California State University - Chico Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

California State University - Chico has 8 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, administrative operations, information technology, academic diversity, and governance.

Committed to academic excellence and regional development, California State University - Chico fosters student success through diverse degree programs and a long-standing tradition of educational innovation in Northern California.

Leadership Roles at California State University - Chico

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mary Sidney
  • Co-President, Religious Diversity Association - Raquel Cuyzon
  • President - Paul Zingg
  • President - Christopher Malone
  • Council President - Phyllis Fernlund
  • Immediate President - Frank Bayham
  • Chief of Staff - Karla Zimmerlee
  • Chief Information Officer - Buzz Buzzini
  • Mary Sidney - Chief Executive Officer

    Mary Sidney, the Chief Executive Officer at California State University - Chico, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional growth of the university. Sidney manages high-level administrative frameworks to ensure academic programs align with the evolving needs of students across Northern California. By coordinating with the Board and academic leadership, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation to support bachelor's and master's degree offerings. Mary Sidney drives initiatives that enhance the university's reputation as a premier educational institution. This leadership role involves balancing fiscal responsibility with the expansion of teaching credentials. Through rigorous oversight of campus operations, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the university's mission. Sidney secures long-term stability by fostering partnerships that extend the reach of the institution beyond the Sacramento region. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all administrative functions support the core goal of student achievement and community engagement.

    Raquel Cuyzon - Co-President, Religious Diversity Association

    Raquel Cuyzon, the Co-President, Religious Diversity Association at California State University - Chico, promotes inclusive dialogue and cultural understanding across the campus community. Cuyzon manages initiatives that celebrate diverse perspectives, ensuring that the university environment remains welcoming to all students and faculty. By overseeing collaborative events and educational workshops, the Co-President, Religious Diversity Association fosters a culture of mutual respect and intellectual growth. Raquel Cuyzon drives efforts to integrate diverse viewpoints into the broader academic experience, enriching the university's social fabric. This leadership role involves coordinating with student organizations and administrative offices to address the needs of a multifaceted population. Through active engagement, the Co-President, Religious Diversity Association strengthens the university's commitment to social responsibility. Cuyzon facilitates discussions that bridge gaps between different groups, enhancing the overall campus experience. Ultimately, the Co-President, Religious Diversity Association ensures that the university remains a vibrant space for diverse thought and community building.

    Paul Zingg - President

    Paul Zingg, the President at California State University - Chico, leads the academic mission and long-term development of the university. Zingg oversees the expansion of degree programs and teaching credentials, ensuring that the institution meets the highest standards of educational quality. By managing relationships with external stakeholders and regional partners, the President drives the university's influence throughout Northern California. Paul Zingg executes strategic plans that prioritize student success and faculty research. This leadership role involves guiding the university through complex academic challenges while maintaining a focus on institutional growth. Through consistent advocacy for the university's mission, the President secures the resources necessary for continued excellence. Zingg fosters an environment where innovation in teaching and learning can flourish. Ultimately, the President ensures that the university remains a cornerstone of the community, providing accessible and high-quality education to students seeking bachelor's and master's degrees.

    Christopher Malone - President

    Christopher Malone, the President at California State University - Chico, directs the operational and academic policies that define the university's impact on the region. Malone manages the implementation of curriculum updates and faculty development programs to ensure academic rigor. By overseeing the university's engagement with the broader educational community, the President drives initiatives that enhance student retention and graduation rates. Christopher Malone executes policies that support the university's commitment to providing diverse degree options. This leadership role involves working closely with academic deans to align departmental goals with the university's overarching mission. Through strategic oversight, the President maintains the quality of teaching credentials and degree programs. Malone fosters a culture of academic inquiry and professional development across the campus. Ultimately, the President ensures that the university continues to serve as a vital hub for higher education, preparing students for success in their chosen fields.

    Phyllis Fernlund - Council President

    Phyllis Fernlund, the Council President at California State University - Chico, governs the academic council to ensure the integrity of degree programs and institutional standards. Fernlund manages the deliberative processes that shape academic policy, facilitating consensus among faculty and administrative leaders. By overseeing the review of curriculum proposals, the Council President drives the continuous improvement of the university's educational offerings. Phyllis Fernlund executes governance strategies that uphold the university's commitment to academic excellence. This leadership role involves coordinating with the President and other executives to align council decisions with the university's strategic goals. Through rigorous oversight, the Council President ensures that all academic programs meet the necessary accreditation and quality benchmarks. Fernlund maintains the standards that define the value of the university's degrees. Ultimately, the Council President provides the essential governance structure that supports the university's mission of providing high-quality education to the student body.

    Frank Bayham - Immediate President

    Frank Bayham, the Immediate President at California State University - Chico, provides historical context and continuity for the university's leadership team. Bayham manages the transition of strategic initiatives, ensuring that long-term projects remain on track during periods of administrative change. By overseeing the continuity of key academic partnerships, the Immediate President drives the stability of the university's institutional relationships. Frank Bayham executes advisory functions that support the current leadership in navigating complex academic and operational landscapes. This leadership role involves leveraging past experience to inform current decision-making processes. Through active participation in institutional planning, the Immediate President helps maintain the university's focus on its core mission. Bayham ensures that the transition of leadership does not disrupt the delivery of bachelor's and master's degree programs. Ultimately, the Immediate President provides the institutional memory necessary to sustain the university's growth and commitment to educational excellence.

    Karla Zimmerlee - Chief of Staff

    Karla Zimmerlee, the Chief of Staff at California State University - Chico, coordinates executive communications and streamlines internal operations to facilitate efficient decision-making. Zimmerlee manages the flow of information between the President's office and various academic departments, ensuring alignment with institutional goals. By overseeing complex administrative projects, the Chief of Staff enables the university to respond effectively to regional educational demands. Karla Zimmerlee drives cross-departmental collaboration to improve operational workflows across the Chico campus. This leadership role involves managing sensitive institutional priorities and supporting the implementation of strategic policies. Through meticulous planning, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational focus on student success and faculty development. Zimmerlee facilitates high-level meetings that shape the future of the university's academic programs. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff provides the necessary support to ensure that the university's administrative functions remain agile and responsive to the needs of the diverse student body.

    Buzz Buzzini - Chief Information Officer

    Buzz Buzzini, the Chief Information Officer at California State University - Chico, architects the digital infrastructure required to support modern academic research and student learning. Buzzini manages the university's technology systems, ensuring secure and reliable access to digital resources for the entire campus community. By overseeing the integration of advanced software solutions, the Chief Information Officer enhances the delivery of bachelor's and master's degree programs. Buzz Buzzini drives the adoption of innovative tools that streamline administrative processes and improve data management across the institution. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to align technology investments with educational outcomes. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive institutional data. Buzzini maintains the technological backbone that allows the university to thrive in a competitive educational landscape. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all digital initiatives support the university's commitment to academic excellence and operational efficiency.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding California State University - Chico Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads California State University - Chico?
    California State University - Chico is led by Mary Sidney (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Raquel Cuyzon (Co-President, Religious Diversity Association) and Paul Zingg (President).
    Who is part of California State University - Chico’s executive team?
    The executive team of California State University - Chico includes leaders such as Mary Sidney (Chief Executive Officer), Raquel Cuyzon (Co-President, Religious Diversity Association), Paul Zingg (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does California State University - Chico have?
    California State University - Chico has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in California State University - Chico’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of California State University - Chico includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Co-President, Religious Diversity Association, President, President, Council President.