CU Denver Executive and Leadership Team

Lori Frias, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at CU Denver, oversees the daily administrative functions and operational infrastructure of the university. The Chief Operating Officer manages the allocation of physical and financial resources to support the core mission of accessible urban education. By directing campus-wide efficiency projects, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that administrative systems remain responsive to the needs of students and faculty. Lori Frias coordinates with the chancellor to implement long-term fiscal policies that maintain the university's competitive value proposition. This leadership role involves supervising facility management, budget planning, and institutional compliance across the Denver campus. Through rigorous oversight of operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer mitigates risks and optimizes service delivery. By fostering a culture of accountability, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer strengthens the foundation upon which the university builds its reputation for academic excellence and community impact.

Raya Castronovo, the President Alpha Phi Sigma at CU Denver, directs the activities and academic mission of the criminal justice honor society. The President coordinates student engagement initiatives that promote professional development and community service within the Denver area. By organizing academic workshops and networking events, Raya Castronovo fosters a collaborative environment for students pursuing careers in justice and public safety. This leadership role involves managing chapter operations and ensuring compliance with national organizational standards. The President Alpha Phi Sigma facilitates communication between student members and faculty advisors to enhance the educational experience. Through the promotion of scholarly excellence, the President drives the society's impact on the campus community. By creating opportunities for student research and professional growth, the President Alpha Phi Sigma supports the university's broader goal of preparing graduates for meaningful careers in the public sector, ultimately contributing to the institution's reputation for academic rigor.

David Radeka, the President, Public Health Club at CU Denver, directs student-led initiatives focused on community wellness and public health advocacy. The President coordinates outreach programs that connect students with local health organizations, providing practical experience in the urban environment. By organizing seminars and volunteer opportunities, David Radeka promotes awareness of critical health issues among the student body. This leadership role involves managing club resources and facilitating partnerships with faculty to support academic enrichment. The President, Public Health Club ensures that all activities align with the university's mission of community engagement and service. Through the development of collaborative projects, the President drives student involvement in public health research and policy discussions. By fostering a network of aspiring health professionals, the President, Public Health Club strengthens the university's impact on regional health outcomes, ensuring that students gain the skills necessary to address complex societal challenges.

Kimberly Nordgren, the Past-President, Colorado Health Administration Alumni Association, Executive Committee at CU Denver, directs the ongoing engagement of alumni within the health administration sector. The Past-President provides strategic guidance to the executive committee, ensuring continuity in alumni relations and professional networking efforts. By facilitating mentorship programs, Kimberly Nordgren connects current students with experienced professionals in the Colorado healthcare industry. This leadership role involves overseeing the association's long-term goals and supporting the university's advancement initiatives. The Past-President, Colorado Health Administration Alumni Association, Executive Committee coordinates events that highlight the achievements of graduates and promote the value of a CU Denver degree. Through the maintenance of strong alumni networks, the Past-President drives institutional loyalty and support. By leveraging professional connections, the Past-President, Colorado Health Administration Alumni Association, Executive Committee enhances the university's influence in the healthcare field, ultimately benefiting both current students and the broader alumni community.

Scott Hammer, the President - Gamma Iota Sigma Beta Mu at CU Denver, directs the professional development activities for students interested in insurance, risk management, and actuarial science. The President coordinates industry partnerships that provide students with internships and career opportunities within the regional market. By organizing networking events and educational workshops, Scott Hammer prepares members for successful transitions into the workforce. This leadership role involves managing chapter operations and ensuring that all activities support the academic mission of the university. The President - Gamma Iota Sigma Beta Mu facilitates communication between student members and industry professionals to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application. Through the promotion of professional excellence, the President drives the chapter's growth and influence. By creating a supportive environment for career exploration, the President - Gamma Iota Sigma Beta Mu enhances the university's reputation for producing highly skilled graduates in specialized financial fields.

Jesus Miranda, the President at CU Denver, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the university. The President oversees the executive leadership team to ensure that all departments remain focused on providing accessible, high-quality education within the urban environment. By engaging with community leaders and stakeholders, Jesus Miranda promotes the university's role as a catalyst for regional economic and social development. This leadership role involves managing institutional governance and representing the university in national academic forums. The President coordinates long-term planning efforts to expand research capabilities and student support services. Through the implementation of innovative academic policies, the President drives the institution's commitment to student success and inclusive excellence. By fostering a culture of collaboration and academic rigor, the President ensures that the university continues to deliver exceptional value to its diverse student body, ultimately securing the institution's position as a leader in urban higher education.

Tina Schlichte, the Advancement Strategy & Engagement Chief of Staff at CU Denver, directs the alignment of institutional development goals with community outreach efforts. By coordinating cross-departmental workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures that fundraising initiatives and donor relations remain consistent with the university mission. This role involves analyzing engagement metrics to optimize resource allocation across the downtown campus. Tina Schlichte manages complex stakeholder communications, facilitating partnerships that support long-term academic growth. Through the integration of strategic planning and operational oversight, the Chief of Staff drives the advancement agenda forward. This position requires constant collaboration with university leadership to refine engagement models that serve the diverse student body. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the overall effectiveness of the advancement division, ultimately securing the financial and social capital necessary for sustained institutional success within the competitive Colorado education market.

Daniel Maxey, the Strategic Initiatives Vice Chancellor & Chief of Staff at CU Denver, architects the implementation of high-level institutional priorities. The Vice Chancellor directs the execution of long-term academic and community-focused projects that define the university's urban identity. By managing the chancellor's office operations, Daniel Maxey ensures that strategic goals receive consistent attention from all administrative units. This role involves synthesizing data from various departments to inform decision-making processes regarding campus expansion and program development. The Strategic Initiatives Vice Chancellor & Chief of Staff facilitates communication between the board and executive leadership to maintain alignment on core objectives. Through the coordination of cross-functional teams, the Vice Chancellor drives innovation in educational delivery and student support services. By monitoring progress on key performance indicators, the Chief of Staff guarantees that the university remains agile in a changing higher education landscape, ultimately advancing the institution's commitment to accessible, high-quality learning.

Elizabeth Myers, the Interim Deputy Chief Information Officer at CU Denver, directs the technological infrastructure supporting the university's research and academic activities. The Interim Deputy Chief Information Officer manages the deployment of digital tools that enhance the student experience within the urban campus environment. By overseeing cybersecurity protocols and data management systems, Elizabeth Myers ensures the integrity of institutional information. This role involves collaborating with academic departments to integrate new software solutions that facilitate remote and in-person learning. The Interim Deputy Chief Information Officer monitors network performance to maintain high availability for all campus users. Through the optimization of IT resources, the Deputy Chief Information Officer supports the university's mission of providing an accessible, modern education. By aligning technology investments with strategic institutional goals, the Interim Deputy Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of educational technology and operational efficiency.

Kenneth Nelson, the Associate Vice Chancellor Human Resources, Chief Human Resources Officer at CU Denver, directs the talent management and organizational development strategies for the university. The Chief Human Resources Officer oversees recruitment, employee relations, and professional development programs that support a diverse workforce. By implementing policies that foster an inclusive campus culture, Kenneth Nelson ensures that the university attracts and retains top-tier faculty and staff. This role involves managing complex labor relations and compensation structures to maintain institutional competitiveness. The Associate Vice Chancellor Human Resources, Chief Human Resources Officer coordinates with leadership to align human capital strategies with the broader mission of urban education. Through the optimization of HR workflows, the Chief Human Resources Officer enhances operational efficiency and employee engagement. By prioritizing professional growth and workplace equity, the Associate Vice Chancellor Human Resources, Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the university's capacity to deliver high-quality education to students.