AT Still University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

AT Still University has 6 executives leading key functions including marketing, financial oversight, operational management, executive leadership, student governance, and campus administration.

Committed to advancing whole-person healthcare, AT Still University fosters academic excellence and community health through a dedication to osteopathic heritage and service to 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
  • Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President - Carly Chellman
  • President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU - Ted Wendel
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Sean O'Connor
  • Joni Podmanik - Chief Executive Officer & Program Coordinator

    Joni Podmanik, the Chief Executive Officer & Program Coordinator at AT Still University, drives the strategic vision and programmatic execution for specific health initiatives. Overseeing the development and delivery of specialized academic curricula, the Chief Executive Officer & Program Coordinator ensures that training programs meet the highest standards of osteopathic excellence. This leadership role involves coordinating faculty resources, managing student outcomes, and fostering partnerships with clinical sites to support community health goals. Joni Podmanik executes initiatives that integrate inter-professional education into the daily operations of the program. By aligning program objectives with the broader mission of the university, the Chief Executive Officer & Program Coordinator facilitates the preparation of competent healthcare professionals. The Chief Executive Officer & Program Coordinator monitors performance metrics to ensure continuous improvement in student success and program impact. Through effective leadership and coordination, the Chief Executive Officer & Program Coordinator strengthens the university's influence in the field of whole-person healthcare and service to under-served populations.

    Elizabeth Russell - Chief Financial Officer

    Elizabeth Russell, the Chief Financial Officer at AT Still University, manages all fiscal planning and resource allocation for the institution. Overseeing the financial health of the university, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that budgetary priorities align with the core mission of providing high-quality health and science education. This leadership role involves monitoring endowment performance, managing operational expenditures, and securing funding for research initiatives focused on under-served populations. Elizabeth Russell directs the financial reporting processes and maintains compliance with regulatory standards across all campuses. By implementing rigorous cost-control measures and revenue-generation strategies, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term sustainability of academic programs. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to evaluate investment opportunities that enhance campus infrastructure and technological capabilities. Through precise financial modeling and risk assessment, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to advance the university's commitment to scholarship and community health on a national scale.

    Matthew Heeren - Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel

    Matthew Heeren, the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel at AT Still University, architects the operational framework and legal strategy for the entire institution. Managing the intersection of administrative efficiency and regulatory compliance, the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel ensures that all university policies support the delivery of inter-professional education. This leadership role involves overseeing campus facilities, risk management protocols, and legal affairs to protect the interests of the university. Matthew Heeren directs the implementation of institutional policies that promote diversity and inclusion within the academic environment. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel enhances the overall effectiveness of the university's health and science programs. The Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel provides critical guidance on contractual agreements and governance matters, ensuring alignment with the mission of whole-person healthcare. Through proactive legal oversight and operational management, the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel maintains the stability and integrity of the university's complex organizational structure.

    Carly Chellman - Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President

    Carly Chellman, the Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President at AT Still University, leads student-driven initiatives focused on academic excellence and community service. Representing the student body within the professional fraternity, the Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President organizes events that promote the values of osteopathic medicine and whole-person healthcare. This leadership role involves coordinating peer mentorship programs, facilitating professional development workshops, and managing chapter outreach to local communities. Carly Chellman directs the efforts of the chapter to ensure alignment with the university's commitment to scholarship and diversity. By fostering a culture of collaboration among students, the Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President enhances the overall educational experience and professional readiness of the membership. The Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President serves as a liaison between the student body and faculty leadership to address academic needs and promote student engagement. Through active participation in university life, the Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President contributes to the vibrant academic community at the institution.

    Ted Wendel - President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU

    Ted Wendel, the President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU at AT Still University, directs the strategic operations and growth of the western regional campuses. Overseeing the academic and administrative functions in these specific geographic areas, the President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU ensures that the university's mission of whole-person healthcare is effectively implemented across these locations. This leadership role involves managing campus-specific faculty, expanding clinical partnerships, and fostering community health initiatives that serve local populations. Ted Wendel executes regional strategies that align with the broader institutional goals of promoting diversity and inter-professional education. By providing executive oversight for campus infrastructure and student services, the President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU maintains a high standard of academic excellence. The President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU collaborates with other executive leaders to ensure consistency in the university's educational quality and operational standards. Through dedicated regional leadership, the President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU drives the expansion and impact of the university's health and science programs.

    Sean O'Connor - Chief Marketing Officer

    Sean O'Connor, the Chief Marketing Officer at AT Still University, directs all institutional branding and communication strategies. By aligning promotional efforts with the university's mission of whole-person healthcare, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of academic programs across diverse national markets. This leadership role involves managing digital engagement platforms and public relations initiatives to strengthen the reputation of the institution among prospective students and healthcare partners. Sean O'Connor executes data-driven campaigns that highlight the commitment to osteopathic heritage and inter-professional education. Through the optimization of recruitment funnels and brand positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across all regional operations. By analyzing market trends and student demographics, the Chief Marketing Officer supports long-term enrollment growth and institutional visibility. This strategic focus on brand integrity directly impacts the ability of the university to attract top-tier talent and maintain a competitive edge in the health and science education sector.

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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 6 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, Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President, President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU.