Idaho State University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Idaho State University has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, human resources, international affairs, financial management, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and community engagement, Idaho State University fosters discovery through science-based programming and the preservation of extensive natural history collections for diverse audiences.

Leadership Roles at Idaho State University

  • President, International Affairs Council - Susana Fernández
  • Co-President - Karl Holte
  • The Special Events Coordinator & President - Allyson Johnson
  • President, Financial Management Association - Annely Magallanes
  • President's Office - Susan Grischkowsky
  • President - Patricia Bolinger
  • Chief Information Officer - Randy Gaines
  • Deputy Associate Chief Information Officer - Tony Lovgren
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Les Wilson
  • Associate VP & Chief Human Resources Officer - Angie Dangerfield
  • Susana Fernández - President, International Affairs Council

    Susana Fernández, the President, International Affairs Council at Idaho State University, leads global outreach initiatives for the Idaho Museum of Natural History. The President, International Affairs Council architects partnerships that bring international perspectives to the museum's educational programs. By facilitating cross-border collaborations, Fernández expands the museum's influence within the global scientific community. This leadership role involves coordinating with international researchers to enhance the quality of exhibits and field studies. Susana Fernández manages the logistics of global event invitations, ensuring that the museum remains a hub for international academic exchange. Through the development of global engagement strategies, the President, International Affairs Council supports the university's mission of fostering discovery. The operational focus includes promoting the museum's collections to a worldwide audience. Fernández drives the expansion of international programs, ensuring that the museum remains relevant in a globalized educational landscape.

    Karl Holte - Co-President

    Karl Holte, the Co-President at Idaho State University, directs the strategic vision for the Idaho Museum of Natural History. The Co-President architects long-term growth plans that prioritize science-based programming and community engagement. By overseeing the museum's mission, Holte ensures that exhibits remain relevant to families, students, and educators. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to secure funding for the preservation of extensive collections. Karl Holte manages the overall operational direction, ensuring that the museum provides high-quality learning experiences. Through the coordination of institutional resources, the Co-President supports the museum's role as a center for discovery. The focus includes enhancing membership benefits to increase public participation. Holte drives the implementation of strategic initiatives that strengthen the museum's market position. By fostering partnerships with local schools, the Co-President ensures that the museum continues to serve as a vital educational resource for the region.

    Allyson Johnson - The Special Events Coordinator & President

    Allyson Johnson, the The Special Events Coordinator & President at Idaho State University, manages the public engagement strategy for the Idaho Museum of Natural History. The The Special Events Coordinator & President architects event programming that highlights the natural history of Idaho. By organizing exclusive event invitations, Johnson fosters a strong connection between the museum and its members. This leadership role involves coordinating with internal teams to execute successful field trips and hands-on learning experiences. Allyson Johnson oversees the logistics of museum events, ensuring that every visitor receives a high-quality experience. Through the management of public relations, the The Special Events Coordinator & President promotes the museum's mission to a diverse audience. The focus includes increasing membership enrollment through targeted outreach campaigns. Johnson drives the success of museum events, ensuring that each program contributes to the overall educational impact of the institution.

    Annely Magallanes - President, Financial Management Association

    Annely Magallanes, the President, Financial Management Association at Idaho State University, oversees the fiscal health of the Idaho Museum of Natural History. The President, Financial Management Association architects financial strategies that support the museum's extensive collections and educational programs. By managing budget allocations, Magallanes ensures that the museum maintains its commitment to science-based discovery. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams from membership benefits and event fees to optimize financial performance. Annely Magallanes coordinates with the university's financial department to ensure compliance and transparency in all museum operations. Through the oversight of fiscal planning, the President, Financial Management Association supports the long-term sustainability of the institution. The focus includes identifying cost-saving measures that allow for increased investment in exhibits. Magallanes drives financial efficiency, ensuring that the museum remains a viable and impactful resource for the community.

    Susan Grischkowsky - President's Office

    Susan Grischkowsky, the President's Office at Idaho State University, manages the administrative operations supporting the Idaho Museum of Natural History. The President's Office architects communication workflows that connect the museum with the broader university leadership. By facilitating internal coordination, Grischkowsky ensures that the museum's mission aligns with the university's strategic goals. This leadership role involves managing the flow of information between the museum and the President's office to support decision-making. Susan Grischkowsky oversees the administrative processes that enable the museum to function effectively. Through the management of institutional correspondence, the President's Office maintains the museum's professional reputation. The focus includes streamlining administrative tasks to allow museum staff to concentrate on educational programming. Grischkowsky drives organizational alignment, ensuring that the museum receives the necessary support to provide high-quality learning experiences for students and families.

