Montana State University Executive and Leadership Team

Marilynn Miller, the Chief Executive Officer at Montana State University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this prominent educational institution. Miller oversees the alignment of academic departments with long-term institutional goals, ensuring that the university maintains high standards of research and student success. By collaborating with the Board and senior leadership, the Chief Executive Officer shapes policies that expand the reach of academic programs across the North American landscape. This leadership role involves managing complex administrative structures to optimize resource allocation and institutional growth. Marilynn Miller directly impacts the university's ability to attract top-tier faculty and students through rigorous academic planning. Ultimately, Miller secures the future of the institution by fostering a culture of innovation and excellence that defines the university's presence in the competitive higher education sector.

Dana Heiken, the Chief Executive Officer, Heiken Enterprises at Montana State University, manages strategic partnerships that bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application. Heiken oversees the development of collaborative initiatives that leverage the university's intellectual property to drive economic development. By fostering relationships with industry leaders, the Chief Executive Officer, Heiken Enterprises ensures that the university's research output translates into tangible market solutions. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to facilitate technology transfer and innovation. Dana Heiken directly impacts the university's ability to secure external funding and create professional opportunities for students. Ultimately, Heiken strengthens the university's role as an engine for regional economic growth, ensuring that academic discoveries reach the marketplace effectively and contribute to the broader advancement of the industry.

Ted Delaney, the Chief Financial Officer at Montana State University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the institution. Delaney oversees the allocation of funds across academic departments, research centers, and administrative units to ensure maximum operational efficiency. By analyzing financial trends and forecasting future requirements, the Chief Financial Officer supports the university's long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves maintaining transparency in financial reporting and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Ted Delaney directly impacts the university's ability to invest in new facilities and student support services by optimizing revenue streams and controlling expenditures. Ultimately, Delaney secures the financial stability of the institution, allowing the university to focus on its core mission of providing high-quality education and fostering research excellence throughout the region.

Thijs Goossens, the Deputy Athletic Director - Internal Operations and Chief Financial Officer at Montana State University, manages the financial and operational logistics of the athletic department. Goossens oversees the budgeting and resource management for various sports programs, ensuring that student-athletes have the necessary support to succeed. By optimizing internal processes, the Deputy Athletic Director - Internal Operations and Chief Financial Officer drives efficiency within the department's administrative functions. This leadership role involves coordinating with university leadership to align athletic goals with broader institutional priorities. Thijs Goossens directly impacts the financial sustainability of the athletic programs by managing revenue generation and cost control measures. Ultimately, Goossens ensures that the athletic department operates with fiscal responsibility, contributing to the overall success and reputation of the university within the competitive collegiate sports landscape.

Benjamin Losby, the Chief Operating Officer - Qcore at Montana State University, directs the operational workflows for specialized research and development units. Losby oversees the day-to-day execution of projects that require high-level coordination between academic researchers and technical staff. By streamlining processes and removing bottlenecks, the Chief Operating Officer - Qcore ensures that research initiatives meet their milestones on time and within budget. This leadership role involves managing the physical and human resources necessary to support complex scientific investigations. Benjamin Losby directly impacts the university's research output by creating an environment where innovation can thrive without administrative friction. Ultimately, Losby ensures that the university's specialized units operate at peak performance, contributing to the institution's status as a leader in research and development within the broader academic community.

Barbara Riley, the President at Montana State University, directs the overall mission and strategic direction of the institution. Riley oversees the university's engagement with state government, donors, and the public to ensure continued support for academic and research initiatives. By setting the tone for the university's culture, the President fosters an environment of inclusivity and academic rigor. This leadership role involves representing the university at the highest levels and advocating for policies that benefit the entire campus community. Barbara Riley directly impacts the university's long-term success by building strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring that the institution remains a pillar of the community. Ultimately, Riley guides the university toward its future goals, ensuring that the institution continues to provide exceptional educational opportunities and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

Krishna Rupavatharam, the Chief Technology Officer at Montana State University, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support advanced research and academic delivery. Rupavatharam oversees the integration of cutting-edge technological tools into the classroom, ensuring that students and faculty possess the resources required for modern scientific inquiry. By managing the university's technical assets, the Chief Technology Officer drives efficiency across all campus departments. This leadership role involves coordinating with external partners to secure funding for high-impact research initiatives that expand the university's technological footprint. Krishna Rupavatharam directly impacts the institution's capacity for innovation by modernizing legacy systems and implementing scalable software solutions. Ultimately, Rupavatharam ensures that the university remains at the forefront of technological advancement, providing a robust platform for academic discovery and operational excellence within the broader educational landscape.

Amy Kanuch, the Interim Chief Marketing Officer, July 2025 at Montana State University, directs the brand strategy and public relations efforts for the institution. Kanuch oversees the communication channels that connect the university with prospective students, alumni, and the broader community. By crafting compelling narratives about academic achievements and campus life, the Interim Chief Marketing Officer, July 2025 drives enrollment and enhances the university's reputation. This leadership role involves coordinating with various departments to ensure consistent messaging across all digital and traditional platforms. Amy Kanuch directly impacts the university's market position by highlighting the unique value proposition of the institution's academic programs. Ultimately, Kanuch strengthens the connection between the university and its stakeholders, ensuring that the institution's mission and accomplishments receive broad recognition across the national educational landscape.

Adam Edelman, the Chief Information Officer (Interim) at Montana State University, directs the security and management of the university's data systems. Edelman oversees the protection of sensitive institutional information while ensuring that faculty and students have reliable access to digital resources. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer (Interim) safeguards the university's intellectual property and personal data. This leadership role involves coordinating with IT staff to maintain system uptime and performance across all campus networks. Adam Edelman directly impacts the university's operational continuity by mitigating risks associated with digital threats. Ultimately, Edelman ensures that the institution's information technology environment remains secure, efficient, and capable of supporting the diverse needs of the academic community as the university continues to expand its digital footprint.

Ryan Knutson, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Montana State University, architects the long-term digital strategy for the entire institution. Knutson oversees the deployment of enterprise-wide software solutions that support both administrative functions and academic instruction. By aligning technology investments with the university's strategic goals, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation across all campus departments. This leadership role involves managing large-scale IT projects and ensuring that the university's infrastructure can scale to meet future demands. Ryan Knutson directly impacts the university's ability to provide a modern, connected experience for students and faculty. Ultimately, Knutson ensures that the institution's technological foundation is robust, secure, and capable of supporting the university's mission in an increasingly digital world.