Marshall University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Marshall University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, marketing, operations, technology, and human resources.

Committed to advancing medical education and rural health, Marshall University delivers high-impact academic instruction and clinical care across the tri-state region to improve community health outcomes.

Leadership Roles at Marshall University

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Nicolas Karagosian
  • Chief Financial Officer - R. Anderson
  • Deputy Director of Athletics, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Administrator - Niesha Campbell
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Larry Dial
  • Chief of Staff - Ginny Painter
  • Chief Information Officer - Jodie Penrod
  • Chief Technology Officer - Chris Scott`
  • Interim Chief Human Resources Officer - David Vernon
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Bruce Felder
  • Chief People Officer - Dennis Meadows
  • Nicolas Karagosian - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Nicolas Karagosian, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Marshall University, directs the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Overseeing the integration of academic programs with clinical research, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the mission to address rural health disparities in Appalachia. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with state stakeholders and expanding the reach of the faculty practice plan across the tri-state region. By prioritizing sustainable growth and academic excellence, Nicolas Karagosian directly impacts the long-term viability of the medical school. Karagosian maintains rigorous standards for graduate training and residency programs, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in medical education. Through consistent engagement with the board and faculty, Karagosian drives the strategic initiatives necessary to maintain the competitive edge of the university in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

    R. Anderson - Chief Financial Officer

    R. Anderson, the Chief Financial Officer at Marshall University, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the medical school. Overseeing the budgeting process for academic departments and clinical operations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial assets support the core mission of rural health research and education. This leadership role involves optimizing revenue streams from clinical care provided by Marshall Health while maintaining compliance with state funding requirements. By implementing robust financial controls, R. Anderson directly impacts the operational efficiency of the institution. Anderson monitors the economic performance of various fellowships and residency programs to ensure long-term sustainability. Through careful analysis of market trends in the tri-state region, Anderson secures the necessary capital to fund biomedical research initiatives, thereby strengthening the financial foundation required for the university to achieve its ambitious academic and clinical goals.

    Niesha Campbell - Deputy Director of Athletics, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Administrator

    Niesha Campbell, the Deputy Director of Athletics, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Administrator at Marshall University, manages the operational logistics for the institution. Overseeing the daily functions of the medical school facilities, the Deputy Director of Athletics, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Administrator ensures that the physical environment supports both academic and clinical activities. This leadership role involves coordinating the use of space for residency programs and faculty practice. By optimizing facility utilization, Niesha Campbell directly impacts the efficiency of the university operations. Campbell manages the administrative oversight of key departments, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet the needs of the tri-state region. Through the integration of operational policies, Campbell supports the mission of the medical school, ensuring that all administrative functions align with the broader goals of providing high-quality medical education and research in the Appalachian region.

    Larry Dial - Chief Marketing Officer

    Larry Dial, the Chief Marketing Officer at Marshall University, architects the brand identity and communication strategy for the medical school. Overseeing the promotion of academic programs and clinical services, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the institution effectively reaches prospective students and patients throughout the tri-state region. This leadership role involves crafting messaging that highlights the unique focus on rural health issues in Appalachia. By leveraging digital platforms and community outreach, Larry Dial directly impacts the visibility and reputation of the university. Dial coordinates with clinical leadership to showcase the expertise of the faculty practice plan, Marshall Health. Through strategic partnerships and targeted campaigns, Dial expands the influence of the institution, ensuring that the value of the medical education and research programs remains clear to stakeholders across southern West Virginia, southeastern Ohio, and eastern Kentucky.

    Ginny Painter - Chief of Staff

    Ginny Painter, the Chief of Staff at Marshall University, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across the leadership team. Overseeing the administrative workflow for the office of the President, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive consistent attention and resources. This leadership role involves managing high-level projects that bridge the gap between academic departments and clinical practice. By streamlining internal processes, Ginny Painter directly impacts the agility of the institution in responding to regional healthcare needs. Painter manages the flow of information to the board, ensuring that all decision-making processes remain transparent and aligned with the mission of the medical school. Through effective coordination of cross-functional teams, Painter supports the execution of long-term goals, ensuring that the university maintains its focus on providing high-quality medical education and research within the Appalachian region.

