Culver Academies Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Culver Academies has 4 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, human resources, and alumni relations.

Driven by a commitment to developing principled leaders, Culver Academies cultivates potential in students from across the globe, fostering academic excellence and robust extracurricular engagement on its expansive lakeside campus.

Leadership Roles at Culver Academies

  • Chief Financial Officer - Brian Baker
  • Pipe Drum Institute Liv Hist Gp Chief Operating Officer - Brent Van Norman
  • 1956 Class President - William Hanning
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Shellie Hicks
  • Brian Baker - Chief Financial Officer

    Brian Baker, the Chief Financial Officer at Culver Academies, directs all fiscal operations and financial strategy. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, Baker ensures the institution's long-term financial health and sustainability. This leadership role involves managing investments, optimizing expenditures, and maintaining robust financial controls to support Culver's educational mission. By analyzing financial data and market trends, Brian Baker drives informed decision-making across all departments. The Chief Financial Officer's purview extends to ensuring compliance with financial regulations and reporting standards, safeguarding the academy's assets and reputation. Baker's strategic financial management underpins the academy's ability to deliver its unique leadership development programs and maintain its premier educational standing.
    Brian Baker

    Brent Van Norman - Pipe Drum Institute Liv Hist Gp Chief Operating Officer

    Brent Van Norman, the Pipe Drum Institute Liv Hist Gp Chief Operating Officer at Culver Academies, manages the operational execution of specialized programs and historical group initiatives. This role involves overseeing the day-to-day activities, resource deployment, and logistical coordination essential for the success of the Pipe Drum Institute and related historical groups. Van Norman ensures that operational frameworks align with the academy's broader objectives for student development and program excellence. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include optimizing operational efficiency, managing program delivery timelines, and ensuring the effective utilization of campus resources. By directing these critical functions, Brent Van Norman supports the unique extracurricular offerings that define Culver's comprehensive educational experience. This leadership position is vital for maintaining the high standards associated with the academy's specialized institutes and historical engagement.

    William Hanning - 1956 Class President

    William Hanning, the 1956 Class President at Culver Academies, spearheads alumni engagement and class-specific initiatives for the graduating class of 1956. This leadership position focuses on fostering strong connections among alumni, organizing class reunions, and encouraging continued support for the academy's programs and campus development. Hanning serves as a key liaison between the alumni community and the institution, ensuring that the legacy and spirit of the 1956 class are actively maintained and celebrated. The Class President's role involves mobilizing alumni participation in fundraising efforts and special events, thereby contributing to the ongoing success of Culver Academies. By cultivating these vital relationships, William Hanning reinforces the enduring impact of the Culver experience on its graduates and the institution itself.

    Shellie Hicks - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Shellie Hicks, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Culver Academies, leads all human capital management strategies and initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and professional development, Hicks ensures a high-performing and engaged workforce. This critical role supports the academy's mission by attracting, retaining, and developing the exceptional faculty and staff required to deliver Culver's rigorous academic and leadership programs. By fostering a positive and productive work environment, Shellie Hicks directly impacts the quality of education and student experience. The Chief Human Resources Officer's strategic direction is essential for aligning HR practices with the institution's values and operational needs. Hicks's leadership ensures that Culver Academies remains an employer of choice, capable of attracting top talent to its unique lakeside campus.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Culver Academies Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Culver Academies?
    Culver Academies is led by Brian Baker (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Brent Van Norman (Pipe Drum Institute Liv Hist Gp Chief Operating Officer) and William Hanning (1956 Class President).
    Who is part of Culver Academies’s executive team?
    The executive team of Culver Academies includes leaders such as Brian Baker (Chief Financial Officer), Brent Van Norman (Pipe Drum Institute Liv Hist Gp Chief Operating Officer), William Hanning (1956 Class President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Culver Academies have?
    Culver Academies has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Culver Academies’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Culver Academies includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Pipe Drum Institute Liv Hist Gp Chief Operating Officer, 1956 Class President, Chief Human Resources Officer.