CU Denver Executive and Leadership Team

Lori Frias, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at CU Denver, directs all internal administrative functions and operational workflows. Overseeing campus infrastructure and resource allocation, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures alignment with the broader mission of providing accessible urban education. This leadership role involves optimizing institutional efficiency to support faculty research and student success across the downtown campus. By streamlining complex university processes, Lori Frias directly impacts the operational capacity of the institution. Frias maintains rigorous standards for fiscal responsibility while managing the physical and digital assets necessary for academic excellence. Through constant evaluation of institutional performance metrics, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer drives sustainable growth and maintains the high quality of education associated with the University of Colorado system, ultimately securing the long-term stability of the university's diverse academic programs.

William Moreno, the President & Founder, Cu Change (Coalition For Health Advancement & Narrowing Gaps In Equity) at CU Denver, directs initiatives focused on health equity and community wellness. Overseeing the coalition's research and outreach efforts, the President & Founder, Cu Change (Coalition For Health Advancement & Narrowing Gaps In Equity) ensures that the university addresses critical health disparities within the urban population. This leadership role involves collaborating with public health experts and community organizations to implement actionable solutions. By bridging the gap between academic research and real-world health outcomes, William Moreno directly impacts the well-being of the local community. Moreno manages the coalition's strategic partnerships to secure funding and support for health-focused projects. Through the promotion of inclusive health practices, the President & Founder, Cu Change (Coalition For Health Advancement & Narrowing Gaps In Equity) drives social change and reinforces the university's commitment to serving the public good through innovative research and community engagement.

Jigna Chaudhary, the Founder & President at CU Denver, directs the vision and operational framework for student-led organizational growth. Overseeing the development of new initiatives, the Founder & President ensures that student activities align with the university's mission of fostering an inclusive and dynamic campus environment. This leadership role involves mentoring student leaders and coordinating with university administration to secure necessary resources. By creating platforms for student engagement and professional development, Jigna Chaudhary directly impacts the quality of the student experience. Chaudhary manages the strategic direction of the organization to ensure long-term sustainability and relevance. Through the implementation of collaborative projects, the Founder & President drives student participation and enhances the overall campus culture, ultimately contributing to the vibrant, supportive atmosphere that defines the university experience for the diverse student body at the downtown Denver campus.

Raya Castronovo, the President Alpha Phi Sigma at CU Denver, directs the academic and professional activities of the criminal justice honor society. Overseeing member engagement and scholarly events, the President Alpha Phi Sigma ensures that students maintain high academic standards while preparing for careers in the justice system. This leadership role involves organizing workshops and networking opportunities that connect students with industry professionals. By fostering a culture of academic excellence and integrity, Raya Castronovo directly impacts the professional readiness of the society's members. Castronovo manages the society's outreach efforts to promote awareness of criminal justice issues within the university community. Through the coordination of academic seminars and community service projects, the President Alpha Phi Sigma drives student success and reinforces the university's commitment to providing a high-quality education that prepares graduates for impactful roles in their respective fields.

Jesus Miranda, the President at CU Denver, directs the overarching strategy and administrative functions for the student organization. Overseeing the planning of campus events and member recruitment, the President ensures that the organization remains a vital part of the university's extracurricular landscape. This leadership role involves managing the organization's budget and coordinating with university departments to facilitate student-led initiatives. By creating opportunities for student collaboration and leadership development, Jesus Miranda directly impacts the engagement levels of the student body. Miranda manages the organization's internal communications to ensure all members remain informed and active. Through the execution of strategic programming, the President drives student involvement and contributes to the dynamic urban environment of the campus, ultimately supporting the university's mission to provide a well-rounded and accessible educational experience for all students.

David Radeka, the President, Public Health Club at CU Denver, directs the club's efforts to promote public health awareness and professional development among students. Overseeing the organization of guest lectures and community health projects, the President, Public Health Club ensures that members gain practical insights into the field of public health. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty and local health organizations to provide students with real-world experience. By facilitating discussions on current health challenges, David Radeka directly impacts the academic and professional growth of the club's members. Radeka manages the club's administrative tasks and event planning to ensure consistent engagement throughout the academic year. Through the promotion of health equity and community service, the President, Public Health Club drives student interest in public health careers and reinforces the university's commitment to addressing critical societal issues through education and research.

Varunavi Battula, the President, Co, Cu Dental Club (Denver) at CU Denver, directs the club's initiatives to support students interested in pursuing careers in dentistry. Overseeing the coordination of dental school preparation workshops and clinical shadowing opportunities, the President, Co, Cu Dental Club (Denver) ensures that members receive the guidance necessary for professional success. This leadership role involves managing relationships with dental professionals and university advisors to provide comprehensive support. By fostering a collaborative environment for pre-dental students, Varunavi Battula directly impacts the academic trajectory of the club's members. Battula manages the club's outreach and recruitment efforts to maintain a strong and active membership base. Through the execution of educational programming and networking events, the President, Co, Cu Dental Club (Denver) drives student preparation for advanced studies and contributes to the university's mission of providing high-quality, accessible education in the health sciences.

Tina Schlichte, the Advancement Strategy & Engagement Chief of Staff at CU Denver, architects comprehensive engagement frameworks to connect the university with external stakeholders. Overseeing donor relations and community partnerships, the Advancement Strategy & Engagement Chief of Staff ensures that institutional goals remain visible to the public. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental efforts to expand the reach of the university's research and educational initiatives. By fostering meaningful connections with alumni and local industry leaders, Tina Schlichte directly impacts the university's ability to secure resources for student programs. Schlichte manages the strategic communication flow between the chancellor's office and external partners to maintain a cohesive institutional narrative. Through the development of targeted engagement campaigns, the Advancement Strategy & Engagement Chief of Staff drives philanthropic support and strengthens the university's position as a vital contributor to the economic and social fabric of the downtown Denver region.

Kenneth Nelson, the Associate Vice Chancellor Human Resources, Chief Human Resources Officer at CU Denver, directs all talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the human capital strategy, the Associate Vice Chancellor Human Resources, Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the university attracts and retains top-tier faculty and staff. This leadership role involves implementing equitable hiring practices and professional growth programs that reflect the inclusive values of the campus. By fostering a supportive work environment, Kenneth Nelson directly impacts the overall productivity and morale of the university workforce. Nelson manages complex labor relations and benefits administration to ensure compliance and employee satisfaction. Through the continuous refinement of personnel policies, the Associate Vice Chancellor Human Resources, Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational excellence and supports the university's mission to provide high-quality education within a dynamic urban environment, ultimately strengthening the institutional foundation through effective human capital management.

Daniel Maxey, the Strategic Initiatives Vice Chancellor & Chief of Staff at CU Denver, executes high-level planning and coordinates cross-functional projects across the university. Overseeing the implementation of long-term institutional goals, the Strategic Initiatives Vice Chancellor & Chief of Staff ensures that academic and administrative departments remain synchronized. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends and internal data to guide executive decision-making. By facilitating communication between the chancellor and various campus leaders, Daniel Maxey directly impacts the agility and responsiveness of the university. Maxey manages the execution of key projects that enhance the student experience and expand the university's research footprint. Through the rigorous monitoring of strategic milestones, the Strategic Initiatives Vice Chancellor & Chief of Staff drives institutional progress and ensures that the university remains a leader in accessible, high-quality education, ultimately positioning the institution for continued success in a competitive urban landscape.