    Patricia Bolinger - President

    Patricia Bolinger, the President at Idaho State University, directs the overarching mission of the Idaho Museum of Natural History. The President architects the strategic framework that guides the museum's commitment to science-based programming and stewardship of collections. By overseeing the institution's leadership, Bolinger ensures that the museum remains a premier destination for families and educators. This role involves setting the vision for future exhibits and educational outreach initiatives. Patricia Bolinger manages the relationships with key stakeholders to secure the resources necessary for museum growth. Through the leadership of the entire organization, the President supports the museum's role in promoting discovery across the region. The focus includes expanding the museum's reach to ensure that all students have access to hands-on learning experiences. Bolinger drives the institutional strategy, ensuring that the museum continues to serve as a cornerstone of natural history education.

    Randy Gaines - Chief Information Officer

    Randy Gaines, the Chief Information Officer at Idaho State University, directs the digital infrastructure supporting the Idaho Museum of Natural History. The Chief Information Officer architects secure network environments that facilitate science-based programming and educational outreach across the campus. By modernizing data systems, Gaines ensures that digital exhibits remain accessible to students and educators throughout the region. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to integrate technology into research initiatives. Randy Gaines manages the technical resources required to maintain extensive collections, ensuring data integrity for long-term preservation. Through strategic oversight of campus-wide connectivity, the Chief Information Officer supports the broader mission of providing hands-on learning experiences. The digital transformation efforts led by Gaines directly enhance the operational efficiency of the museum, enabling seamless interaction between the institution and the public.
    Randy Gaines

    Tony Lovgren - Deputy Associate Chief Information Officer

    Tony Lovgren, the Deputy Associate Chief Information Officer at Idaho State University, executes technical support strategies for museum-based educational programs. The Deputy Associate Chief Information Officer manages the hardware and software deployments necessary for interactive exhibits. By optimizing system performance, Lovgren ensures that visitors experience reliable access to digital learning tools. This role involves collaborating with the IT department to troubleshoot infrastructure challenges that impact field trip logistics. Tony Lovgren oversees the implementation of security protocols protecting sensitive research data within the museum collections. Through the management of technical staff, the Deputy Associate Chief Information Officer maintains the high standards of service expected by the university community. The operational focus remains on scaling digital resources to accommodate growing attendance numbers. Lovgren drives the integration of new educational technologies, ensuring the museum remains a leader in science-based discovery.

    Les Wilson - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Les Wilson, the Associate Chief Information Officer at Idaho State University, manages the cloud-based storage solutions for the Idaho Museum of Natural History. The Associate Chief Information Officer designs data management frameworks that support the preservation of natural history artifacts. By streamlining information access, Wilson enables researchers to utilize digital archives for scientific study. This leadership position involves aligning IT initiatives with the museum's educational goals to maximize impact. Les Wilson coordinates with external partners to expand the reach of virtual exhibits across North American academic networks. Through the oversight of database architecture, the Associate Chief Information Officer ensures that membership records and event invitations remain accurate. The strategic focus includes enhancing the user experience for families and educators interacting with museum platforms. Wilson drives innovation in data visualization, allowing the public to explore Idaho's natural history through advanced digital interfaces.

    Angie Dangerfield - Associate VP & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Angie Dangerfield, the Associate VP & Chief Human Resources Officer at Idaho State University, directs talent acquisition and workforce development for the Idaho Museum of Natural History. The Associate VP & Chief Human Resources Officer architects staffing models that support museum operations and educational programming. By fostering a culture of excellence, Dangerfield ensures that the museum attracts qualified professionals dedicated to science-based discovery. This role involves managing employee relations and professional development programs for staff members. Angie Dangerfield oversees the implementation of policies that promote inclusivity and engagement within the museum environment. Through strategic workforce planning, the Associate VP & Chief Human Resources Officer aligns human capital with the long-term goals of the institution. The focus includes optimizing recruitment strategies to support the museum's diverse audience. Dangerfield drives organizational health, ensuring that the team possesses the expertise required to maintain high-quality educational experiences.
    Angie Dangerfield

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

    Who leads Idaho State University?
    Idaho State University is led by Susana Fernández (President, International Affairs Council), along with executives such as Karl Holte (Co-President) and Allyson Johnson (The Special Events Coordinator & President).
    Who is part of Idaho State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Idaho State University includes leaders such as Susana Fernández (President, International Affairs Council), Karl Holte (Co-President), Allyson Johnson (The Special Events Coordinator & President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Idaho State University have?
    Idaho State University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Idaho State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Idaho State University includes roles such as President, International Affairs Council, Co-President, The Special Events Coordinator & President, President, Financial Management Association, President's Office.