California State University - Chico Executive and Leadership Team

Mary Sidney, the Chief Executive Officer at California State University - Chico, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional growth of the university. Overseeing long-term planning, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between academic offerings and regional workforce demands. This leadership role involves managing complex administrative frameworks to support the delivery of bachelor's and master's degrees. By optimizing resource allocation across the campus, Mary Sidney directly impacts the university's ability to maintain high educational standards. Sidney secures the financial and operational stability necessary for sustained institutional progress. Through collaboration with the board and faculty leadership, the Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that enhance the university's reputation within the broader California education landscape. This executive focus remains centered on expanding access to quality teaching credentials while maintaining the core mission of providing accessible, high-impact higher education to the diverse student population.

Frank Bayham, the Immediate President at California State University - Chico, provides continuity and historical context to the university's leadership team. Overseeing the transition of key academic initiatives, the Immediate President ensures that long-term institutional goals remain consistent during periods of administrative change. This leadership role involves advising on policy development and maintaining strong ties with alumni and regional partners. By leveraging extensive experience, Frank Bayham directly impacts the stability and ongoing success of the university's academic programs. Bayham supports the implementation of strategic priorities that align with the institution's commitment to bachelor's and master's degree excellence. Through active participation in governance, the Immediate President drives efforts to preserve the university's legacy while fostering future growth. This role serves as a bridge between past achievements and future aspirations, ensuring that the core mission of providing accessible education remains the primary focus of all administrative activities.

Paul Zingg, the President at California State University - Chico, leads the academic mission and represents the university to external stakeholders and the broader community. Overseeing the development of curriculum and faculty research, the President ensures that the institution maintains its reputation for excellence in undergraduate and graduate education. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive campus culture that supports student achievement and professional development. By championing academic innovation, Paul Zingg directly impacts the university's ability to attract and retain top-tier students and faculty. Zingg manages the strategic direction of the university to ensure that degree programs remain relevant to the evolving needs of the California workforce. Through visionary leadership, the President drives the institution toward greater regional impact and academic distinction. This role requires a deep commitment to the university's founding principles while actively pursuing new opportunities for growth and community engagement.

Christopher Malone, the President at California State University - Chico, focuses on the expansion of community partnerships and the enhancement of student support services. Overseeing the integration of local industry needs into the academic curriculum, the President ensures that graduates possess the skills required for success in the modern economy. This leadership role involves managing external relations and securing resources to support the university's diverse degree offerings. By cultivating relationships with regional leaders, Christopher Malone directly impacts the university's role as a hub for economic and social development. Malone drives initiatives that promote student engagement and campus-wide collaboration. Through a focus on practical application and experiential learning, the President ensures that the university remains a leader in providing high-quality education. This role involves constant evaluation of institutional performance to ensure that all programs meet the highest standards of academic rigor and student satisfaction.

Raquel Cuyzon, the Co-President, Religious Diversity Association at California State University - Chico, leads efforts to promote inclusivity and interfaith dialogue across the campus. Overseeing the development of programs that celebrate diverse perspectives, the Co-President, Religious Diversity Association ensures that the university environment remains welcoming to all students and faculty. This leadership role involves organizing events and workshops that foster understanding and respect within the academic community. By facilitating open communication, Raquel Cuyzon directly impacts the social and cultural fabric of the university. Cuyzon manages the association's outreach initiatives to ensure that diverse voices are represented in campus life. Through dedicated advocacy, the Co-President, Religious Diversity Association drives the university's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive educational experience. This role remains essential for maintaining a campus culture that values diversity as a core component of the overall mission to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded education.

Lawrence Bryant, the President at California State University - Chico, directs the university's efforts in academic research and scholarly output. Overseeing the allocation of research grants and the development of faculty-led projects, the President ensures that the institution contributes significantly to the advancement of knowledge in various fields. This leadership role involves managing the infrastructure required for high-level academic inquiry and innovation. By promoting a culture of discovery, Lawrence Bryant directly impacts the university's standing as a center for intellectual growth. Bryant manages the alignment of research goals with the university's broader mission of providing quality bachelor's and master's degrees. Through strategic oversight of academic departments, the President drives the pursuit of excellence in teaching and research. This role requires a focus on maintaining the resources and support systems necessary for faculty and students to excel in their respective disciplines and contribute to the broader academic community.

Phyllis Fernlund, the Council President at California State University - Chico, leads the governing council in overseeing academic policy and institutional standards. Overseeing the review of degree programs and teaching credentials, the Council President ensures that all academic offerings meet rigorous quality benchmarks. This leadership role involves facilitating discussions among faculty and administrators to establish policies that support student success. By maintaining high standards of academic integrity, Phyllis Fernlund directly impacts the value and reputation of the university's degrees. Fernlund manages the council's agenda to address critical issues related to curriculum development and institutional effectiveness. Through collaborative governance, the Council President drives the university's commitment to academic excellence. This role remains vital for ensuring that the institution continues to provide a high-quality education that prepares students for professional success while upholding the university's long-standing tradition of academic rigor and community service.

Jordan Girola, the President-Elect at California State University - Chico, prepares for the transition into the primary leadership role by engaging with current strategic initiatives and institutional priorities. Overseeing the assessment of future academic needs, the President-Elect ensures that the university remains positioned for long-term growth and success. This leadership role involves participating in key decision-making processes and building relationships with stakeholders across the campus. By gaining a deep understanding of the university's operations, Jordan Girola directly impacts the continuity of the institution's mission. Girola manages the preparation of future-focused projects that align with the university's commitment to bachelor's and master's degree programs. Through active involvement in current leadership activities, the President-Elect drives the development of strategies that will guide the university in the coming years. This role serves as a critical period of alignment, ensuring that the transition to future leadership supports the ongoing delivery of high-quality education.

Karla Zimmerlee, the Chief of Staff at California State University - Chico, coordinates executive communications and manages the daily operational flow of the president's office. Overseeing internal policy implementation, the Chief of Staff ensures that administrative directives reach all academic departments efficiently. This leadership role involves facilitating cross-departmental collaboration to streamline university governance and decision-making processes. By managing high-level projects, Karla Zimmerlee directly impacts the effectiveness of the university's administrative infrastructure. Zimmerlee maintains critical relationships with stakeholders to support the institution's mission of providing robust bachelor's and master's degree programs. Through meticulous oversight of organizational workflows, the Chief of Staff drives operational excellence across the campus. This role requires constant engagement with various university divisions to ensure that strategic goals remain on track, ultimately supporting the broader objective of delivering quality education to students throughout the Northern California region.

Buzz Buzzini, the Chief Information Officer at California State University - Chico, architects the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the university's academic and administrative functions. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols and campus-wide network stability, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess reliable access to essential digital learning tools. This leadership role involves modernizing data management systems to improve institutional efficiency and research capabilities. By implementing advanced software solutions, Buzz Buzzini directly impacts the quality of the educational experience for the entire campus community. Buzzini manages the integration of new technologies to support the delivery of diverse degree programs and teaching credentials. Through strategic investment in IT resources, the Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation across the university. This role remains vital for maintaining the technological edge necessary to support the institution's mission of providing high-quality education in an increasingly digital academic environment.