NC State University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

NC State University has 10 executives leading key functions including administration, operations, finance, human resources, student leadership, communications, and institutional governance.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, NC State University advances research in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine to solve global challenges through innovation and community engagement.

Leadership Roles at NC State University

  • Senior Association Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer - Diane Moose
  • Co-Director and Chief Operating Officer - William Aimutis
  • Co-President of the NCSU Pre-Dental Club - Hannah Denby
  • President - Aziz Amoozegar
  • President - Mj Williams
  • President - Jason Gipe
  • President, Design Council - Pearson Foster
  • Chief of Staff - Kelli Coburn
  • Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer - Tim Danielson
  • Chief Communications Officer, Cals - Megan Lybrand
  • Diane Moose - Senior Association Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer

    Diane Moose, the Senior Association Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer at NC State University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the athletic department. Moose oversees revenue generation, expense management, and long-term financial forecasting to ensure the sustainability of sports programs. By aligning athletic spending with the broader financial goals of the university, the Chief Financial Officer maintains fiscal integrity across all departments. Diane Moose also evaluates investment opportunities in athletic infrastructure to enhance the student-athlete experience. This role requires constant interaction with university leadership to balance competitive needs with institutional budget constraints. Through careful analysis of financial data, Moose optimizes resource allocation to support high-performance athletics. The Senior Association Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer drives growth by identifying new revenue streams, ensuring that the university remains a leader in collegiate sports while upholding the highest standards of financial accountability.

    William Aimutis - Co-Director and Chief Operating Officer

    William Aimutis, the Co-Director and Chief Operating Officer at NC State University, directs the daily operational activities of the university research programs. Aimutis oversees the integration of agricultural and engineering resources to maximize research output and facility utilization. By managing complex supply chains and laboratory infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that faculty and students possess the necessary tools for scientific discovery. William Aimutis also coordinates with external partners to secure funding and expand the reach of university research initiatives. This leadership position involves rigorous financial oversight and the management of large-scale operational budgets. Aimutis drives efficiency by implementing standardized protocols across diverse research departments. Through strategic planning, the Co-Director and Chief Operating Officer maintains the university's competitive edge in the global academic market, ensuring that all operational activities support the core mission of advancing knowledge in critical scientific fields.

    Hannah Denby - Co-President of the NCSU Pre-Dental Club

    Hannah Denby, the Co-President of the NCSU Pre-Dental Club at NC State University, leads student-driven initiatives focused on professional development and community service within the dental field. Denby organizes workshops, guest speaker events, and networking opportunities to prepare students for dental school admissions. By facilitating connections between aspiring dental professionals and industry experts, the Co-President enhances the academic experience for club members. Hannah Denby also manages the club's budget and coordinates outreach programs that provide dental health education to the local community. This leadership role involves fostering a collaborative environment where students share resources and support one another's career goals. Through active engagement with the university administration, Denby ensures that the club remains aligned with the broader mission of the institution. The Co-President of the NCSU Pre-Dental Club drives student success by creating pathways for practical experience and professional growth in the competitive field of dentistry.

    Aziz Amoozegar - President

    Aziz Amoozegar, the President at NC State University, provides the overarching strategic vision and leadership for the entire research institution. Amoozegar directs the long-term planning, academic policy, and institutional growth strategies that define the university's role in higher education. By engaging with the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders, the President secures the resources necessary to advance research in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. Aziz Amoozegar also oversees the implementation of major initiatives designed to enhance the student experience and faculty productivity. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and fostering partnerships with global research organizations. Through decisive action, Amoozegar maintains the university's commitment to excellence and innovation. The President drives institutional success by championing a culture of inquiry and discovery, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of scientific advancement and continues to produce graduates who solve the most pressing challenges of the modern world.

    Mj Williams - President

    Mj Williams, the President at NC State University, focuses on the expansion of international research collaborations and the development of global academic partnerships. Williams directs the university's efforts to integrate diverse perspectives into the curriculum and research programs, ensuring a global outlook for all students. By fostering relationships with international institutions, the President enhances the university's influence in the global scientific community. Mj Williams also oversees the development of new research centers that address cross-border challenges in engineering and environmental science. This leadership role involves managing high-level diplomatic relations and securing international funding for collaborative projects. Through strategic outreach, Williams positions the university as a hub for global innovation. The President drives growth by promoting cross-cultural exchange and ensuring that the institution remains a destination for the brightest minds from around the world, thereby strengthening the university's impact on global research and education.

