AT Still University Executive and Leadership Team

Joni Podmanik, the Chief Executive Officer & Program Coordinator at AT Still University, directs the strategic execution of specialized health science programs. Overseeing the integration of academic curricula with clinical practice, the Chief Executive Officer & Program Coordinator ensures that educational standards meet the rigorous demands of modern healthcare. This leadership role involves coordinating inter-professional training modules that prepare students for diverse medical environments. By aligning program objectives with the university's osteopathic heritage, Joni Podmanik directly impacts the quality of professional development for future practitioners. The Chief Executive Officer & Program Coordinator manages faculty collaboration and student outcomes to maintain excellence in health education. Through consistent evaluation of program efficacy, Podmanik drives continuous improvement in learning-centered initiatives. This position requires balancing administrative leadership with academic coordination to ensure that every program effectively serves the needs of students and the broader community.

Elizabeth Russell, the Chief Financial Officer at AT Still University, directs all fiscal planning and budgetary allocations for the institution. Overseeing the financial health of the university, the Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment between resource distribution and the core mission of whole-person healthcare education. This leadership role involves managing complex funding streams for health and science programs while maintaining long-term economic stability. By optimizing institutional assets, Elizabeth Russell directly impacts the capacity for academic growth and research initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer monitors revenue cycles and expenditure patterns to support the university's commitment to under-served populations. Through rigorous financial oversight, Russell secures the necessary capital to sustain high-quality inter-professional education. This position requires constant collaboration with the Board to ensure fiscal transparency and accountability across all departments, ultimately driving the financial sustainability of the entire university system.

Matthew Heeren, the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel at AT Still University, directs all operational workflows and legal compliance frameworks. Overseeing the administrative infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel ensures that university policies support the mission of whole-person healthcare. This leadership role involves managing risk mitigation, contract negotiations, and regulatory adherence across all health and science departments. By streamlining internal processes, Matthew Heeren directly impacts the efficiency of campus operations and institutional governance. The Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel provides legal guidance to the executive team while optimizing the daily functions of the university. Through proactive management of operational challenges, Heeren secures the integrity of the institution's legal standing. This position requires constant coordination with academic leaders to ensure that operational strategies remain fully aligned with the university's commitment to diversity and community health initiatives.

Ted Wendel, the President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU at AT Still University, directs regional growth and campus-specific initiatives across the Western United States. Overseeing the expansion of health science programs, the President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU ensures that regional operations reflect the university's commitment to community health and under-served populations. This leadership role involves managing campus-level resources and fostering partnerships with local healthcare providers to enhance clinical training opportunities. By driving regional engagement, Ted Wendel directly impacts the university's footprint in the health education sector. The President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU coordinates with central leadership to maintain consistent academic standards while adapting to the unique needs of the Western market. Through strategic oversight of campus facilities and faculty development, Wendel supports the broader mission of the institution. This position requires balancing local operational demands with the overarching goals of the university.

Carly Chellman, the Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President at AT Still University, directs student-led initiatives focused on academic excellence and professional service. Overseeing the chapter's engagement with the osteopathic community, the Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President ensures that student activities align with the university's core values of scholarship and whole-person healthcare. This leadership role involves organizing community health outreach programs and facilitating inter-professional collaboration among the student body. By fostering a culture of service, Carly Chellman directly impacts the professional development of peers and the university's reputation in the medical field. The Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President manages chapter resources and coordinates with faculty advisors to execute impactful service projects. Through dedicated leadership, Chellman drives student participation in initiatives that support under-served populations. This position requires balancing academic responsibilities with the active promotion of the university's mission to prepare competent, compassionate healthcare professionals.