Avila University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Avila University has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, fiscal oversight, institutional leadership, academic governance, and brand communications.

Rooted in a commitment to academic excellence, Avila University empowers students through flexible online degree programs and experiential learning opportunities designed for professional growth.

Leadership Roles at Avila University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Paul Bookmeyer
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - Jon Nixon
  • President - Md Oshama
  • Executive Comm (Secretary). Chair, Academic. VPAA and President Search Committees. Nominating - Ellen Martin
  • Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Karen Baum
  • Paul Bookmeyer - Chief Financial Officer

    Paul Bookmeyer, the Chief Financial Officer at Avila University, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Bookmeyer directs the allocation of capital resources to support the expansion of online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. By overseeing the financial planning for the university's diverse academic offerings, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that investments in technology and infrastructure align with the mission of providing accessible education. Paul Bookmeyer monitors budgetary performance across all departments, including business, education, and health sciences. This leadership role involves collaborating with the board to maintain institutional stability while fostering growth in the competitive higher education market. Through rigorous financial analysis and strategic resource management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to sustain the university's commitment to working professionals across the United States.

    Jon Nixon - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Jon Nixon, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Avila University, executes short-term fiscal strategies to maintain operational continuity during periods of transition. Nixon focuses on optimizing the university's cash flow and managing the financial requirements of the institution's asynchronous course delivery model. By analyzing revenue streams from various certificate programs and graduate degrees, the Interim Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for cost efficiency without compromising academic quality. Jon Nixon coordinates with administrative leadership to ensure that financial reporting remains transparent and compliant with institutional standards. This role requires balancing immediate budgetary needs with the broader goal of supporting career advancement for students. Through careful oversight of operational expenses and revenue forecasting, the Interim Chief Financial Officer provides the stability required for the university to continue delivering high-quality education to a diverse student body.

    Md Oshama - President

    Md Oshama, the President at Avila University, architects the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Oshama drives the mission of providing flexible, high-quality education to working professionals through innovative online formats. By overseeing the integration of technology and curriculum across business, social sciences, and cybersecurity programs, the President ensures that the university remains responsive to evolving market demands. Md Oshama leads the executive team in fostering a culture of academic excellence and community engagement. This leadership role involves representing the university to external stakeholders and ensuring that the institution's Catholic identity remains central to its educational philosophy. Through the implementation of growth initiatives and the expansion of academic partnerships, the President secures the university's position as a leader in accessible higher education, ultimately enhancing the career prospects of students nationwide.

    Ellen Martin - Executive Comm (Secretary). Chair, Academic. VPAA and President Search Committees. Nominating

    Ellen Martin, the Executive Comm (Secretary). Chair, Academic. VPAA and President Search Committees. Nominating at Avila University, manages the governance processes and administrative oversight of the university's academic leadership. Martin coordinates the search committees for key executive roles, ensuring that the institution attracts top-tier talent to drive its mission forward. By chairing the academic committee, the Executive Comm (Secretary). Chair, Academic. VPAA and President Search Committees. Nominating oversees the integrity of the curriculum and the alignment of degree programs with industry standards. Ellen Martin facilitates communication between the board and the faculty, ensuring that institutional policies support the delivery of online education. This role involves meticulous documentation and the management of nominating procedures to maintain a robust leadership structure. Through these governance activities, the Executive Comm (Secretary). Chair, Academic. VPAA and President Search Committees. Nominating ensures that the university remains focused on its core educational objectives.

    Karen Baum - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    Karen Baum, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Avila University, directs the brand strategy and public outreach efforts to attract students to the university's online programs. Baum oversees the development of digital marketing campaigns that highlight the flexibility and career-advancement benefits of the institution's degree offerings. By managing the university's reputation and messaging, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer ensures that the value proposition of the academic programs reaches working professionals across diverse geographic regions. Karen Baum collaborates with academic departments to promote new certificates and graduate degrees, effectively communicating the university's mission to prospective students. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to refine outreach strategies and increase enrollment. Through the execution of comprehensive communication plans, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer strengthens the university's market presence and supports the growth of its online educational ecosystem.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Avila University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Avila University?
    Avila University is led by Paul Bookmeyer (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Jon Nixon (Interim Chief Financial Officer) and Md Oshama (President).
    Who is part of Avila University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Avila University includes leaders such as Paul Bookmeyer (Chief Financial Officer), Jon Nixon (Interim Chief Financial Officer), Md Oshama (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Avila University have?
    Avila University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Avila University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Avila University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, President, Executive Comm (Secretary). Chair, Academic. VPAA and President Search Committees. Nominating, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.