    Jason Gipe - President

    Jason Gipe, the President at NC State University, leads the university's efforts in technological integration and digital transformation across all academic departments. Gipe directs the modernization of campus infrastructure, ensuring that students and faculty have access to cutting-edge tools for research and learning. By prioritizing investments in advanced computing and laboratory technology, the President enhances the university's capacity for innovation in engineering and data science. Jason Gipe also coordinates with industry leaders to align academic programs with the needs of the modern workforce. This leadership role involves overseeing large-scale capital projects and ensuring that the university's physical and digital assets support its long-term strategic goals. Through visionary leadership, Gipe fosters an environment where technology serves as a catalyst for discovery. The President drives institutional progress by championing digital literacy and technological proficiency, ensuring that the university remains a leader in the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education.
    Jason Gipe

    Pearson Foster - President, Design Council

    Pearson Foster, the President, Design Council at NC State University, leads the council in promoting design excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration across the university. Foster directs the council's efforts to integrate design thinking into engineering and agricultural research, fostering innovative solutions to complex problems. By organizing design competitions and exhibitions, the President, Design Council showcases the creative work of students and faculty to the broader community. Pearson Foster also manages the council's partnerships with design firms and industry leaders to provide students with real-world experience. This leadership role involves facilitating dialogue between different academic disciplines to encourage holistic approaches to research and development. Through strategic planning, Foster enhances the visibility of the university's design programs. The President, Design Council drives innovation by creating a platform for creative expression and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring that design remains a core component of the university's mission to advance knowledge and improve society.

    Kelli Coburn - Chief of Staff

    Kelli Coburn, the Chief of Staff at NC State University, manages high-level administrative workflows and coordinates strategic initiatives across the university. Coburn facilitates communication between the executive office and various academic departments to ensure alignment with institutional goals. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff optimizes operational efficiency for the entire research enterprise. Kelli Coburn also monitors the implementation of long-term projects, providing critical oversight to maintain progress on university-wide objectives. This role requires constant collaboration with senior leadership to address complex organizational challenges. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, the Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of providing top-tier education in engineering and agriculture. Coburn maintains a focus on institutional stability, ensuring that administrative functions remain robust while the university expands its research footprint across North America and beyond.

    Tim Danielson - Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Tim Danielson, the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer at NC State University, directs the talent acquisition, employee development, and workforce management strategies for the institution. Danielson oversees the recruitment of world-class faculty and staff to support the university's research and teaching missions. By implementing comprehensive training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a culture of professional growth and institutional excellence. Tim Danielson also manages complex labor relations and ensures compliance with all employment regulations. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures that attract top-tier talent in engineering and veterinary medicine. Through strategic workforce planning, Danielson aligns human capital with the evolving needs of the university. The Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational health by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across all departments, ensuring that the workforce remains capable of meeting the demands of a premier research university.

    Megan Lybrand - Chief Communications Officer, Cals

    Megan Lybrand, the Chief Communications Officer, Cals at NC State University, directs the public relations and brand strategy for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Lybrand oversees the dissemination of research findings and academic achievements to diverse audiences, including industry stakeholders and the general public. By crafting compelling narratives, the Chief Communications Officer elevates the visibility of agricultural research and its impact on global food security. Megan Lybrand also manages digital media channels and coordinates media relations to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms. This role requires close collaboration with faculty and university leadership to highlight the college's contributions to science and innovation. Through strategic communication, Lybrand builds strong relationships with external partners and donors. The Chief Communications Officer, Cals drives engagement by translating complex research into accessible content, ensuring that the college's work reaches a broad audience and reinforces the university's reputation as a leader in agricultural science.

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

    Who leads NC State University?
    NC State University is led by Diane Moose (Senior Association Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as William Aimutis (Co-Director and Chief Operating Officer) and Hannah Denby (Co-President of the NCSU Pre-Dental Club).
    Who is part of NC State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of NC State University includes leaders such as Diane Moose (Senior Association Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer), William Aimutis (Co-Director and Chief Operating Officer), Hannah Denby (Co-President of the NCSU Pre-Dental Club) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NC State University have?
    NC State University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NC State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NC State University includes roles such as Senior Association Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer, Co-Director and Chief Operating Officer, Co-President of the NCSU Pre-Dental Club, President, President.