Elon University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Elon University has 10 executives leading key functions including marketing, information technology, human resources, and institutional leadership.

Dedicated to academic rigor and experiential learning, Elon University prepares students to navigate complex global challenges through innovative teaching and deep faculty mentorship.

Leadership Roles at Elon University

  • Regional President, The Alumni Chapter (Charlotte) - Shelby Allen
  • President - Olivia Tamburino
  • Elon Sports Vision President - Philip Doherty
  • President, Neighborhood Association (East) - Tyee Okafor
  • Winter Guard President - Leah Funchess
  • Co-Founder & Co-President - Emily Jones
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Mo Shabazz
  • Assistant To the Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Melodee Brown
  • Assistant To the Associate Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer - Mel Brown
  • Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Melissa Clodfelter
  • Shelby Allen - Regional President, The Alumni Chapter (Charlotte)

    Shelby Allen, the Regional President, The Alumni Chapter (Charlotte) at Elon University, directs engagement efforts for graduates residing in the regional market. Overseeing networking events and mentorship programs, the Regional President, The Alumni Chapter (Charlotte) ensures that alumni remain connected to the university's mission of experiential learning. This leadership role involves organizing professional development workshops that bridge the gap between academic preparation and career success. By fostering a strong regional community, Shelby Allen directly impacts the university's ability to provide internship and networking opportunities for current students. Allen secures ongoing support for institutional initiatives by maintaining active communication channels with the alumni base. Through coordination with the university's advancement office, the Regional President, The Alumni Chapter (Charlotte) drives participation in fundraising and volunteer activities. This work supports the university's goal of creating a lifelong network of resilient and ethical global citizens.

    Olivia Tamburino - President

    Olivia Tamburino, the President at Elon University, provides overarching strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing the implementation of the university's vision, the President ensures that academic rigor and experiential learning remain the primary focus of all campus activities. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Trustees to secure resources for innovative teaching and student success programs. By championing the university's commitment to critical thinking and leadership, Olivia Tamburino directly impacts the institution's standing in the higher education landscape. Tamburino secures the university's future by fostering partnerships that connect knowledge with real-world impact. Through constant collaboration with faculty and student leaders, the President drives the development of policies that prepare graduates for complex professional challenges. This work supports the university's mission by cultivating a learning environment where students engage deeply with peers to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

    Philip Doherty - Elon Sports Vision President

    Philip Doherty, the Elon Sports Vision President at Elon University, manages the production and broadcast operations for the university's athletic programs. Overseeing the student-led media team, the Elon Sports Vision President ensures that sports coverage meets professional standards while providing hands-on learning opportunities. This leadership role involves coordinating with the athletics department to highlight student-athlete achievements and campus spirit. By managing technical equipment and broadcast schedules, Philip Doherty directly impacts the quality of the university's digital media presence. Doherty secures the growth of the program by mentoring students in production, editing, and live-event management. Through strategic planning, the Elon Sports Vision President drives the expansion of the program's reach to a broader audience. This work supports the university's mission by blending academic rigor with practical, real-world experience in the field of sports media and communications.

    Tyee Okafor - President, Neighborhood Association (East)

    Tyee Okafor, the President, Neighborhood Association (East) at Elon University, facilitates community relations and residential life initiatives for the eastern campus area. Overseeing student housing programs, the President, Neighborhood Association (East) ensures that the living environment promotes collaboration and personal growth. This leadership role involves mediating concerns between residents and the university administration to maintain a supportive campus culture. By organizing community-building events, Tyee Okafor directly impacts the social integration and well-being of the student body. Okafor secures a safe and inclusive atmosphere by enforcing residential policies that align with the university's ethical standards. Through regular meetings with student representatives, the President, Neighborhood Association (East) drives improvements in campus facilities and services. This work supports the university's mission by creating a residential experience that complements academic learning and prepares students for responsible citizenship in their future communities.

    Leah Funchess - Winter Guard President

    Leah Funchess, the Winter Guard President at Elon University, leads the performance ensemble and manages its competitive schedule. Overseeing rehearsals and choreography development, the Winter Guard President ensures that the group maintains high standards of artistic excellence and discipline. This leadership role involves coordinating travel logistics and equipment maintenance for regional and national competitions. By fostering a collaborative team environment, Leah Funchess directly impacts the morale and performance quality of the ensemble members. Funchess secures the group's success by managing budgets and fundraising efforts to support participation in major events. Through mentorship of student performers, the Winter Guard President drives the development of leadership and creative skills. This work supports the university's mission by providing students with experiential learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, encouraging them to pursue excellence in their artistic and professional endeavors.

