Grand Valley State University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Grand Valley State University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, administrative operations, and academic leadership.

Committed to fostering active scholarship and equity, Grand Valley State University advances public service through rigorous teaching and community engagement across the Midwest region.

Leadership Roles at Grand Valley State University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Patrick Fishback
  • Chief Financial Officer - Evan Breuker
  • Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer - Gregory Sanial
  • Founder & Chief Operating Officer - Richard Ewing
  • President - Melanie Scram
  • President - Brody Zondervan
  • President, Office of The Support Services - Dale Witczak
  • President, Partners, Leadership Training - Rich Mehlerr
  • President - Philomena Mantella
  • Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Susan Korzinek
  • Patrick Fishback - Chief Executive Officer

    Patrick Fishback, the Chief Executive Officer at Grand Valley State University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this public institution. Fishback architects long-term growth initiatives that align academic programming with evolving workforce demands. By coordinating with the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer ensures institutional stability and fiscal health. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships to promote equity and public service. Patrick Fishback drives the implementation of university-wide policies that enhance student outcomes and research capabilities. Through rigorous oversight of administrative departments, the Chief Executive Officer maintains operational excellence across all campuses. The strategic focus remains on expanding the university footprint while upholding the core mission of accessible, high-quality education. Ultimately, Fishback secures the future of the institution by fostering innovation in teaching and scholarship, ensuring the university remains a cornerstone of regional development and academic achievement.

    Evan Breuker - Chief Financial Officer

    Evan Breuker, the Chief Financial Officer at Grand Valley State University, manages the fiscal integrity and resource allocation for the entire organization. Breuker oversees the budgeting process, ensuring that financial assets support the core mission of teaching and public service. By analyzing economic trends, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes revenue streams and controls operational expenditures. This leadership role requires close collaboration with academic departments to fund research initiatives and student support services. Evan Breuker drives financial transparency and accountability, providing the necessary data for informed decision-making at the executive level. Through careful management of endowment funds and capital investments, the Chief Financial Officer strengthens the long-term financial position of the university. Breuker ensures compliance with regulatory standards while maximizing the impact of every dollar spent. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal health required to sustain the university's commitment to equity and academic excellence.

    Gregory Sanial - Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer

    Gregory Sanial, the Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer at Grand Valley State University, directs the administrative infrastructure and financial systems. Sanial architects robust financial frameworks that support the university's expansive operational needs. By streamlining administrative processes, the Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer improves efficiency across all campus departments. This leadership role involves managing complex financial reporting and ensuring the alignment of administrative resources with strategic goals. Gregory Sanial drives the integration of modern financial technologies to enhance data accuracy and operational agility. Through the oversight of procurement and facilities management, the Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer ensures that physical and digital assets serve the academic mission effectively. Sanial maintains rigorous standards for financial governance, supporting the university's commitment to public service and equity. Ultimately, the Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer secures the operational foundation necessary for sustained institutional growth.

    Richard Ewing - Founder & Chief Operating Officer

    Richard Ewing, the Founder & Chief Operating Officer at Grand Valley State University, oversees the daily operational execution of the university's mission. Ewing architects scalable systems that facilitate the delivery of high-quality education and public service. By managing cross-functional teams, the Founder & Chief Operating Officer ensures that academic and administrative departments operate in harmony. This leadership role involves identifying operational bottlenecks and implementing solutions that enhance the student experience. Richard Ewing drives the development of internal processes that support the university's commitment to equity and active scholarship. Through the coordination of campus-wide initiatives, the Founder & Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of service delivery. Ewing monitors performance metrics to ensure that operational outputs align with the strategic objectives set by the executive team. Ultimately, the Founder & Chief Operating Officer provides the structural stability required for the university to thrive in a competitive educational landscape.

    Melanie Scram - President

    Melanie Scram, the President at Grand Valley State University, leads the academic and cultural direction of the institution. Scram architects initiatives that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within the student body and faculty. By fostering partnerships with community organizations, the President drives the university's public service mission forward. This leadership role involves representing the university to external stakeholders and advocating for the value of public higher education. Melanie Scram oversees the development of academic programs that prepare students for success in a global economy. Through the cultivation of a supportive campus environment, the President ensures that active scholarship remains a central pillar of the university experience. Scram collaborates with the Board of Trustees to set long-term goals that align with the institution's historical commitment to accessibility. Ultimately, the President inspires the university community to achieve excellence in teaching, research, and service.

