Creighton University Executive and Leadership Team

Barbara Leonard, the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Creighton University, directs the daily operational infrastructure across all academic colleges. Overseeing campus facilities, financial resource allocation, and institutional efficiency, the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures alignment between administrative support and the broader mission of academic excellence. This leadership role involves managing complex budgetary frameworks to sustain the university's long-term growth. By optimizing internal processes, Barbara Leonard directly impacts the quality of the student experience and the effectiveness of faculty research initiatives. Through rigorous oversight of institutional assets, Leonard maintains the operational stability required for a premier academic institution. The Vice President & Chief Operating Officer coordinates with other executive leaders to implement strategic initiatives that enhance the university's competitive position within the higher education landscape, ultimately securing the resources necessary for continued innovation and institutional advancement.

Amy Keane, the President, The Christian Medical & Dental Association at Creighton University, leads the organization in promoting ethical standards and professional development for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Overseeing the coordination of workshops, seminars, and community service projects, the President, The Christian Medical & Dental Association ensures that members receive comprehensive support for their professional and spiritual growth. This leadership role involves fostering connections between students and established medical professionals to facilitate mentorship and career guidance. By organizing events that emphasize the intersection of faith and medicine, Amy Keane directly impacts the development of compassionate healthcare providers. Keane manages the association's outreach efforts to ensure that students remain engaged with the university's mission of service. The President, The Christian Medical & Dental Association drives the strategic direction of the group, ensuring that all activities align with the broader goals of the university's medical programs.

Elise Kiszla, the Internal Medicine Interest Group Co-President at Creighton University, directs the group's efforts to provide students with exposure to the field of internal medicine. Overseeing the planning of guest lectures, clinical shadowing opportunities, and networking events, the Internal Medicine Interest Group Co-President ensures that members gain valuable insights into various medical specialties. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty advisors to curate educational content that supplements the standard medical curriculum. By facilitating these interactions, Elise Kiszla directly impacts the career exploration process for aspiring physicians. Kiszla manages the group's administrative tasks and outreach to ensure consistent student participation. The Internal Medicine Interest Group Co-President drives the development of programs that highlight current trends in internal medicine, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future residency applications and clinical practice within the broader medical community.

Grace Pund, the President at Creighton University, serves as the primary representative for the student body, advocating for student interests and fostering a vibrant campus culture. Overseeing the coordination of student government initiatives and campus-wide events, the President ensures that student voices are heard by the university administration. This leadership role involves managing the student government budget and allocating resources to various student organizations to enhance the overall campus experience. By facilitating dialogue between students and faculty, Grace Pund directly impacts the development of university policies that affect student life. Pund coordinates with other student leaders to implement projects that promote inclusivity and academic success. The President drives the strategic vision for the student government, ensuring that all initiatives support the university's mission of fostering a supportive and engaged community for all students across the various schools and colleges.

Nathaniel Franco, the Men's Club Soccer President at Creighton University, directs the operations and competitive strategy for the club soccer program. Overseeing team logistics, scheduling, and recruitment, the Men's Club Soccer President ensures that the team maintains a high level of performance and sportsmanship. This leadership role involves managing the club's finances and coordinating with university athletics to secure necessary facilities and equipment. By fostering a culture of teamwork and discipline, Nathaniel Franco directly impacts the personal and athletic development of the student-athletes. Franco manages the team's participation in regional tournaments and league play, ensuring that the club remains a competitive force. The Men's Club Soccer President drives the growth of the program by promoting student engagement and maintaining strong relationships with the university's recreational sports department, ultimately contributing to the overall health and wellness of the student body.

William Graft, the President at Creighton University, leads the university's overarching strategic initiatives and represents the institution to external stakeholders and the broader academic community. Overseeing the long-term vision and institutional growth, the President ensures that the university remains committed to its Jesuit mission while adapting to the changing landscape of higher education. This leadership role involves managing relationships with donors, alumni, and government officials to secure funding and support for academic programs. By setting the tone for institutional culture, William Graft directly impacts the university's reputation and academic standing. Graft coordinates with the board of trustees to implement policies that enhance research capabilities and student outcomes. The President drives the university's commitment to excellence, ensuring that all schools and colleges work in harmony to provide a transformative educational experience that prepares students for leadership and service in their respective fields.

Sofia Quintanilla, the Pre-Physical Therapy Club President at Creighton University, directs the club's efforts to support students interested in pursuing careers in physical therapy. Overseeing the organization of informational sessions, volunteer opportunities, and professional development workshops, the Pre-Physical Therapy Club President ensures that members have access to the resources needed for graduate school preparation. This leadership role involves coordinating with physical therapy professionals to provide students with real-world perspectives on the field. By facilitating these connections, Sofia Quintanilla directly impacts the academic and professional readiness of aspiring physical therapists. Quintanilla manages the club's outreach and membership engagement to ensure a supportive community for students. The Pre-Physical Therapy Club President drives the development of programs that highlight the importance of physical therapy in healthcare, ensuring that students are well-equipped to succeed in their future clinical training and professional practice.

Jack Efaw, the Inter-Fraternity Council, President at Creighton University, directs the governance and collaborative efforts of the university's fraternity system. Overseeing the implementation of policies related to student conduct, recruitment, and community service, the Inter-Fraternity Council, President ensures that all chapters adhere to the university's standards of excellence and values. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between fraternity leaders and the university administration to address student concerns and promote a positive campus environment. By fostering collaboration among the various chapters, Jack Efaw directly impacts the development of leadership skills and community engagement among fraternity members. Efaw manages the council's initiatives to ensure that the fraternity system contributes positively to the university's mission. The Inter-Fraternity Council, President drives the strategic direction of the council, ensuring that all activities promote inclusivity, academic success, and responsible citizenship within the student body.

Jeffrey Zelda, the Chief of Staff & Senior Associate & Administration Dean at Creighton University, manages the executive office workflow and coordinates administrative policy across various academic departments. Overseeing the integration of strategic planning with daily administrative functions, the Chief of Staff & Senior Associate & Administration Dean ensures that institutional goals remain consistent with the university's core mission. This role involves facilitating communication between the president's office and the various schools to streamline decision-making processes. By refining administrative protocols, Jeffrey Zelda directly supports the efficiency of the academic leadership team. Zelda maintains high standards for organizational governance while fostering collaboration among faculty and staff. The Chief of Staff & Senior Associate & Administration Dean drives initiatives that improve institutional transparency and operational agility, ensuring that the university remains responsive to the evolving needs of the student body and the broader academic community.

Klaus Thaler, the Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Medical Operations at Creighton University, directs clinical strategy and medical education initiatives across the university's health science programs. Overseeing the integration of patient care standards with academic research, the Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Medical Operations ensures that clinical training remains at the forefront of medical innovation. This leadership role involves managing partnerships with regional healthcare providers to expand the university's clinical footprint. By aligning medical operations with educational objectives, Klaus Thaler directly impacts the quality of training for future healthcare professionals. Thaler coordinates with the board to implement advanced medical technologies and evidence-based practices. The Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Medical Operations drives the expansion of medical services, ensuring that the university maintains a high standard of excellence in both clinical practice and academic instruction within the competitive healthcare sector.