Arizona State University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Arizona State University has 10 executives leading key functions including operational management, strategic administration, institutional leadership, knowledge enterprise coordination, academic research, student organization governance, alumni relations, and athletic program oversight.

Committed to transdisciplinary innovation, Arizona State University advances sustainable global futures through use-inspired research and scalable solutions across diverse focal areas like water, energy, and urban resilience.

Leadership Roles at Arizona State University

  • President and Chief Executive Officer - Michael Crow
  • Chief Operating Officer - Chris Howard
  • President's Professor, Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychology Department, Honors Disciplinary Faculty - Heather Bimonte-Nelson
  • Chi Omega Women's Fraternity President - Carly Burkhard
  • Past-President - Kerri Rittschof
  • President's Professor - Michael Angilletta
  • President, Alumni Association - Christine Wilkinson
  • ASU Club Hockey President - Nate Glenn
  • Chief of Staff - Markus Jones
  • Asu Knowledge Enterprise Chief of Staff - Nicole Woodrick
  • Michael Crow - President and Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Crow, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Arizona State University, architects the overarching vision for the institution's transdisciplinary research and education model. Crow drives the strategic expansion of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, positioning the university as a leader in sustainable global development. The President and Chief Executive Officer oversees the integration of over 70 centers and units, ensuring that use-inspired research directly addresses critical challenges like carbon capture and urban resilience. By fostering partnerships with global entities such as the United Nations, Michael Crow expands the university's influence across international markets. This leadership role involves setting the institutional agenda for innovation and academic excellence. Through the guidance of the President and Chief Executive Officer, the university maintains a focus on transforming complex systems to create a more sustainable future for global communities.
    Michael Crow

    Chris Howard - Chief Operating Officer

    Chris Howard, the Chief Operating Officer at Arizona State University, directs the administrative infrastructure supporting the institution's expansive research and educational mission. Howard manages the complex operational systems that enable the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory to function as a prototype for sustainable development. By optimizing resource allocation across the Tempe campus and beyond, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that institutional assets align with long-term sustainability goals. This leadership role involves coordinating with various centers and units to streamline internal processes and enhance organizational efficiency. Chris Howard maintains rigorous oversight of the operational framework, facilitating the delivery of scalable solutions in water and energy systems. Through strategic management of university resources, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader objective of transforming complex global systems into resilient, future-oriented models for higher education.

    Heather Bimonte-Nelson - President's Professor, Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychology Department, Honors Disciplinary Faculty

    Heather Bimonte-Nelson, the President's Professor, Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychology Department, Honors Disciplinary Faculty at Arizona State University, leads advanced research initiatives focused on cognitive health and behavioral neuroscience. Bimonte-Nelson directs laboratory studies that contribute to the university's broader understanding of human systems and resilience. The President's Professor, Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychology Department, Honors Disciplinary Faculty mentors students within the Honors College, fostering the next generation of researchers dedicated to solving complex global challenges. By integrating neuroscience research into the university's transdisciplinary framework, Heather Bimonte-Nelson enhances the institution's capacity for use-inspired discovery. This leadership role involves collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to explore the intersection of biology and environmental sustainability. Through rigorous academic inquiry and teaching, the President's Professor, Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychology Department, Honors Disciplinary Faculty advances the university's reputation for excellence in behavioral science and cognitive research.
    Heather Bimonte-Nelson

    Carly Burkhard - Chi Omega Women's Fraternity President

    Carly Burkhard, the Chi Omega Women's Fraternity President at Arizona State University, leads the student organization in promoting community engagement and leadership development. Burkhard manages the fraternity's internal operations, ensuring that activities align with the university's values of service and academic success. The Chi Omega Women's Fraternity President coordinates philanthropic efforts that support the university's broader mission of social impact and community resilience. By fostering a collaborative environment for members, Carly Burkhard drives student participation in campus-wide initiatives and sustainability programs. This leadership role involves managing organizational logistics and representing the fraternity in university governance. Through the guidance of the Chi Omega Women's Fraternity President, the organization contributes to the vibrant campus culture at the university, supporting the personal and professional growth of students while reinforcing the institution's commitment to community-focused leadership and service.

    Kerri Rittschof - Past-President

    Kerri Rittschof, the Past-President at Arizona State University, provides institutional continuity and advisory support to current leadership teams. Rittschof leverages extensive experience to guide strategic transitions and maintain the stability of university governance structures. The Past-President assists in the oversight of long-term projects, ensuring that historical knowledge informs current decision-making processes within the university's various centers and units. By offering perspective on past initiatives, Kerri Rittschof helps the leadership team navigate complex challenges related to academic and research expansion. This role involves mentoring emerging leaders and facilitating the smooth transfer of responsibilities across the organization. Through the ongoing contributions of the Past-President, the university preserves its core values while adapting to the evolving demands of global education and sustainability research, ensuring that institutional progress remains consistent with established strategic goals.

