Arizona State University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Arizona State University has 10 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, information technology, academic leadership, and strategic faculty governance.

Committed to transdisciplinary research and global sustainability, Arizona State University transforms complex systems through use-inspired education and scalable solutions to ensure a resilient future for the planet.

Leadership Roles at Arizona State University

  • Event Manager & Chief Operating Officer, Office of - Jessica Barreras
  • President's Professor - Max Underwood
  • President, Faculty Women's Association - Joni Adamson
  • President's Professor Emeritus - Mark Henderson
  • Chief of Staff - Whitney Marsh
  • Chief Information Officer - Lev Gonick
  • Chief of Staff To the Dean - Marcus Jones
  • Asu Knowledge Enterprise Chief of Staff - Nicole Woodrick
  • Executive Director and Chief of Staff - Patricia Duncan
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Leah Norgren
  • Jessica Barreras - Event Manager & Chief Operating Officer, Office of

    Jessica Barreras, the Event Manager & Chief Operating Officer, Office of at Arizona State University, directs the logistical operations and high-profile event programming for the university's research initiatives. Barreras oversees the planning and execution of international summits that bring together global partners to discuss sustainable futures. By managing the operational budget and resource allocation for the office, the Event Manager & Chief Operating Officer, Office of ensures that all events align with the university's strategic goals. Jessica Barreras coordinates with internal departments to showcase research breakthroughs in water and energy systems to a global audience. This role involves managing complex event schedules and ensuring that all logistical requirements support the institution's mission. Through the successful delivery of high-impact events, Barreras enhances the university's visibility and influence. The Event Manager & Chief Operating Officer, Office of maintains a focus on operational precision and professional excellence.
    Jessica Barreras

    Max Underwood - President's Professor

    Max Underwood, the President's Professor at Arizona State University, leads advanced academic research and pedagogical innovation within the university's design and sustainability programs. Underwood architects curricula that integrate urban resilience and sustainable development into the core educational experience. By mentoring students and junior faculty, the President's Professor fosters a culture of inquiry and transdisciplinary collaboration. Max Underwood drives research projects that explore the intersection of architecture and environmental systems, contributing to the university's global impact. This leadership role involves participating in high-level academic committees to shape the institution's long-term educational strategy. Through the application of design-thinking methodologies, Underwood supports the development of scalable solutions for complex urban challenges. The President's Professor maintains a focus on academic excellence and the advancement of knowledge in the field of sustainable design and global futures.

    Joni Adamson - President, Faculty Women's Association

    Joni Adamson, the President, Faculty Women's Association at Arizona State University, leads the advocacy and professional development efforts for female faculty members across the institution. Adamson coordinates initiatives that promote gender equity and inclusive research practices within the university's various institutes. By facilitating dialogue between faculty and administration, the President, Faculty Women's Association ensures that diverse perspectives inform the university's sustainability mission. Joni Adamson drives research projects focused on environmental humanities and the social dimensions of global change. This leadership role involves organizing workshops and seminars that enhance the professional growth of faculty members. Through the promotion of collaborative research environments, Adamson supports the university's commitment to transdisciplinary education. The President, Faculty Women's Association maintains a focus on fostering an equitable and supportive academic community that contributes to the institution's overall success and global reputation.
    Joni Adamson

    Mark Henderson - President's Professor Emeritus

    Mark Henderson, the President's Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University, provides strategic guidance and historical context to the university's ongoing sustainability research initiatives. Henderson advises current leadership on the development of long-term academic programs and the evolution of the university's transdisciplinary model. By leveraging extensive experience in engineering and sustainable systems, the President's Professor Emeritus contributes to the refinement of the university's 14 focal areas. Mark Henderson participates in advisory boards that oversee the integration of research findings into practical, scalable solutions. This role involves mentoring faculty and supporting the institution's commitment to use-inspired education. Through the provision of expert insights, Henderson helps maintain the university's position as a leader in global sustainability. The President's Professor Emeritus maintains a focus on preserving the institution's core values while fostering innovation and excellence in all research and educational endeavors.

    Whitney Marsh - Chief of Staff

    Whitney Marsh, the Chief of Staff at Arizona State University, directs high-level administrative workflows and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives. Marsh manages the flow of information between executive leadership and internal stakeholders to ensure operational efficiency across the Tempe campus. By aligning departmental goals with the broader mission of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, the Chief of Staff facilitates seamless communication and project execution. Whitney Marsh monitors progress on key sustainability research milestones while optimizing resource allocation for various centers. This role requires constant collaboration with academic units to maintain institutional standards. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff supports the university's commitment to solving complex global challenges. Marsh maintains a focus on long-term strategic planning to advance the institution's reputation as a leader in transdisciplinary education and research.

