participants in the university's future.

Colton Taylor, the President at Appalachian State University, leads a specialized student organization dedicated to enhancing the academic and professional development of its members. Taylor oversees the strategic planning and execution of events that promote student engagement and leadership. By managing the organization's operations, the President ensures that all activities align with the university's mission of preparing students for purposeful lives. This role involves collaborating with faculty and other student leaders to create meaningful opportunities for growth. Colton Taylor fosters an environment of inclusivity and innovation within the organization. Through the leadership of this group, the President contributes to the university's vibrant campus culture. This position requires a focus on effective communication and resource management to achieve organizational goals. Taylor drives the organization's efforts to support the university's commitment to creating a sustainable future for all. The President ensures that members gain valuable experience that prepares them for their roles as global citizens.