Boise State University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Boise State University has 10 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, operational management, information technology, and academic governance.

Driven by a commitment to Blue Turf Thinking, Boise State University fosters creative research and innovative educational solutions to ensure student success across diverse global communities.

Leadership Roles at Boise State University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Paul Powell
  • Director and Chief Financial Officer - Niki Gamez
  • Interim Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer - Jo Dinucci
  • Chief Operating Officer - Annie Hightower
  • Faculty Senate President - Anthony Marker
  • President - Marlene Tromp
  • Group President, State Refugee Alliance At BSU (Bsra, Boise) - Freddy Nyakulinda
  • Interim Associate VP & Chief Information Officer - Brian Bolt
  • Assistant Associate VP, Management To & Chief Information Officer - Karen Toon
  • Executive Director & Chief Information Officer - David O'Neill
  • Paul Powell - Chief Financial Officer

    Paul Powell, the Chief Financial Officer at Boise State University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the institution. Powell directs long-term financial planning, ensuring resources align with the university's research goals and metropolitan growth objectives. By overseeing capital investments and operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the economic stability required for academic excellence. Powell collaborates with administrative departments to optimize funding streams, supporting the broader mission of student success. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of institutional spending to maximize value for the student body. Through strategic oversight of financial assets, Paul Powell secures the necessary capital to advance campus infrastructure and academic programs. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer drives fiscal accountability, ensuring the university remains a competitive, high-impact public research institution within the regional landscape.

    Niki Gamez - Director and Chief Financial Officer

    Niki Gamez, the Director and Chief Financial Officer at Boise State University, manages the financial operations of specific academic and research units. Gamez directs the budgeting and resource allocation processes for these departments, ensuring that funds are utilized to support student success and faculty research. By monitoring financial performance, the Chief Financial Officer maintains strict adherence to institutional fiscal policies. Gamez collaborates with program directors to identify funding opportunities and optimize departmental spending. This role involves the detailed analysis of financial data to support strategic decision-making within the university's various colleges. Niki Gamez drives financial efficiency, ensuring that resources are directed toward high-impact educational programs. Through the careful oversight of departmental budgets, Gamez supports the university's mission of providing a high-quality, accessible education to a diverse student body, contributing to the overall economic health of the institution.

    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, oversees the comprehensive financial administration of the entire university. Dinucci directs the development of institutional financial policies and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations. By managing the university's treasury and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer provides the leadership necessary for long-term fiscal sustainability. Dinucci coordinates with the Board and executive leadership to align financial strategies with the university's mission of metropolitan research and student success. This role involves the oversight of complex financial systems that support the university's diverse operations. Jo Dinucci drives fiscal integrity, ensuring that the university's resources are managed with transparency and precision. Through the strategic management of financial administration, Dinucci supports the university's growth and its commitment to providing an innovative, high-quality educational experience for all students.

    Annie Hightower - Chief Operating Officer

    Annie Hightower, the Chief Operating Officer at Boise State University, executes the daily administrative functions that sustain campus operations. Hightower manages the logistical framework supporting the university's diverse student population, including international and transfer cohorts. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that campus services remain efficient and accessible. Hightower coordinates with various departments to implement operational policies that reflect the institution's commitment to Blue Turf Thinking. This role involves managing physical infrastructure and service delivery systems to enhance the overall student experience. Annie Hightower drives organizational effectiveness, aligning operational output with the university's strategic goals for growth and academic quality. Through meticulous management of institutional resources, Hightower supports the seamless integration of administrative support and educational delivery, maintaining the university's reputation as a premier metropolitan research hub.

    Anthony Marker - Faculty Senate President

    Anthony Marker, the Faculty Senate President at Boise State University, represents the academic interests of the faculty within the university's governance structure. Marker directs the Faculty Senate in discussions regarding curriculum development, research standards, and academic policy. By facilitating communication between the faculty and the administration, the Faculty Senate President ensures that academic perspectives inform institutional decision-making. Marker coordinates with university leadership to promote a culture of shared governance and academic freedom. This role involves advocating for resources that support faculty research and student learning outcomes. Anthony Marker drives academic excellence, ensuring that the university's educational programs remain rigorous and relevant. Through the leadership of the Faculty Senate, Marker fosters a collaborative environment where faculty contributions are central to the university's mission of innovation and student success, maintaining the institution's reputation as a premier research university.