    Lev Gonick - Chief Information Officer

    Lev Gonick, the Chief Information Officer at Arizona State University, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support global research and academic innovation. Gonick oversees the deployment of advanced technology systems that enable data-driven decision-making across the university's 70 centers and units. By integrating scalable cloud solutions and robust cybersecurity frameworks, the Chief Information Officer ensures that researchers have secure access to critical information. Lev Gonick drives the digital transformation strategy, facilitating collaboration with international partners like the United Nations. This leadership role involves managing complex network architectures that support carbon capture studies and energy system modeling. Through the implementation of cutting-edge digital tools, Gonick enhances the university's capacity for use-inspired research. The Chief Information Officer maintains a focus on technological agility to keep the institution at the forefront of global sustainability efforts.
    Lev Gonick

    Marcus Jones - Chief of Staff To the Dean

    Marcus Jones, the Chief of Staff To the Dean at Arizona State University, manages the strategic agenda for the Rob Walton College of Global Futures. Jones coordinates academic priorities and faculty engagement to ensure alignment with the university's sustainability mission. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff To the Dean enables the faculty to focus on high-impact research and urban resilience projects. Marcus Jones facilitates communication between the dean's office and external stakeholders, including global partners and research collaborators. This role involves overseeing the implementation of educational programs that prepare students for complex environmental challenges. Through careful management of the college's operational budget and resource distribution, Jones supports the expansion of transdisciplinary initiatives. The Chief of Staff To the Dean maintains a focus on fostering an environment conducive to innovation and academic excellence across all focal areas.

    Nicole Woodrick - Asu Knowledge Enterprise Chief of Staff

    Nicole Woodrick, the Asu Knowledge Enterprise Chief of Staff at Arizona State University, directs the operational strategy for the university's extensive research portfolio. Woodrick oversees the integration of knowledge-sharing platforms that connect researchers with global sustainability networks. By managing the administrative functions of the Knowledge Enterprise, the Asu Knowledge Enterprise Chief of Staff ensures that research initiatives receive the necessary support to achieve scalable outcomes. Nicole Woodrick coordinates with various institutes to align research outputs with the university's 14 focal areas, including water and energy systems. This leadership role involves optimizing the internal processes that govern grant management and project development. Through the synchronization of research activities, Woodrick enhances the institution's ability to deliver tangible solutions to global problems. The Asu Knowledge Enterprise Chief of Staff maintains a focus on driving institutional growth through collaborative research and innovation.

    Patricia Duncan - Executive Director and Chief of Staff

    Patricia Duncan, the Executive Director and Chief of Staff at Arizona State University, manages the operational framework for the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation. Duncan oversees the execution of strategic initiatives that bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application. By coordinating the efforts of diverse research teams, the Executive Director and Chief of Staff ensures that projects remain focused on urban resilience and carbon capture goals. Patricia Duncan facilitates partnerships with international organizations to expand the university's global reach and impact. This role involves managing the institute's administrative staff and ensuring that all units operate in accordance with the university's sustainability mission. Through the implementation of efficient management practices, Duncan supports the development of scalable solutions for complex global systems. The Executive Director and Chief of Staff maintains a focus on long-term institutional sustainability and research excellence.

    Leah Norgren - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Leah Norgren, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Arizona State University, supports the executive leadership team in managing the daily operations of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory. Norgren assists in the implementation of strategic policies that govern the university's transdisciplinary research units. By monitoring the progress of key projects, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that all departments remain aligned with the institution's sustainability objectives. Leah Norgren facilitates communication between various administrative offices to streamline decision-making processes. This role involves overseeing the preparation of executive reports and managing internal workflows that support the university's 14 focal areas. Through the coordination of administrative tasks, Norgren enables the leadership team to focus on long-term strategic growth. The Deputy Chief of Staff maintains a focus on operational efficiency and institutional cohesion to advance the university's mission of shaping sustainable global futures.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

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

    Who leads Arizona State University?
    Arizona State University is led by Jessica Barreras (Event Manager & Chief Operating Officer, Office of), along with executives such as Max Underwood (President's Professor) and Joni Adamson (President, Faculty Women's Association).
    Who is part of Arizona State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Arizona State University includes leaders such as Jessica Barreras (Event Manager & Chief Operating Officer, Office of), Max Underwood (President's Professor), Joni Adamson (President, Faculty Women's Association) 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 Event Manager & Chief Operating Officer, Office of, President's Professor, President, Faculty Women's Association, President's Professor Emeritus, Chief of Staff.