AT Still University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

AT Still University has 9 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, marketing, program coordination, operations, student leadership, and campus administration.

Committed to advancing whole-person healthcare, AT Still University fosters academic excellence through a dedication to osteopathic heritage, community health, and the support of under-served populations across diverse educational landscapes.

Leadership Roles at AT Still University

  • Chief Executive Officer, Program & Coordinator - Joni Podmanik
  • Chief Financial Officer - Dana Funderburk
  • Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel - Matthew Heeren
  • Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President - Carly Chellman
  • President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU - Ted Wendel
  • Class President - Christine Beeson
  • President - Austin Jones
  • Missouri Campus President - Gaylah Sublette
  • 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, manages the integration of specialized academic curricula with practical clinical training requirements. Podmanik directs the coordination of complex educational programs to ensure compliance with health science standards and institutional mission objectives. By overseeing the alignment of program goals with the university's commitment to osteopathic heritage, the Chief Executive Officer, Program & Coordinator facilitates seamless transitions for students entering clinical rotations. This role involves constant interaction with faculty and administrative leadership to refine pedagogical approaches and improve student outcomes. Joni Podmanik monitors the efficacy of program delivery, ensuring that every initiative supports the development of competent healthcare professionals. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief Executive Officer, Program & Coordinator maintains the high academic rigor necessary for the university to continue its legacy of excellence in whole-person healthcare and community-focused service.

    Dana Funderburk - Chief Financial Officer

    Dana Funderburk, the Chief Financial Officer at AT Still University, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Funderburk directs the allocation of resources to support academic programs and research initiatives that define the university's health science mission. By overseeing budgetary planning and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment with the broader goals of the board and executive leadership. This role involves rigorous analysis of institutional spending to maintain the integrity of the osteopathic heritage while expanding educational capacity. Dana Funderburk monitors revenue streams and operational costs to optimize the delivery of high-quality healthcare education. Through strategic financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to invest in modern facilities and faculty development, ultimately strengthening the university's market position as a leader in health and science education across the United States.

    Matthew Heeren - Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel

    Matthew Heeren, the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel at AT Still University, directs the daily administrative functions and legal framework of the institution. Heeren oversees the operational infrastructure, ensuring that all campus activities adhere to regulatory requirements and institutional policies. By managing the intersection of legal compliance and operational efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel protects the university's interests while fostering an environment conducive to academic innovation. This leadership role involves mitigating risk across all departments and providing strategic guidance to the board on governance matters. Matthew Heeren coordinates with other executive leaders to streamline processes that support the university's mission of whole-person healthcare. Through the application of legal expertise and operational oversight, the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel ensures that the university maintains its commitment to diversity and community health while navigating the complexities of the modern higher education landscape.

    Carly Chellman - Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President

    Carly Chellman, the Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President at AT Still University, leads the student-driven initiatives that promote academic excellence and service within the osteopathic community. Chellman directs chapter activities that foster professional development and peer mentorship among students dedicated to the university's health science mission. By overseeing community outreach projects, the Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President ensures that the student body remains actively engaged with the needs of under-served populations. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty advisors and other student organizations to align chapter goals with the broader institutional commitment to whole-person healthcare. Carly Chellman facilitates events that celebrate the osteopathic heritage and encourage inter-professional collaboration. Through active participation in campus life, the Sigma Sigma Phi Upsilon Chapter President strengthens the sense of community and shared purpose that defines the student experience at the university, ultimately preparing future practitioners for impactful careers in medicine.

    Ted Wendel - President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU

    Ted Wendel, the President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU at AT Still University, directs the strategic growth and operational success of the university's western regional presence. Wendel oversees the academic and clinical initiatives across these specific campuses, ensuring that the institutional mission of whole-person healthcare remains central to all activities. By managing regional faculty and administrative teams, the President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU fosters a culture of scholarship and community engagement that mirrors the university's long-standing heritage. This leadership role involves expanding partnerships with local healthcare providers to enhance student training opportunities and community health impact. Ted Wendel coordinates with the central administration to ensure consistency in educational quality and institutional values. Through the effective management of these regional operations, the President, AZ and CA Campuses, ATSU drives the university's expansion and reinforces its reputation as a premier provider of health science education in the western United States.

    Christine Beeson - Class President

    Christine Beeson, the Class President at AT Still University, represents the student body in matters concerning academic progress and campus culture. Beeson directs communication between students and the administration, ensuring that the voices of the cohort contribute to the ongoing development of the university's health science programs. By overseeing class-led initiatives, the Class President fosters a collaborative environment that emphasizes the importance of inter-professional education and whole-person healthcare. This leadership role involves organizing events that support student well-being and professional growth, aligning with the university's commitment to community health. Christine Beeson works closely with faculty to address student concerns and promote a culture of academic integrity and service. Through dedicated advocacy and leadership, the Class President ensures that the student experience remains focused on the core values of the institution, preparing the cohort for successful transitions into the healthcare workforce and future clinical practice.

    Austin Jones - President

    Austin Jones, the President at AT Still University, architects the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire health and science institution. Jones directs the executive team to ensure that all academic programs and research initiatives remain true to the university's commitment to osteopathic heritage and whole-person healthcare. By overseeing the long-term planning and institutional growth, the President maintains the university's status as a leader in community health and inter-professional education. This leadership role involves engaging with the board, faculty, and external stakeholders to secure the resources necessary for continued innovation. Austin Jones monitors the impact of the university's mission on under-served populations, ensuring that the institution remains dedicated to its founding principles. Through decisive leadership and a focus on academic excellence, the President guides the university toward future success, fostering an environment where students and faculty thrive in the pursuit of healthcare knowledge and service.

    Gaylah Sublette - Missouri Campus President

    Gaylah Sublette, the Missouri Campus President at AT Still University, directs the operational and academic activities at the university's primary location. Sublette oversees the implementation of health science curricula and ensures that the campus environment supports the institution's commitment to whole-person healthcare and osteopathic heritage. By managing local faculty and staff, the Missouri Campus President fosters a culture of scholarship and community service that addresses the needs of the surrounding region. This leadership role involves coordinating with central administration to align campus-specific goals with the broader university mission. Gaylah Sublette facilitates partnerships with local healthcare organizations to provide students with robust clinical training opportunities. Through effective management of the Missouri campus, the Missouri Campus President ensures that the university continues to prepare competent professionals who are dedicated to improving community health and serving under-served populations, maintaining the institution's legacy of excellence in the heart of the Midwest.

    Sean O'Connor - Chief Marketing Officer

    Sean O'Connor, the Chief Marketing Officer at AT Still University, architects the brand identity and communication strategies that promote the institution's commitment to whole-person healthcare. O'Connor drives recruitment efforts by highlighting the unique value proposition of the university's academic programs to prospective students nationwide. By managing digital presence and public relations, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging regarding the university's focus on community health and inter-professional education. This leadership role requires close collaboration with academic departments to translate complex scientific achievements into accessible narratives for diverse audiences. Sean O'Connor executes multi-channel campaigns that elevate the institutional profile within the competitive landscape of higher education. Through data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes outreach to under-served populations, ensuring the university remains a top choice for aspiring healthcare professionals dedicated to the principles of osteopathic medicine and service-oriented practice.

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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 Dana Funderburk (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), Dana Funderburk (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 9 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.