Montana State University Executive and Leadership Team

Tony Damoah, the Chief Executive Officer at Montana State University, directs the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Damoah manages high-level institutional partnerships and aligns academic goals with long-term growth objectives. By overseeing the integration of research and teaching, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the university maintains a competitive edge in the higher education sector. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine institutional policies and expand the reach of academic programs across North American markets. Tony Damoah drives operational efficiency by streamlining administrative processes and fostering a culture of academic rigor. Through the implementation of forward-thinking policies, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial and reputational health of the university. Damoah remains focused on enhancing the student experience while maintaining the highest standards of educational quality and institutional integrity.

Fran A., the President & Chief Executive Officer at Montana State University, architects the primary mission and academic direction of the institution. Fran A. oversees the entire administrative framework, ensuring that all departments function in harmony to support student success and faculty research. This role requires constant engagement with external stakeholders and government bodies to secure funding and promote the university's reputation on a national scale. By prioritizing innovation in curriculum development, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the institution toward greater academic prominence. The leadership of the President & Chief Executive Officer involves balancing complex budgetary requirements with the need for continuous infrastructure investment. Through strategic planning and community outreach, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the university's position as a leader in higher education. This executive role demands a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that supports diverse learning outcomes.

Dana Heiken, the Chief Executive Officer, Heiken Enterprises at Montana State University, directs the strategic partnerships between the university and external commercial entities. Heiken oversees the development of collaborative projects that bridge the gap between academic research and industry application. By architecting frameworks for technology transfer and commercialization, the Chief Executive Officer, Heiken Enterprises ensures that the university's innovations provide tangible economic benefits. This leadership role involves managing complex negotiations and fostering relationships with corporate partners to secure funding for research initiatives. Dana Heiken drives the integration of industry expertise into the university's ecosystem, creating opportunities for student internships and professional development. Through the management of these external ventures, the Chief Executive Officer, Heiken Enterprises enhances the university's reputation as a hub for practical, market-ready research. Heiken focuses on creating sustainable models for collaboration that benefit both the academic community and the broader business sector.

Ted Delaney, the Chief Financial Officer at Montana State University, directs all fiscal planning and resource allocation strategies. Delaney oversees the management of the university's endowment, operational budgets, and capital investments to ensure long-term financial stability. By architecting robust financial models, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of academic programs and the maintenance of campus facilities. This leadership role involves working closely with the Board to provide transparent reporting and strategic financial guidance. Ted Delaney drives cost-efficiency initiatives across all departments, ensuring that resources align with the core mission of providing high-quality education. Through rigorous oversight of fiscal policies, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates financial risk and optimizes revenue streams. Delaney maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the university possesses the necessary capital to invest in future research and student support services while navigating the complexities of the higher education economic landscape.

Benjamin Losby, the Chief Operating Officer - Qcore at Montana State University, directs the operational logistics for the Qcore research and development division. Losby oversees the daily management of laboratory facilities, equipment procurement, and project workflows to ensure maximum productivity. By architecting efficient operational processes, the Chief Operating Officer - Qcore supports the rapid advancement of research initiatives and technical projects. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty and technical staff to remove bottlenecks and optimize resource utilization. Benjamin Losby drives the implementation of safety protocols and quality control measures to maintain the highest standards in research output. Through the management of operational budgets and personnel, the Chief Operating Officer - Qcore ensures that the division meets its strategic milestones. Losby remains focused on creating a seamless environment where researchers can focus on innovation, ensuring that the university's technical capabilities remain at the cutting edge of the industry.

Rick Hays, the Member of President's Advisory Council at Montana State University, directs high-level strategic discussions and provides expert guidance to the executive leadership team. Hays oversees the evaluation of institutional policies and offers insights on long-term planning and community engagement. By architecting recommendations for academic and administrative improvements, the Member of President's Advisory Council supports the university's mission to maintain excellence in education. This leadership role involves participating in key decision-making processes and representing the interests of various stakeholders within the university community. Rick Hays drives the development of initiatives that foster collaboration between the university and the broader public. Through the provision of strategic advice, the Member of President's Advisory Council helps the leadership team navigate complex challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. Hays remains committed to ensuring that the university's strategic direction remains aligned with its core values and the evolving needs of the student population.

Krishna Rupavatharam, the Chief Technology Officer at Montana State University, directs the development and implementation of advanced technological infrastructure. Rupavatharam oversees the integration of digital tools into the academic environment, ensuring that students and faculty possess access to cutting-edge research platforms. By architecting scalable cloud solutions and data management systems, the Chief Technology Officer supports the university's mission to provide a modern educational experience. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to identify technological gaps and deploying innovative software to bridge those needs. Krishna Rupavatharam drives the digital transformation of the campus, focusing on cybersecurity and network reliability to protect institutional data. Through the management of complex technical projects, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the university remains at the forefront of educational technology. Rupavatharam maintains a focus on long-term scalability to support the growing demands of the student body and research faculty.

Ryan Knutson, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Montana State University, directs the comprehensive IT strategy and digital operations. Knutson oversees the maintenance of campus-wide networks, enterprise software systems, and data security protocols. By architecting secure and efficient communication channels, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures that the university's digital infrastructure supports both administrative and academic functions. This leadership role involves managing large-scale technology deployments and coordinating with other C-suite leaders to align IT investments with institutional goals. Ryan Knutson drives the adoption of emerging technologies to enhance the learning environment and streamline operational workflows. Through the management of technical teams, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer maintains high standards of service delivery and system uptime. Knutson focuses on building a resilient digital foundation that empowers the entire university community to excel in a technology-driven world.

Amy Kanuch, the Interim Chief Marketing Officer, July 2025 at Montana State University, directs the brand strategy and public relations efforts. Kanuch oversees the development of marketing campaigns designed to attract prospective students and enhance the university's national profile. By architecting cohesive messaging across digital and traditional media, the Interim Chief Marketing Officer, July 2025 ensures that the institution's values and academic achievements reach a broad audience. This leadership role involves collaborating with admissions and alumni relations to drive enrollment and engagement. Amy Kanuch drives the creative direction of the university's brand, focusing on storytelling that highlights the unique educational opportunities available in the region. Through the management of marketing budgets and media partnerships, the Interim Chief Marketing Officer, July 2025 optimizes the university's visibility. Kanuch remains dedicated to maintaining a consistent and compelling brand identity that reflects the excellence and innovation inherent in the university's mission.

Adam Edelman, the Chief Information Officer (Interim) at Montana State University, directs the immediate stabilization and optimization of the university's information systems. Edelman oversees the management of data centers, software licensing, and user support services to ensure uninterrupted access to critical academic tools. By architecting temporary solutions for complex technical challenges, the Chief Information Officer (Interim) maintains the integrity of the university's digital environment. This leadership role involves assessing current IT capabilities and identifying areas for immediate improvement to support faculty and student needs. Adam Edelman drives the resolution of technical issues and coordinates with department heads to ensure that IT services align with current academic requirements. Through the management of technical support teams, the Chief Information Officer (Interim) ensures that the university's digital infrastructure remains functional and secure. Edelman focuses on providing reliable service delivery while preparing the institution for long-term technological upgrades and strategic shifts.