AT Still University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

AT Still University has 8 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, strategy, and campus administration.

Driven by a commitment to whole-person healthcare, AT Still University prepares competent professionals through academic programs, upholding osteopathic heritage and focusing on community health, inter-professional education, diversity, and serving under-served populations.

Leadership Roles at AT Still University

  • Chief Executive Officer, Program & Coordinator - Joni Podmanik
  • Chief Financial Officer - Elizabeth Russell
  • Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel - Matthew Heeren
  • President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU - Ted Wendel
  • President - Gaylah Sublette
  • Class President - Christine Beeson
  • President - Craig Phelps
  • President - Austin Jones
  • Joni Podmanik - Chief Executive Officer, Program & Coordinator

    Joni Podmanik, the Chief Executive Officer, Program & Coordinator at AT Still University, spearheads strategic program development and institutional coordination. This executive directs the conceptualization, implementation, and ongoing management of key academic and community health programs, ensuring their alignment with the university's core mission and osteopathic heritage. Podmanik coordinates inter-departmental efforts, fostering collaboration to enhance educational outcomes and community impact. By championing innovation in program design, Joni Podmanik drives the university's commitment to whole-person healthcare and serving under-served populations. The Chief Executive Officer, Program & Coordinator's leadership ensures that AT Still University's offerings remain relevant, effective, and responsive to evolving healthcare needs and educational standards.

    Elizabeth Russell - Chief Financial Officer

    Elizabeth Russell, the Chief Financial Officer at AT Still University, directs all fiscal operations and financial strategy. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, Russell ensures the university's financial health and sustainability. This leadership role involves managing investments, optimizing revenue streams, and maintaining compliance with financial regulations. By analyzing financial data, Elizabeth Russell provides critical insights to support institutional decision-making and long-term growth objectives. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing institutional risk and ensuring the efficient deployment of capital across all university initiatives, directly impacting the operational capacity and strategic expansion of AT Still University.

    Matthew Heeren - Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel

    Matthew Heeren, the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel at AT Still University, oversees the comprehensive operational framework and legal affairs of the institution. This dual role demands strategic oversight of daily operations, ensuring efficiency and alignment with the university's mission, while also managing all legal matters, risk mitigation, and compliance. Heeren directs administrative functions, facilities management, and operational policy development across the university's campuses. By integrating legal counsel with operational management, Matthew Heeren safeguards the university's interests and facilitates smooth, compliant business practices. The Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel's purview includes navigating complex regulatory landscapes and driving operational excellence to support AT Still University's educational and healthcare objectives.

    Ted Wendel - President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU

    Ted Wendel, the President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU at AT Still University, leads the strategic direction and operational oversight for the university's Arizona and California locations. This critical role involves managing campus administration, fostering academic excellence, and ensuring the seamless integration of educational programs with community health initiatives in these regions. Wendel drives campus growth, enhances student experiences, and cultivates strong relationships with local stakeholders and healthcare partners. By focusing on the unique needs and opportunities within Arizona and California, Ted Wendel champions the university's mission of preparing competent professionals and advancing osteopathic heritage. The President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU's leadership ensures robust campus operations and significant regional impact for AT Still University.

    Gaylah Sublette - President

    Gaylah Sublette, the President at AT Still University, provides overarching leadership and strategic vision for the institution. This executive guides the university's commitment to its learning-centered mission, focusing on preparing competent professionals and upholding the osteopathic heritage. Sublette directs institutional priorities, fostering an environment that emphasizes whole-person healthcare, scholarship, and community engagement. By championing inter-professional education and diversity, Gaylah Sublette ensures AT Still University remains at the forefront of healthcare education and service to under-served populations. The President's leadership is instrumental in navigating the evolving landscape of higher education and healthcare, driving AT Still University's continued success and impact.
    Gaylah Sublette

    Christine Beeson - Class President

    Christine Beeson, the Class President at AT Still University, represents the student body and advocates for student interests within the university governance structure. This role involves communicating student perspectives to university leadership, organizing student-led initiatives, and fostering a sense of community among peers. Beeson works to ensure that student voices are heard in decisions impacting academic programs, campus life, and student services. By championing the needs and concerns of the student cohort, Christine Beeson contributes to a dynamic and responsive learning environment. The Class President's dedication enhances the overall student experience and supports AT Still University's commitment to its learners.

    Craig Phelps - President

    Craig Phelps, the President at AT Still University, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for the university. This leadership role involves guiding the institution's commitment to its learning-centered mission, emphasizing whole-person healthcare and the continuation of osteopathic heritage. Phelps oversees key initiatives that promote scholarship, community health, and inter-professional education across all campuses. By fostering an environment that values diversity and serves under-served populations, Craig Phelps ensures AT Still University remains a leader in health sciences education. The President's focus on academic excellence and community impact drives the university's mission forward, solidifying its position in preparing competent healthcare professionals.

    Austin Jones - President

    Austin Jones, the President at AT Still University, provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the institution. This executive guides the university's dedication to its learning-centered philosophy, focusing on preparing highly competent professionals in the health sciences. Jones directs efforts to uphold the osteopathic heritage while advancing whole-person healthcare, scholarship, and community health initiatives. By promoting inter-professional education and championing diversity, Austin Jones ensures AT Still University effectively serves under-served populations. The President's commitment to academic rigor and compassionate care reinforces the university's mission and its impact on healthcare delivery.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AT Still University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AT Still University?
    AT Still University is led by Joni Podmanik (Chief Executive Officer, Program & Coordinator), along with executives such as Elizabeth Russell (Chief Financial Officer) and Matthew Heeren (Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel).
    Who is part of AT Still University’s executive team?
    The executive team of AT Still University includes leaders such as Joni Podmanik (Chief Executive Officer, Program & Coordinator), Elizabeth Russell (Chief Financial Officer), Matthew Heeren (Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does AT Still University have?
    AT Still University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in AT Still University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of AT Still University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Program & Coordinator, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel, President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU, President.