AT Still University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

AT Still University has 8 executives leading key functions including finance, strategy, operations, 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
  • Missouri Campus President - Gaylah Sublette
  • President - Austin Jones
  • Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President - Carly Chellman
  • Class President - Christine Beeson
  • Joni Podmanik - Chief Executive Officer, Program & Coordinator

    Joni Podmanik, the Chief Executive Officer, Program & Coordinator at AT Still University, drives strategic program development and institutional coordination. Podmanik oversees the execution of key academic initiatives and ensures seamless integration across university programs. This executive function involves aligning programmatic goals with the university's mission of preparing competent professionals. Podmanik's leadership fosters inter-professional education and supports the university's commitment to diversity and serving under-served populations. By coordinating program delivery and operational aspects, Joni Podmanik enhances the overall learning experience and institutional effectiveness, reinforcing AT Still University's dedication to whole-person healthcare.

    Elizabeth Russell - Chief Financial Officer

    Elizabeth Russell, the Chief Financial Officer at AT Still University, directs all fiscal operations and financial strategy. Russell manages the university's budget, investments, and financial planning, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation to support academic programs and institutional growth. Overseeing financial reporting and compliance, Russell guarantees adherence to all relevant regulations. The Chief Financial Officer's strategic insights guide investment decisions and financial policies, directly impacting the university's long-term viability and operational capacity. Russell's expertise ensures AT Still University maintains a strong financial foundation to fulfill its educational mission.

    Matthew Heeren - Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel

    Matthew Heeren, the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel at AT Still University, manages daily operations and provides comprehensive legal guidance. Heeren oversees administrative functions, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. This dual role involves strategic planning for operational scaling and risk management across the university. Matthew Heeren's responsibilities include advising leadership on legal matters, contract negotiations, and policy development, safeguarding the institution's interests. By directing operational infrastructure and legal frameworks, Heeren supports AT Still University's mission to deliver high-quality education and uphold its osteopathic heritage.

    Ted Wendel - President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU

    Ted Wendel, the President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU at AT Still University, leads strategic direction and operational oversight for the Arizona and California campuses. Wendel champions the university's mission in these key geographic regions, focusing on academic excellence and community engagement. This leadership position involves fostering inter-professional education and ensuring the delivery of specialized healthcare training. Ted Wendel drives initiatives that support diversity and serve under-served populations within these states. By overseeing campus administration and faculty development, Wendel ensures these campuses effectively contribute to AT Still University's overall goals and osteopathic heritage.

    Gaylah Sublette - Missouri Campus President

    Gaylah Sublette, the Missouri Campus President at AT Still University, directs the strategic vision and operational management for the Missouri campus. Sublette cultivates an environment that upholds the university's commitment to osteopathic heritage and whole-person healthcare. This critical role involves advancing academic programs and fostering community health initiatives within Missouri. Gaylah Sublette oversees campus operations, ensuring alignment with AT Still University's broader objectives regarding diversity and service to under-served populations. By leading campus development and faculty support, Sublette strengthens the institution's foundational presence and educational impact.

    Austin Jones - President

    Austin Jones, the President at AT Still University, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the institution. Jones guides the university's commitment to preparing competent professionals and advancing its osteopathic heritage. This executive role involves fostering a learning-centered environment that emphasizes whole-person healthcare and community engagement. Austin Jones drives initiatives that promote inter-professional education, diversity, and outreach to under-served populations. By setting institutional priorities and ensuring strategic alignment, Jones reinforces AT Still University's mission and its impact on health sciences education.

    Carly Chellman - Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President

    Carly Chellman, the Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President at AT Still University, leads the student chapter of this national osteopathic honor society. Chellman promotes academic excellence and professional development among its members, aligning with the university's core values. This leadership position involves organizing chapter activities, fostering camaraderie, and upholding the principles of osteopathic medicine. Carly Chellman encourages members to engage in community service and support the university's mission of serving under-served populations. By guiding chapter initiatives, Chellman contributes to the development of future healthcare leaders dedicated to whole-person care.

    Christine Beeson - Class President

    Christine Beeson, the Class President at AT Still University, represents the interests and concerns of the student body within a specific academic cohort. Beeson facilitates communication between students and university administration, ensuring student voices are heard in academic and operational matters. This role involves organizing class events, fostering a sense of community, and promoting student engagement with the university's mission. Christine Beeson advocates for student needs, supporting the university's commitment to diversity and preparing competent healthcare professionals. By leading class initiatives, Beeson enhances the student experience and contributes to the collaborative learning environment.

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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, Missouri Campus President.