Culver Academies Executive and Leadership Team

May, 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 leverages its expansive lakeside campus and global student body to foster academic excellence and robust extracurricular engagement, shaping future leaders through rigorous programs and a unique educational philosophy.

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 financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation, Baker ensures the institution's long-term financial health and sustainability. This leadership role involves managing investments, optimizing expenditures, and securing funding to support Culver Academies' ambitious academic and infrastructural development goals. By maintaining rigorous financial controls and exploring innovative revenue streams, Brian Baker directly supports the school's mission of providing a premier leadership education. His oversight extends to ensuring compliance with all financial regulations and fostering transparent financial practices across the organization. Baker's strategic financial management underpins the operational capacity of the 1,700-acre campus and its diverse student body, enabling the continued delivery of high-quality educational programs and extracurricular activities.
    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 day-to-day operational execution of the institution's extensive programs. This role encompasses overseeing the logistical framework that supports both academic and extracurricular activities across the 1,700-acre lakeside campus. Van Norman directs the efficient deployment of resources, ensuring seamless coordination between various departments and student groups. His responsibilities include optimizing campus infrastructure, managing operational budgets, and implementing policies that enhance the student experience and faculty support. By driving operational excellence, Brent Van Norman ensures that Culver Academies can effectively serve its diverse student population, drawn from 40 states and 25 countries. The Chief Operating Officer's focus on streamlined processes and effective resource management is critical to maintaining the high standards of Culver's internationally recognized leadership and extracurricular programs.

    William Hanning - 1956 Class President

    William Hanning, the 1956 Class President at Culver Academies, spearheads alumni engagement and fosters enduring connections within the extensive Culver network. This vital role involves cultivating relationships with graduates, encouraging participation in school initiatives, and mobilizing alumni support for the institution's ongoing development and mission. Hanning directs efforts to strengthen the bond between current students and alumni, creating mentorship opportunities and facilitating career development pathways. By championing the legacy and values of Culver Academies, William Hanning plays a key part in securing continued philanthropic support and promoting the school's reputation nationally and internationally. The Class President's dedication ensures that the spirit of Culver, cultivated on its 1,700-acre lakeside campus, resonates with alumni worldwide, contributing to the school's sustained impact and leadership in education.

    Shellie Hicks - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Shellie Hicks, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Culver Academies, leads all human capital strategies and personnel management initiatives. This critical function ensures that the institution attracts, develops, and retains top-tier faculty and staff essential for delivering Culver's premier leadership education. Hicks oversees recruitment, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and professional development programs, fostering a supportive and high-performance work environment. By aligning HR policies with Culver Academies' mission, Shellie Hicks cultivates a culture that embodies the school's values and supports its rigorous academic and extracurricular standards. The Chief Human Resources Officer's strategic approach to talent management is fundamental to the operational success of the 1,700-acre campus, ensuring that educators and support staff are equipped to guide students from diverse backgrounds toward their full potential. Hicks's leadership ensures a cohesive and motivated team dedicated to the school's unique educational philosophy.

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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.