Butler University Executive and Leadership Team

Lizzy Friend, the Chief Financial Officer at Butler University, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, Friend ensures the university's financial health and sustainability. This leadership role involves managing investments, optimizing expenditures, and securing funding to support academic and operational initiatives. By maintaining robust financial controls, Lizzy Friend directly impacts the university's ability to invest in faculty development, student programs, and infrastructure enhancements. Ultimately, Friend safeguards the institution's long-term financial viability and supports its mission of integrating liberal arts with professional education.

Kevin Odenwald, the Lambda Chi Alpha - President at Butler University, leads the fraternity's operations and member development. This role involves fostering a strong sense of brotherhood and promoting the organization's values among its members. Odenwald oversees chapter activities, ensuring alignment with both fraternity standards and university expectations for student organizations. By guiding the chapter, Kevin Odenwald supports the development of leadership skills and community engagement among students. This position contributes to the broader university environment by promoting responsible student conduct and active participation in campus life, reinforcing the value of hard work and collaboration.

Marissa Mahoney, President at Butler University, directs the strategic vision and overall operational leadership of the institution. This role encompasses guiding academic programs, fostering faculty excellence, and enhancing the student experience. Mahoney ensures that Butler University's commitment to integrating liberal arts with professional education is realized through innovative curricula and impactful research. By championing the university's core values, Marissa Mahoney drives initiatives that cultivate a community valuing hard work and experiential learning. This leadership is crucial for advancing the university's mission and strengthening its position as a leader in higher education, preparing students for success.

Alise Johnson, President & Co-Founder at Butler University, spearheads the institution's foundational vision and strategic direction. This leadership position involves establishing the core principles that integrate liberal arts with professional education, emphasizing a 'learn by doing' philosophy. Johnson cultivates a community that deeply values hard work as a cornerstone of student and faculty success. By driving innovation and fostering a collaborative environment, Alise Johnson ensures the university remains at the forefront of educational excellence. This role is instrumental in shaping the university's identity and its commitment to preparing students for impactful careers and meaningful lives.

Ashni Patel, President at Butler University, leads the institution's strategic initiatives and operational oversight. This position focuses on advancing the university's mission to integrate liberal arts with professional education, fostering a dynamic learning environment. Patel champions the value of hard work, ensuring that students and faculty are equipped with the skills and mindset for success. By driving academic innovation and community engagement, Ashni Patel strengthens Butler University's commitment to experiential learning. This leadership ensures the university continues to provide a robust educational experience that prepares graduates for significant contributions in their chosen fields and beyond.

Nickolaos Georgis, President of Butler Alliance at Butler University, leads strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives. This role focuses on strengthening connections between the university and external organizations, fostering opportunities for students and faculty. Georgis drives the expansion of alliances that support the university's vision of integrating liberal arts with professional education through practical application. By cultivating these relationships, Nickolaos Georgis enhances the 'learn by doing' philosophy, ensuring students gain valuable real-world experience. This leadership is vital for extending the university's impact and creating pathways for success beyond the campus.

Kayla Wininger, President at Butler University, directs the institution's strategic growth and academic advancement. This leadership role is dedicated to enhancing the integration of liberal arts with professional education, ensuring a comprehensive and relevant student experience. Wininger cultivates a university culture that emphasizes hard work as a fundamental element for achieving success. By championing innovative programs and fostering a supportive community, Kayla Wininger reinforces Butler University's commitment to experiential learning. This focus prepares graduates to excel in their careers and make meaningful contributions to society.

Brenda Harrington, the Vice President - Chief Human Resources Officer at Butler University, leads all human capital management strategies. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, Harrington cultivates a supportive and productive work environment. This critical role involves developing policies that align with the university's vision of valuing hard work and fostering community. By ensuring fair and equitable HR practices, Brenda Harrington directly supports faculty and staff development, which is essential for delivering high-quality education. Ultimately, Harrington drives initiatives that enhance employee engagement and retention, contributing to the university's overall operational excellence and its mission of experiential learning.

Oral Hildebrand, a Charter Member at Butler University, contributes foundational insights and historical perspective to the institution's ongoing development. This role involves providing guidance rooted in the university's establishment and core values. Hildebrand's involvement ensures continuity with the founding principles of integrating liberal arts and professional education. By upholding the legacy of the university's origins, Oral Hildebrand supports the strategic direction and long-term vision. This engagement reinforces the commitment to creating a community that values hard work as an essential building block for success, ensuring the university's enduring impact.

Francis Moriarty, a Charter Member at Butler University, provides strategic counsel and upholds the university's foundational mission. This position involves contributing to the long-term vision and ensuring adherence to the core values established at the university's inception. Moriarty's participation ensures that the integration of liberal arts with professional education remains central to the university's offerings. By drawing upon the institution's historical context, Francis Moriarty supports initiatives that foster a community valuing hard work and experiential learning. This guidance is vital for maintaining the university's unique educational approach and its commitment to student success.