Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, information technology, human resources, and operational management.

Committed to academic excellence in aviation and aerospace, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University advances global education through rigorous degree programs and research initiatives that prepare students for complex technical careers.

Leadership Roles at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Benny Villarreal
  • Chief Financial Officer - Patrick Hancock
  • Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Randall Howard
  • Manager, Operations Special & To The Assistant & Senior VP & Chief Operating Officer - Adriana Hall
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Rodney Cruise
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Daniel Carrell
  • President - P. Butler
  • Faculty and Staff President - Kaitlyn Boyland
  • Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Becky Vasquez
  • Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Brandon Young
  • Benny Villarreal - Chief Executive Officer

    Benny Villarreal, the Chief Executive Officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, directs the overarching strategic vision for the institution. This leadership role involves aligning academic programs with evolving industry demands in aviation and engineering. By fostering partnerships with global aerospace entities, Villarreal ensures the university maintains a competitive edge in research and development. The Chief Executive Officer oversees the integration of residential and satellite campus operations to provide a cohesive educational experience. Benny Villarreal drives institutional growth by prioritizing innovation in curriculum design and student support services. Through consistent engagement with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term sustainability of the university. This executive leadership maintains high standards of accreditation while expanding the reach of degree programs across international markets. Ultimately, Villarreal shapes the future of aerospace education by championing excellence in every department.

    Patrick Hancock - Chief Financial Officer

    Patrick Hancock, the Chief Financial Officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire institution. This role involves allocating resources across diverse departments, including Arts & Sciences and Engineering, to maximize academic output. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with non-profit educational standards. Patrick Hancock monitors revenue streams from tuition, research grants, and global partnerships to support long-term capital projects. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with academic leadership to fund new laboratory facilities and technology upgrades. Through meticulous analysis of market trends, Hancock optimizes the university's investment portfolio. This financial oversight provides the necessary stability for the institution to pursue ambitious research goals. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the economic foundation required for the university to deliver world-class education to students across all residential and satellite campuses.

    Randall Howard - Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Randall Howard, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, executes the long-term financial strategy and endowment management for the institution. This role involves overseeing the audit processes and financial reporting to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance. By analyzing revenue diversification opportunities, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of research programs in security and intelligence. Randall Howard collaborates with the Board to establish fiscal policies that protect the university's assets. The Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer manages the treasury functions and debt obligations to maintain a strong credit profile. Through strategic financial planning, Howard enables the university to invest in new academic technologies and campus infrastructure. This leadership role provides the financial foresight required for sustainable growth. Ultimately, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures the economic viability of the university's diverse educational offerings.

    Adriana Hall - Manager, Operations Special & To The Assistant & Senior VP & Chief Operating Officer

    Adriana Hall, the Manager, Operations Special & To The Assistant & Senior VP & Chief Operating Officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, coordinates complex administrative workflows between executive leadership and operational departments. This role involves streamlining communication channels to ensure the efficient execution of university-wide initiatives. By managing special projects, the Manager, Operations Special & To The Assistant & Senior VP & Chief Operating Officer supports the Senior VP in optimizing campus logistics and resource distribution. Adriana Hall facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to resolve operational bottlenecks that impact student services. The Manager, Operations Special & To The Assistant & Senior VP & Chief Operating Officer tracks progress on key performance indicators to maintain alignment with institutional objectives. Through meticulous planning and scheduling, Hall enables the executive team to focus on high-level strategic growth. This role provides the essential support structure for maintaining operational excellence across all university locations.

