Kennesaw State University Executive and Leadership Team

Stephen Bridges, the Chief Financial Officer at Kennesaw State University, directs all fiscal operations and budgetary planning for the institution. Managing the allocation of public research funds, the Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term financial sustainability while supporting the university mission. Bridges oversees complex accounting systems and financial reporting to maintain institutional transparency. By optimizing resource distribution, the Chief Financial Officer enables the expansion of undergraduate and graduate programs. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Board to align fiscal strategies with academic goals. Stephen Bridges maintains rigorous oversight of all capital expenditures and operational budgets. Through disciplined financial management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to drive research initiatives and campus development across the Georgia region. Ultimately, Bridges strengthens the economic foundation of the university.

Ryan McLemore, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Kennesaw State University, manages the comprehensive financial strategy and investment portfolio of the university. Overseeing the procurement and treasury functions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all financial activities support the growth of research and academic programs. McLemore directs the development of long-term financial models that guide institutional decision-making. By optimizing revenue streams and managing operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer strengthens the financial position of the university. Ryan McLemore collaborates with the President to ensure that financial resources are allocated to high-impact initiatives. This leadership role involves managing relationships with financial institutions and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer supports the mission of providing accessible public education. McLemore drives fiscal responsibility, ensuring that the university maintains the resources necessary to achieve its strategic objectives.

Lisa Duke, the Chief of Staff To the President at Kennesaw State University, manages the executive office and facilitates high-level strategic planning for the university leadership. Coordinating the President agenda, the Chief of Staff To the President ensures that all administrative actions align with the core mission of public research and education. Duke oversees the flow of information between the President and the Board, ensuring clear communication and effective decision-making. By managing complex institutional projects, the Chief of Staff To the President drives progress on key university initiatives. Lisa Duke maintains strong relationships with external stakeholders and community partners to advance the reputation of the institution. This leadership role involves balancing immediate operational demands with long-term strategic goals. Through meticulous oversight, the Chief of Staff To the President ensures that the executive office functions with precision and purpose. Duke supports the President in navigating the evolving landscape of higher education.

Claudia Garavis Montagut, the President Parliament Scholar Ambassador at Kennesaw State University, represents the institution in academic forums and promotes the university research mission. Facilitating connections between the university and global academic partners, the President Parliament Scholar Ambassador enhances the international reputation of the institution. Montagut oversees initiatives that promote scholarly exchange and collaborative research projects. By engaging with academic leaders, the President Parliament Scholar Ambassador drives the visibility of the university on the global stage. Claudia Garavis Montagut supports the development of academic programs that attract top-tier scholars and students. This leadership role involves representing the university at high-level conferences and academic events. Through strategic engagement, the President Parliament Scholar Ambassador strengthens the academic network of the university. Montagut drives international collaboration, ensuring that the institution remains a prominent voice in the global academic community and continues to advance its research goals.

Kyle Darden, the Chief of Staff at Kennesaw State University, coordinates executive communications and strategic initiatives across the university administration. Facilitating alignment between the President and various academic departments, the Chief of Staff ensures the efficient execution of institutional priorities. Darden manages high-level projects that impact the broader research community and student body. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff improves organizational agility and decision-making processes. Kyle Darden monitors the progress of key university goals, providing critical support to the leadership team during complex policy implementations. This role involves managing sensitive stakeholder relationships and ensuring that administrative functions support the core mission of public education. Through proactive coordination, the Chief of Staff maintains operational harmony across the campus. Darden drives the strategic agenda forward, ensuring that all administrative efforts remain focused on academic growth and institutional excellence.

Jim Herbert, the Interim Chief Technology Officer at Kennesaw State University, architects the digital infrastructure required for modern research and academic instruction. Overseeing the deployment of campus-wide network systems, the Interim Chief Technology Officer ensures robust connectivity for students and faculty. Herbert manages the integration of advanced software platforms to support doctoral research and administrative efficiency. By modernizing legacy systems, the Interim Chief Technology Officer enhances the overall technological capabilities of the university. Jim Herbert collaborates with academic leaders to implement digital tools that facilitate remote learning and data-driven research. This leadership role involves securing critical data assets and maintaining high standards of cybersecurity across the institution. Through strategic technology investments, the Interim Chief Technology Officer supports the university mission of providing high-quality education. Herbert drives digital transformation, ensuring that the technological environment remains competitive and reliable for the entire academic community.

Karen McDonnell, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Kennesaw State University, directs talent acquisition and organizational development for the entire faculty and staff. Managing complex labor relations and employee benefits, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures a supportive work environment that attracts top-tier academic talent. McDonnell oversees the implementation of professional development programs that enhance the capabilities of the university workforce. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and performance, the Chief Human Resources Officer aligns human capital strategies with the broader research mission. Karen McDonnell collaborates with department heads to address staffing needs and promote institutional growth. This leadership role involves navigating regulatory requirements and maintaining high standards of workplace compliance. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the long-term success of the university. McDonnell drives organizational health, ensuring that every employee contributes effectively to the academic and research goals of the institution.

Alan Stevens, the Associate VP, Information Technology & Deputy Chief Information Officer at Kennesaw State University, manages the daily operations of the university information technology department. Overseeing the maintenance of hardware and software systems, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that all academic and administrative platforms remain operational. Stevens focuses on the practical application of technology to support classroom instruction and research activities. By optimizing IT service delivery, the Deputy Chief Information Officer improves the user experience for students and faculty. Alan Stevens collaborates with the broader IT leadership to implement scalable solutions that meet the growing demands of the university. This leadership role involves managing technical teams and ensuring that all systems comply with institutional security policies. Through consistent operational oversight, the Deputy Chief Information Officer supports the digital needs of the campus. Stevens drives efficiency in technology management, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of educational innovation.

Aaron Streimish, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Kennesaw State University, defines the overarching digital strategy and technological vision for the institution. Directing the long-term roadmap for information technology, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the university leverages cutting-edge tools to advance research and academic excellence. Streimish oversees the implementation of enterprise-wide systems that support data analytics and institutional reporting. By aligning technology investments with the university mission, the Chief Information Officer drives innovation across all departments. Aaron Streimish collaborates with the C-suite to integrate digital solutions into the core business model of the university. This leadership role involves managing large-scale technology projects and ensuring the security of institutional data. Through strategic foresight, the Chief Information Officer positions the university as a leader in digital education. Streimish drives technological advancement, ensuring that the infrastructure supports the evolving needs of the academic community.

Tierra Thompson, the Chief of Staff To the Director of Athletics at Kennesaw State University, coordinates the administrative operations and strategic planning for the athletic department. Managing the daily functions of the athletic office, the Chief of Staff To the Director of Athletics ensures that all sports programs align with the university mission of student-athlete success. Thompson oversees the logistics of athletic events and manages communications between the department and university leadership. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff To the Director of Athletics improves the efficiency of the athletic program. Tierra Thompson collaborates with coaches and staff to support the development of student-athletes both on and off the field. This leadership role involves managing departmental budgets and ensuring compliance with athletic regulations. Through proactive coordination, the Chief of Staff To the Director of Athletics maintains the operational integrity of the athletic department. Thompson drives departmental success, ensuring that athletics contribute positively to the university culture.