    Emily Jones - Co-Founder & Co-President

    Emily Jones, the Co-Founder & Co-President at Elon University, initiates and oversees new student-led organizations that align with the university's focus on innovation. Overseeing the development of organizational charters, the Co-Founder & Co-President ensures that new groups provide meaningful opportunities for student engagement and leadership. This leadership role involves mentoring student founders to help them navigate institutional requirements and secure necessary funding. By promoting a culture of entrepreneurship, Emily Jones directly impacts the diversity of extracurricular activities available on campus. Jones secures the sustainability of these organizations by establishing clear governance structures and succession plans. Through collaboration with the student life office, the Co-Founder & Co-President drives the creation of platforms where students can apply critical thinking to real-world problems. This work supports the university's mission by empowering students to take initiative and contribute to the campus community in creative and impactful ways.

    Mo Shabazz - Chief Marketing Officer

    Mo Shabazz, the Chief Marketing Officer at Elon University, directs all institutional branding and communication strategies. Overseeing the university's public image, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures alignment with the core mission of academic excellence and experiential learning. This leadership role involves managing digital outreach and media relations to attract prospective students across North America. By optimizing recruitment messaging, Mo Shabazz directly impacts the university's enrollment growth and market visibility. Shabazz secures long-term institutional reputation by highlighting the unique value proposition of the campus community. Through strategic partnerships with academic departments, the Chief Marketing Officer translates complex educational offerings into compelling narratives for diverse audiences. This work supports the broader goal of fostering a creative and ethical student body ready for professional success in a competitive global landscape.

    Melodee Brown - Assistant To the Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Melodee Brown, the Assistant To the Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Elon University, coordinates administrative operations for the information technology division. Overseeing internal workflows, the Assistant To the Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that technical resources support the university's commitment to academic rigor. This leadership role involves managing communication between IT leadership and faculty to facilitate seamless digital integration in classrooms. By streamlining project management processes, Melodee Brown directly impacts the efficiency of campus-wide technology initiatives. Brown secures operational stability by maintaining clear documentation and scheduling for critical infrastructure upgrades. Through collaboration with various administrative units, the Assistant To the Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer optimizes the delivery of essential services. This work supports the university's mission by providing a robust technological foundation for experiential learning and student success.
    Melodee Brown

    Mel Brown - Assistant To the Associate Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

    Mel Brown, the Assistant To the Associate Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Elon University, manages strategic support for the university's digital transformation efforts. Overseeing data governance protocols, the Assistant To the Associate Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer ensures that information systems align with institutional security standards. This leadership role involves facilitating cross-departmental meetings to prioritize technology investments that enhance student engagement. By refining operational procedures, Mel Brown directly impacts the reliability of campus networks and digital tools. Brown secures the integrity of academic data by implementing rigorous oversight mechanisms. Through constant interaction with the Chief Information Officer, the Assistant To the Associate Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer drives the implementation of innovative software solutions. This work supports the university's goal of connecting knowledge with real-world impact through advanced technical infrastructure.

    Melissa Clodfelter - Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Melissa Clodfelter, the Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Elon University, architects the talent acquisition and employee development strategies for the institution. Overseeing human capital initiatives, the Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that faculty and staff possess the skills necessary to foster a culture of mentorship. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits and training programs that support the university's commitment to academic excellence. By cultivating an inclusive workplace, Melissa Clodfelter directly impacts the retention of high-caliber educators and administrative professionals. Clodfelter secures organizational health by aligning personnel policies with the university's long-term strategic goals. Through collaboration with the executive team, the Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer drives initiatives that promote professional growth and ethical leadership. This work supports the university's mission by ensuring a dedicated workforce capable of guiding students toward meaningful community contributions.
    Melissa Clodfelter

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Elon University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Elon University?
    Elon University is led by Shelby Allen (Regional President, The Alumni Chapter (Charlotte)), along with executives such as Olivia Tamburino (President) and Philip Doherty (Elon Sports Vision President).
    Who is part of Elon University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Elon University includes leaders such as Shelby Allen (Regional President, The Alumni Chapter (Charlotte)), Olivia Tamburino (President), Philip Doherty (Elon Sports Vision President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Elon University have?
    Elon University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Elon University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Elon University includes roles such as Regional President, The Alumni Chapter (Charlotte), President, Elon Sports Vision President, President, Neighborhood Association (East), Winter Guard President.