    Rodney Cruise - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Rodney Cruise, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, directs the physical and logistical operations of the university's residential campuses. This role involves overseeing facility management, campus safety, and infrastructure development to support a high-quality learning environment. By optimizing the utilization of campus space, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures that engineering and aviation laboratories meet rigorous safety and technical standards. Rodney Cruise manages the operational budget for campus services, driving efficiency in maintenance and utility consumption. The Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer collaborates with academic leadership to align physical campus growth with enrollment trends. Through the implementation of sustainable practices, Cruise enhances the environmental footprint of the university. This leadership role maintains the physical integrity of the institution. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures that all campus operations support the academic mission.
    Rodney Cruise

    Daniel Carrell - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Daniel Carrell, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, oversees the integration of academic and administrative operations across the global campus network. This role involves scaling operational processes to support the university's expansion into new international markets. By standardizing service delivery, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures a consistent student experience regardless of location. Daniel Carrell drives the implementation of strategic initiatives that improve operational agility and responsiveness to industry changes. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align resource allocation with the university's core mission. Through the oversight of auxiliary services, Carrell maximizes the efficiency of non-academic operations. This leadership role maintains the operational cohesion of the institution. Ultimately, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that all administrative functions effectively support the university's academic goals.
    Daniel Carrell

    P. Butler - President

    P. Butler, the President at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, serves as the primary representative of the institution to external stakeholders, including government agencies and industry partners. This role involves setting the academic agenda and promoting the university's research capabilities in aviation and aerospace. By fostering relationships with global leaders, the President secures funding and collaborative opportunities that advance the university's standing. P. Butler oversees the implementation of the strategic plan, ensuring that all departments remain focused on student success and academic rigor. The President collaborates with the Board to define the long-term vision for the institution. Through active engagement with the academic community, Butler promotes a culture of innovation and excellence. This leadership role drives the university's reputation as a premier educational institute. Ultimately, the President guides the institution toward achieving its mission of preparing students for leadership in technical fields.

    Kaitlyn Boyland - Faculty and Staff President

    Kaitlyn Boyland, the Faculty and Staff President at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, represents the interests of the academic and administrative workforce to the executive leadership team. This role involves facilitating communication between faculty members and the administration to ensure that academic policies reflect the needs of the teaching staff. By chairing committees focused on professional development and workplace environment, the Faculty and Staff President drives initiatives that improve morale and productivity. Kaitlyn Boyland collaborates with human resources to address concerns regarding compensation, benefits, and working conditions. The Faculty and Staff President advocates for resources that support faculty research and classroom innovation. Through regular engagement with the university's leadership, Boyland ensures that the voices of the staff are considered in strategic decision-making. This leadership role fosters a collaborative and supportive culture. Ultimately, the Faculty and Staff President strengthens the internal community of the university.

    Becky Vasquez - Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Becky Vasquez, the Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting global academic operations. This role involves securing sensitive research data and enhancing the connectivity between residential campuses and international satellite locations. By deploying advanced learning management systems, the Vice President and Chief Information Officer facilitates seamless remote and in-person instruction. Becky Vasquez drives the digital transformation of administrative processes to increase efficiency across the university. The Vice President and Chief Information Officer collaborates with faculty to integrate cutting-edge technology into the classroom environment. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols, Vasquez protects the intellectual property generated by the university's engineering and security programs. This leadership role ensures that all technological assets align with the broader mission of providing superior education. Ultimately, the Vice President and Chief Information Officer maintains the digital backbone of the institution.
    Becky Vasquez

    Brandon Young - Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Brandon Young, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, manages the talent acquisition and professional development strategies for the entire faculty and staff. This role involves cultivating an inclusive workplace culture that attracts top-tier researchers and educators in aviation and technology. By designing comprehensive benefits and training programs, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer supports the retention of high-performing personnel. Brandon Young oversees organizational development initiatives that align staff capabilities with the university's strategic goals. The Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with department heads to ensure equitable hiring practices across all campuses. Through the administration of performance management systems, Young drives accountability and excellence within the workforce. This leadership role fosters a collaborative environment essential for academic innovation. Ultimately, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the human capital necessary to sustain the university's reputation for excellence.
    Brandon Young

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University?
    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is led by Benny Villarreal (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Patrick Hancock (Chief Financial Officer) and Randall Howard (Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University includes leaders such as Benny Villarreal (Chief Executive Officer), Patrick Hancock (Chief Financial Officer), Randall Howard (Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have?
    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Manager, Operations Special & To The Assistant & Senior VP & Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.