    Brody Zondervan - President

    Brody Zondervan, the President at Grand Valley State University, focuses on the expansion of student engagement and campus life initiatives. Zondervan architects programs that enhance the student experience, ensuring that the university remains a vibrant hub for learning and personal growth. By overseeing student affairs, the President drives the implementation of support services that promote student retention and success. This leadership role involves managing the balance between academic rigor and extracurricular development. Brody Zondervan leads efforts to integrate experiential learning opportunities into the curriculum, preparing students for professional challenges. Through the promotion of a collaborative campus culture, the President fosters an environment where equity and public service are prioritized. Zondervan works closely with faculty and staff to ensure that the university's mission is reflected in every aspect of student life. Ultimately, the President secures the university's reputation as a premier destination for holistic education.

    Dale Witczak - President, Office of The Support Services

    Dale Witczak, the President, Office of The Support Services at Grand Valley State University, directs the essential operational support functions that sustain the campus environment. Witczak architects efficient service delivery models for facilities, maintenance, and campus safety. By overseeing these critical areas, the President, Office of The Support Services ensures that the physical infrastructure supports the university's academic and research goals. This leadership role involves managing large-scale projects that improve campus accessibility and sustainability. Dale Witczak drives the implementation of safety protocols that protect the university community and its assets. Through the coordination of support staff, the President, Office of The Support Services maintains a high standard of service that enhances the overall student and faculty experience. Witczak monitors operational performance to ensure that all support functions align with the university's commitment to equity and public service. Ultimately, the President, Office of The Support Services provides the reliable foundation necessary for academic success.

    Rich Mehlerr - President, Partners, Leadership Training

    Rich Mehlerr, the President, Partners, Leadership Training at Grand Valley State University, directs the development of professional training programs and external partnerships. Mehlerr architects curriculum frameworks that bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice. By managing relationships with industry partners, the President, Partners, Leadership Training drives the creation of workforce development initiatives that benefit the regional economy. This leadership role involves designing leadership training modules that empower students and professionals to excel in their careers. Rich Mehlerr oversees the expansion of continuing education programs, ensuring that the university remains a leader in lifelong learning. Through the alignment of training objectives with market needs, the President, Partners, Leadership Training enhances the university's impact on public service and equity. Mehlerr fosters a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that all training programs reflect the latest industry standards. Ultimately, the President, Partners, Leadership Training strengthens the university's connection to the professional community.

    Philomena Mantella - President

    Philomena Mantella, the President at Grand Valley State University, directs the strategic evolution of the institution toward a future of innovation and accessibility. Mantella architects transformative academic models that prioritize student-centered learning and equity. By leading the university's engagement with regional and national stakeholders, the President drives the advancement of public service initiatives. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of long-term strategic plans that enhance the university's research profile and educational impact. Philomena Mantella fosters a culture of active scholarship, encouraging faculty and students to address complex societal challenges. Through the promotion of inclusive excellence, the President ensures that the university remains a catalyst for social mobility. Mantella collaborates with the leadership team to align institutional resources with the evolving needs of the workforce. Ultimately, the President secures the university's position as a leader in higher education, dedicated to the success of every student.
    Philomena Mantella

    Susan Korzinek - Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Susan Korzinek, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Grand Valley State University, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the institution. Korzinek architects secure, scalable cloud environments that support modern teaching and research methodologies. By overseeing the IT department, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty have access to cutting-edge digital tools. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect institutional data and intellectual property. Susan Korzinek drives the implementation of enterprise software solutions that streamline administrative workflows and improve communication across the university. Through the integration of advanced data analytics, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer provides actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making. Korzinek maintains a robust technological foundation that enables the university to fulfill its mission of equity and public service in an increasingly digital world.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Grand Valley State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Grand Valley State University?
    Grand Valley State University is led by Patrick Fishback (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Evan Breuker (Chief Financial Officer) and Gregory Sanial (Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Grand Valley State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Grand Valley State University includes leaders such as Patrick Fishback (Chief Executive Officer), Evan Breuker (Chief Financial Officer), Gregory Sanial (Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Grand Valley State University have?
    Grand Valley State University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Grand Valley State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Grand Valley State University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer, Founder & Chief Operating Officer, President.