Boise State University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Boise State University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, and information technology.

Driven by Blue Turf Thinking, Boise State University fosters creativity and innovative solutions, serving a diverse student body and ensuring graduates achieve career success.

Leadership Roles at Boise State University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Patrick Fithen
  • Chief Financial Officer - Paul Powell
  • Interim Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer - Jo Dinucci
  • Director and Chief Financial Officer - Niki Gamez
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Jeffrey Banka
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - Stacy Pearson
  • Assistant Associate VP, Management To & Chief Information Officer - Karen Toon
  • Interim Associate VP & Chief Information Officer - Brian Bolt
  • Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer - Brian Ray
  • Executive Director & Chief Information Officer - David O'Neill
  • Patrick Fithen - Chief Executive Officer

    Patrick Fithen, the Chief Executive Officer at Boise State University, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the institution. Fithen guides the university's commitment to Blue Turf Thinking, fostering an environment that encourages creativity and innovative solutions across all academic and administrative departments. This leadership role involves aligning departmental goals with the university's mission to provide diverse graduate and undergraduate degrees. Overseeing the institution's strategic direction, Patrick Fithen ensures that Boise State University maintains its position as a leading metropolitan research university. The CEO's focus extends to enhancing student success and ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their chosen career paths, directly impacting the university's reputation and market standing.

    Paul Powell - Chief Financial Officer

    Paul Powell, the Chief Financial Officer at Boise State University, manages the institution's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Powell oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial planning, ensuring fiscal responsibility across departments. This role is critical in supporting the university's mission to offer diverse graduate and undergraduate programs. By optimizing financial strategies, Paul Powell enables the university to invest in research, faculty development, and student support services. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight ensures that Boise State University can continue its commitment to Blue Turf Thinking and innovative educational solutions, directly contributing to student success and graduate employment outcomes.

    Jo Dinucci - Interim Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer

    Jo Dinucci, the Interim Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer at Boise State University, provides critical oversight of the university's financial administration and operations. Dinucci manages key financial functions, ensuring compliance and efficiency in resource management to support the institution's academic and research endeavors. This role is essential for maintaining the financial stability required to advance Boise State University's mission and its unique Blue Turf Thinking approach. By guiding financial administration, Jo Dinucci supports strategic investments in student success initiatives and program development. The Interim Vice President's leadership ensures that financial resources are effectively deployed to foster innovation and achieve positive student outcomes.

    Niki Gamez - Director and Chief Financial Officer

    Niki Gamez, the Director and Chief Financial Officer at Boise State University, oversees the comprehensive financial strategy and management of the institution. Gamez directs fiscal operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation, to support the university's diverse academic offerings and research initiatives. This position is fundamental to upholding the university's commitment to Blue Turf Thinking by ensuring financial capacity for innovative projects. Niki Gamez's leadership ensures that financial planning aligns with strategic goals, fostering an environment conducive to student success and graduate employment. The Director and Chief Financial Officer's expertise is crucial for maintaining fiscal integrity and driving institutional growth.

    Jeffrey Banka - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Jeffrey Banka, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Boise State University, supports the Chief Financial Officer in managing the institution's financial operations and strategic planning. Banka assists in overseeing budgeting, financial analysis, and resource management, ensuring that financial activities align with the university's academic and research objectives. This role is integral to maintaining the financial infrastructure that supports Boise State University's commitment to Blue Turf Thinking and innovative solutions. By contributing to sound financial practices, Jeffrey Banka helps facilitate investments in student support services and program enhancements. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer's work is vital for the efficient allocation of resources and the overall fiscal health of the university.

    Stacy Pearson - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Stacy Pearson, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Boise State University, provides essential leadership in managing the institution's financial resources and strategic fiscal planning. Pearson oversees critical financial functions, ensuring fiscal integrity and efficient resource allocation to support the university's academic mission and research endeavors. This role is key to enabling Boise State University's commitment to Blue Turf Thinking by securing the financial foundation for innovative projects and initiatives. Stacy Pearson's guidance supports investments in student success programs and operational improvements. The Interim Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for maintaining financial stability and driving the university's strategic objectives forward.

    Karen Toon - Assistant Associate VP, Management To & Chief Information Officer

    Karen Toon, the Assistant Associate VP, Management To & Chief Information Officer at Boise State University, directs the university's information technology infrastructure and management systems. Toon is responsible for developing and implementing technology strategies that support academic, research, and administrative functions. This leadership position ensures that the university's digital environment is robust, secure, and capable of facilitating innovative educational experiences. Overseeing IT operations, Karen Toon supports the university's commitment to Blue Turf Thinking by providing the technological tools necessary for creativity and problem-solving. The Chief Information Officer's efforts are vital in enhancing student support services and ensuring seamless access to educational resources for all students.

    Brian Bolt - Interim Associate VP & Chief Information Officer

    Brian Bolt, the Interim Associate VP & Chief Information Officer at Boise State University, leads the strategic direction and operational execution of the university's information technology services. Bolt oversees the development and maintenance of robust IT infrastructure, ensuring secure and efficient technology solutions that support academic, research, and administrative functions. This leadership is crucial for enabling Boise State University's Blue Turf Thinking by providing advanced technological tools for innovation and collaboration. Brian Bolt's focus includes enhancing digital learning environments and supporting student success through accessible technology. The Chief Information Officer's role is pivotal in advancing the university's technological capabilities and operational effectiveness.
    Brian Bolt

    Brian Ray - Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer

    Brian Ray, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer at Boise State University, supports the strategic management and operational execution of human resources functions. Ray assists in developing and implementing policies and programs that foster a positive and productive work environment for faculty and staff. This role is integral to supporting the university's commitment to Blue Turf Thinking by ensuring a skilled and engaged workforce. Brian Ray's efforts contribute to attracting and retaining talent, which is essential for driving innovation and academic excellence. The Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer's work is crucial for aligning human capital strategies with the university's overall mission and goals.

    David O'Neill - Executive Director & Chief Information Officer

    David O'Neill, the Executive Director & Chief Information Officer at Boise State University, directs the comprehensive information technology strategy and operations for the institution. O'Neill is responsible for advancing the university's technological infrastructure to support cutting-edge research, effective teaching, and efficient administration. This leadership position is fundamental to fostering Boise State University's Blue Turf Thinking by providing the digital tools and platforms necessary for innovation. David O'Neill oversees the implementation of secure and scalable IT solutions that enhance the student experience and support academic success. The Chief Information Officer's vision guides the university's technological evolution and operational resilience.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Boise State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Boise State University?
    Boise State University is led by Patrick Fithen (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Paul Powell (Chief Financial Officer) and Jo Dinucci (Interim Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Boise State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Boise State University includes leaders such as Patrick Fithen (Chief Executive Officer), Paul Powell (Chief Financial Officer), Jo Dinucci (Interim Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Boise State University have?
    Boise State University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Boise State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Boise State University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Interim Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer, Director and Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer.