Florida State University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Florida State University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and institutional leadership.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Florida State University fosters innovation and prepares a skilled workforce tailored to industry demands, facilitating access to affordable, high-quality education.

Leadership Roles at Florida State University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Anita Cooper
  • Chief Financial Officer - Mary Buchholz
  • President - Anthony Colucci
  • President - Joanne McCall
  • President - Lisa Masserio
  • President - Kathy Breakall
  • President - Mirta Martinez
  • OCEA President - Michael Dingess
  • President - Thomas Auxter
  • Chief of Staff - Tanya Cornell
  • Anita Cooper - Chief Executive Officer

    Anita Cooper, the Chief Executive Officer at Florida State University, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the organization. Cooper's leadership ensures alignment with the mission of providing accessible, high-quality postsecondary education and preparing students for workforce demands. This executive role involves cultivating key partnerships that enhance student scholarship opportunities and advance educational initiatives across Florida's 28 colleges. Anita Cooper drives the organization's financial health and strategic growth, focusing on maximizing the impact of student scholarships, which exceed $1 million annually. The Chief Executive Officer's purview includes fostering an environment that supports both recent high school graduates and returning adult learners, ensuring their educational pursuits are met with robust resources and tailored support systems.

    Mary Buchholz - Chief Financial Officer

    Mary Buchholz, the Chief Financial Officer at Florida State University, oversees all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Buchholz manages the organization's budget, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This executive role is critical in allocating funds for student scholarships, which total over $1 million annually, and supporting educational initiatives across Florida's colleges. Mary Buchholz ensures that financial resources are optimized to facilitate access to affordable, high-quality education and to prepare students for workforce demands. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to financial compliance and risk management, safeguarding the organization's assets and supporting its non-profit mission. Buchholz's expertise is vital for the foundation's continued impact on postsecondary education.

    Anthony Colucci - President

    Anthony Colucci, the President at Florida State University, leads specific institutional initiatives focused on advancing postsecondary education and student success. Colucci's leadership drives programs designed to provide student scholarships and prepare individuals for workforce needs, aligning with the foundation's core mission. This presidential role involves fostering strategic partnerships that enhance educational access and quality for students across Florida's 28 colleges. Anthony Colucci oversees the development and implementation of key projects that support both recent high school graduates and returning adult learners. The focus remains on ensuring that educational opportunities are affordable and directly contribute to building a skilled workforce tailored to industry demands.

    Joanne McCall - President

    Joanne McCall, the President at Florida State University, directs strategic efforts aimed at expanding access to high-quality postsecondary education. McCall's leadership champions initiatives that provide crucial student scholarships and support workforce development aligned with industry requirements. This presidential capacity involves cultivating relationships with educational institutions and industry partners to enhance student outcomes. Joanne McCall oversees programs designed to empower students, including recent graduates and adult learners, in their pursuit of affordable and relevant education. The emphasis is on strengthening the pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet market demands, ensuring the foundation's continued impact on Florida's educational landscape.

    Lisa Masserio - President

    Lisa Masserio, the President at Florida State University, spearheads initiatives focused on student empowerment and educational advancement. Masserio's leadership drives the provision of student scholarships and the development of programs that prepare individuals for the evolving workforce. This presidential role is instrumental in forging collaborations that enhance the affordability and quality of postsecondary education across Florida's colleges. Lisa Masserio oversees the strategic implementation of projects supporting diverse student populations, from recent high school graduates to returning adults. The objective is to ensure educational pathways are accessible and directly contribute to meeting specific industry demands, thereby strengthening the state's economic future.

    Kathy Breakall - President

    Kathy Breakall, the President at Florida State University, leads critical programs focused on enhancing educational opportunities and workforce readiness. Breakall's leadership directs efforts to provide substantial student scholarships and to align educational outcomes with current industry needs. This presidential capacity involves building strong alliances with educational providers and employers to ensure students receive relevant training. Kathy Breakall oversees the execution of strategies that support students in achieving their academic and career goals, emphasizing accessible and high-quality learning experiences. The focus remains on preparing a competent workforce that can address the dynamic demands of various sectors within the economy.

    Mirta Martinez - President

    Mirta Martinez, the President at Florida State University, champions initiatives that broaden access to affordable and effective postsecondary education. Martinez's leadership is dedicated to expanding student scholarship opportunities and fostering educational pathways that prepare individuals for workforce success. This presidential role involves cultivating strategic partnerships that strengthen the connection between education and industry demands. Mirta Martinez oversees the implementation of programs designed to support a wide range of students, ensuring they receive the resources needed for academic achievement. The objective is to contribute to a skilled and adaptable workforce, meeting the specific needs of Florida's diverse economic landscape.

    Michael Dingess - OCEA President

    Michael Dingess, the OCEA President at Florida State University, directs specific operational and strategic initiatives within the organization's broader mission. Dingess's leadership focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of programs that provide student scholarships and prepare individuals for workforce demands. This presidential role involves overseeing key projects that support the foundation's commitment to affordable, high-quality postsecondary education across Florida's colleges. Michael Dingess ensures that operational strategies are aligned with the goal of developing a skilled workforce tailored to industry needs. The emphasis is on driving tangible outcomes that benefit students and contribute to the economic vitality of the region.

    Thomas Auxter - President

    Thomas Auxter, the President at Florida State University, leads strategic efforts to enhance educational access and student preparedness for the workforce. Auxter's leadership drives initiatives focused on providing robust student scholarships and aligning educational programs with industry requirements. This presidential role involves fostering collaborations that ensure the delivery of affordable, high-quality postsecondary education. Thomas Auxter oversees the implementation of programs designed to support diverse student populations, enabling them to achieve their academic and career aspirations. The objective is to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of various economic sectors.

    Tanya Cornell - Chief of Staff

    Tanya Cornell, the Chief of Staff at Florida State University, manages critical operational functions and supports the strategic execution of the organization's mission. Cornell's responsibilities include streamlining internal processes and ensuring seamless collaboration among leadership teams to advance postsecondary education initiatives. This role is pivotal in coordinating efforts related to student scholarships and workforce development programs, directly impacting the foundation's ability to serve Florida's 28 colleges. Tanya Cornell oversees the implementation of key projects and strategic partnerships, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to meet workforce needs and support student success. The Chief of Staff's focus is on operational efficiency and facilitating the strategic vision set forth by the Chief Executive Officer.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Florida State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Florida State University?
    Florida State University is led by Anita Cooper (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Mary Buchholz (Chief Financial Officer) and Anthony Colucci (President).
    Who is part of Florida State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Florida State University includes leaders such as Anita Cooper (Chief Executive Officer), Mary Buchholz (Chief Financial Officer), Anthony Colucci (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Florida State University have?
    Florida State University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Florida State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Florida State University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President.