    Michael Angilletta - President's Professor

    Michael Angilletta, the President's Professor at Arizona State University, leads high-level research into evolutionary biology and its implications for environmental adaptation. Angilletta directs studies that examine how organisms respond to changing climates, providing critical data for the university's sustainability initiatives. The President's Professor manages interdisciplinary research teams that contribute to the Global Futures Laboratory's mission of understanding complex ecological systems. By publishing influential findings and mentoring doctoral students, Michael Angilletta enhances the university's academic standing in the biological sciences. This leadership role involves collaborating with other faculty members to develop innovative curricula that address global environmental challenges. Through the work of the President's Professor, the university advances its capacity to provide scalable solutions for urban resilience and biodiversity, ensuring that scientific research remains at the forefront of the institution's commitment to global sustainability.

    Christine Wilkinson - President, Alumni Association

    Christine Wilkinson, the President, Alumni Association at Arizona State University, manages the engagement of the global alumni network to support the university's strategic objectives. Wilkinson directs initiatives that connect graduates with current research and educational programs, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and institutional support. The President, Alumni Association oversees the development of regional and international alumni chapters, expanding the university's reach across diverse geographic markets. By facilitating networking opportunities and fundraising efforts, Christine Wilkinson ensures that the alumni community contributes to the university's long-term financial and academic success. This leadership role involves coordinating with university administration to align alumni activities with the institution's mission of global impact. Through the efforts of the President, Alumni Association, the university maintains a strong, supportive network that enhances the institution's reputation and provides resources for future growth.
    Christine Wilkinson

    Nate Glenn - ASU Club Hockey President

    Nate Glenn, the ASU Club Hockey President at Arizona State University, manages the operations and strategic development of the club athletic program. Glenn directs the team's administrative functions, including scheduling, budget management, and recruitment, to ensure competitive excellence. The ASU Club Hockey President coordinates with university athletic departments to align the program's activities with institutional standards for student-athlete development. By fostering a culture of discipline and teamwork, Nate Glenn drives the success of the club on and off the ice. This leadership role involves representing the team in university forums and managing relationships with sponsors and supporters. Through the guidance of the ASU Club Hockey President, the program contributes to the university's vibrant campus life, promoting physical health and community spirit while upholding the institution's commitment to excellence in all student-led athletic endeavors.

    Markus Jones - Chief of Staff

    Markus Jones, the Chief of Staff at Arizona State University, manages the executive office workflow and facilitates communication across the university's leadership hierarchy. Jones coordinates strategic initiatives that bridge the gap between administrative policy and the practical application of research within the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of transdisciplinary projects, ensuring that institutional priorities remain focused on the 14 core focal areas of the Global Futures Laboratory. By managing high-level stakeholder engagement and internal reporting, Markus Jones enables the executive team to execute complex projects with precision. This role requires constant alignment with the university's mission to shape sustainable futures through collaborative partnerships. Through meticulous oversight of executive communications and project timelines, the Chief of Staff drives the operational success of the university's most critical research and education initiatives.

    Nicole Woodrick - Asu Knowledge Enterprise Chief of Staff

    Nicole Woodrick, the Asu Knowledge Enterprise Chief of Staff at Arizona State University, manages the operational integration of the university's vast research portfolio. Woodrick coordinates the activities of the Knowledge Enterprise to ensure that faculty research translates into tangible, scalable solutions for global sustainability. The Asu Knowledge Enterprise Chief of Staff facilitates collaboration between the Rob Walton College of Global Futures and external partners, driving the development of innovative technologies in energy and water systems. By overseeing the administrative functions of the research division, Nicole Woodrick ensures that institutional resources support high-impact projects. This role involves aligning research objectives with the university's broader mission of shaping sustainable futures. Through the management of complex research workflows, the Asu Knowledge Enterprise Chief of Staff enables the institution to maintain a competitive edge in transdisciplinary education and scientific discovery.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Arizona State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Arizona State University?
    Arizona State University is led by Michael Crow (President and Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Chris Howard (Chief Operating Officer) and Heather Bimonte-Nelson (President's Professor, Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychology Department, Honors Disciplinary Faculty).
    Who is part of Arizona State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Arizona State University includes leaders such as Michael Crow (President and Chief Executive Officer), Chris Howard (Chief Operating Officer), Heather Bimonte-Nelson (President's Professor, Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychology Department, Honors Disciplinary Faculty) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Arizona State University have?
    Arizona State University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Arizona State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Arizona State University includes roles such as President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President's Professor, Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychology Department, Honors Disciplinary Faculty, Chi Omega Women's Fraternity President, Past-President.