    Jodie Penrod - Chief Information Officer

    Jodie Penrod, the Chief Information Officer at Marshall University, directs the digital infrastructure and data management systems for the medical school. Overseeing the implementation of secure health information technology, the Chief Information Officer ensures that clinical data remains accessible for research and patient care. This leadership role involves modernizing the systems used by Marshall Health to support the tri-state region. By optimizing network reliability and cybersecurity, Jodie Penrod directly impacts the operational continuity of the institution. Penrod manages the integration of academic software with clinical databases, facilitating seamless collaboration between faculty and students. Through the deployment of advanced analytics tools, Penrod supports the research mission of the university, enabling the analysis of rural health trends. By maintaining a robust digital environment, Penrod ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of medical technology and academic innovation.
    Jodie Penrod

    Chris Scott` - Chief Technology Officer

    Chris Scott`, the Chief Technology Officer at Marshall University, architects the technical framework for biomedical research and laboratory operations. Overseeing the adoption of cutting-edge research tools, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that faculty and students possess the necessary equipment to conduct high-level scientific inquiry. This leadership role involves managing the technical requirements for specialized fellowships and residency programs. By fostering innovation in laboratory settings, Chris Scott` directly impacts the research output of the medical school. Scott` collaborates with clinical teams to integrate new diagnostic technologies into the faculty practice plan. Through the continuous evaluation of emerging technologies, Scott` ensures that the institution remains competitive in the field of medical science. By providing the technical expertise required for complex biomedical projects, Scott` supports the overarching mission of improving health outcomes through scientific discovery and advanced clinical practice.

    David Vernon - Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

    David Vernon, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer at Marshall University, manages the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the medical school. Overseeing the recruitment of faculty and clinical staff, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the institution attracts top-tier professionals dedicated to rural health. This leadership role involves maintaining a supportive work environment that encourages academic and clinical excellence. By implementing effective performance management systems, David Vernon directly impacts the retention of high-quality personnel. Vernon coordinates with department heads to align staffing levels with the needs of the tri-state region. Through the development of training programs, Vernon ensures that the workforce remains equipped to handle the evolving challenges of medical education and patient care. By fostering a culture of professional growth, Vernon supports the long-term success of the university and its mission to serve the Appalachian community.

    Bruce Felder - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Bruce Felder, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Marshall University, directs the human capital strategy for the medical school. Overseeing the compensation and benefits structures, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the institution remains a competitive employer for medical professionals and researchers. This leadership role involves managing labor relations and fostering an inclusive environment that supports the diverse needs of the faculty and staff. By implementing strategic workforce planning, Bruce Felder directly impacts the organizational capacity of the university. Felder collaborates with leadership to align human resource policies with the mission of serving the tri-state region. Through the development of leadership programs, Felder ensures that the institution cultivates the next generation of academic and clinical leaders. By maintaining a focus on employee engagement and professional development, Felder supports the overall mission of the medical school to provide exceptional education and care.

    Dennis Meadows - Chief People Officer

    Dennis Meadows, the Chief People Officer at Marshall University, focuses on the cultural development and organizational health of the medical school. Overseeing the initiatives that promote wellness and professional satisfaction, the Chief People Officer ensures that the faculty and staff remain motivated to achieve the mission of the institution. This leadership role involves creating programs that support the mental and professional well-being of those working in the high-pressure environment of medical education and clinical care. By fostering a positive workplace culture, Dennis Meadows directly impacts the morale and productivity of the university. Meadows works closely with the leadership team to ensure that the values of the institution are reflected in all personnel interactions. Through the implementation of feedback mechanisms, Meadows ensures that the needs of the workforce are addressed, thereby supporting the long-term success of the medical school in its efforts to improve health outcomes.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Marshall University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Marshall University?
    Marshall University is led by Nicolas Karagosian (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as R. Anderson (Chief Financial Officer) and Niesha Campbell (Deputy Director of Athletics, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Administrator).
    Who is part of Marshall University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Marshall University includes leaders such as Nicolas Karagosian (President & Chief Executive Officer), R. Anderson (Chief Financial Officer), Niesha Campbell (Deputy Director of Athletics, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Administrator) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Marshall University have?
    Marshall University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Marshall University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Marshall University includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Director of Athletics, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Administrator, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief of Staff.