    Marlene Tromp - President

    Marlene Tromp, the President at Boise State University, provides the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Tromp directs the university's mission to foster Blue Turf Thinking, encouraging creativity and innovation across all academic and research departments. By overseeing the university's growth and community engagement, the President ensures that the institution remains a vital metropolitan research hub. Tromp collaborates with the Board, faculty, and administrative leaders to advance the university's commitment to student success and career readiness. This role involves representing the university to external stakeholders and driving initiatives that enhance the institution's regional and national impact. Marlene Tromp drives the university's strategic direction, ensuring that all programs align with the goal of providing a transformative education. Through visionary leadership, Tromp secures the university's future as a leader in higher education, dedicated to the success of every student.
    Marlene Tromp

    Freddy Nyakulinda - Group President, State Refugee Alliance At BSU (Bsra, Boise)

    Freddy Nyakulinda, the Group President, State Refugee Alliance At BSU (Bsra, Boise) at Boise State University, directs initiatives focused on supporting refugee students and community integration. Nyakulinda oversees programs that provide educational access and resources to refugee populations, ensuring these students thrive within the university environment. By coordinating with local and state organizations, the Group President facilitates partnerships that enhance the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Nyakulinda manages the alliance's outreach efforts, ensuring that the university remains a welcoming space for students from all backgrounds. This role involves developing support systems that address the unique needs of refugee students, from admissions to graduation. Freddy Nyakulinda drives social impact, ensuring that the university's mission of accessibility is realized through tangible support. Through the leadership of the State Refugee Alliance, Nyakulinda fosters a vibrant, inclusive campus community that reflects the university's dedication to global citizenship.

    Brian Bolt - Interim Associate VP & Chief Information Officer

    Brian Bolt, the Interim Associate VP & Chief Information Officer at Boise State University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy for the campus. Bolt oversees the implementation of secure, scalable network systems that support both remote and on-campus learning environments. By managing the university's data architecture, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools necessary for innovative research. Bolt coordinates with academic leadership to integrate emerging technologies into the curriculum, fostering a modern educational experience. This role involves protecting institutional data while expanding digital access for the diverse student body. Brian Bolt drives technological advancement, ensuring that the university's IT capabilities remain robust and responsive to evolving academic needs. Through strategic oversight of digital assets, Bolt maintains the technological foundation required for the university to excel in a competitive metropolitan research landscape.
    Brian Bolt

    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, manages the administrative governance of information systems. Toon oversees the optimization of software platforms and management tools that facilitate university-wide communication and data processing. By aligning IT management with institutional objectives, the Chief Information Officer ensures that administrative workflows support the university's research mission. Toon coordinates with departmental heads to streamline data reporting and improve operational transparency. This role involves the strategic deployment of management software to enhance efficiency across all campus sectors. Karen Toon drives the integration of administrative technology, ensuring that the university's digital ecosystem remains agile and user-friendly. Through the careful management of information resources, Toon supports the university's commitment to innovation, providing the necessary digital infrastructure for students and faculty to achieve their academic goals.

    David O'Neill - Executive Director & Chief Information Officer

    David O'Neill, the Executive Director & Chief Information Officer at Boise State University, architects the long-term vision for the university's information technology landscape. O'Neill directs the development of high-performance computing resources that empower faculty research and student learning. By overseeing the strategic roadmap for digital transformation, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the university remains at the forefront of technological innovation. O'Neill collaborates with the executive team to align IT investments with the university's broader mission of metropolitan research excellence. This role involves managing large-scale technology projects that enhance campus connectivity and data security. David O'Neill drives the adoption of advanced digital solutions, ensuring that the university's infrastructure supports a diverse and growing student population. Through the strategic leadership of IT initiatives, O'Neill secures the technological edge necessary for the university to maintain its status as a leader in higher education.

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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 Paul Powell (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Niki Gamez (Director and 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 Paul Powell (Chief Financial Officer), Niki Gamez (Director and 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 Financial Officer, Director and Chief Financial Officer, Interim Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Faculty Senate President.