NC State University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

NC State University has 8 executives leading key functions including human resources, financial management, academic leadership, communications, and organizational operations.

Committed to advancing food security and bioprocessing innovation, NC State University drives global impact through rigorous research, specialized degree programs, and industry-leading outreach initiatives that bridge the gap between scientific discovery and public health.

Leadership Roles at NC State University

  • Senior Association Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer - Diane Moose
  • President - Aziz Amoozegar
  • Club President - Max Nicely
  • President - Jason Gipe
  • Executives President, Human Resources - Linda Rudd
  • President - Lydia Ferguson
  • Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer - Timothy 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 athletic operations. Overseeing the allocation of resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial strategies support the competitive and academic success of student-athletes. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of revenue streams, capital expenditures, and compliance with institutional financial policies. By streamlining budgetary processes and enhancing fiscal transparency, Diane Moose directly impacts the sustainability of athletic programs. Moose secures the financial foundation required for facility upgrades and program expansion. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with university leadership to align athletic spending with the overarching mission of the institution, ensuring that every dollar invested contributes to the development of high-quality programs and the long-term success of the university community in a competitive landscape.

    Aziz Amoozegar - President

    Aziz Amoozegar, the President at NC State University, architects the strategic vision and academic direction for the institution. Overseeing the integration of research, education, and outreach, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of food science and bioprocessing innovation. This leadership role involves engaging with stakeholders, managing high-level partnerships, and guiding the long-term growth of academic departments. By fostering a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, Aziz Amoozegar directly impacts the university's ability to address critical challenges in food security and nutrition. Amoozegar secures the resources and support necessary to maintain state-of-the-art facilities like the Plants for Human Health Institute. The President coordinates with the Board and other executive leaders to drive institutional progress, ensuring that the university continues to deliver significant value to students, industry partners, and the public through rigorous scientific inquiry and educational excellence.

    Max Nicely - Club President

    Max Nicely, the Club President at NC State University, directs the operational activities and member engagement for specialized student-led organizations. Overseeing the coordination of events and professional development workshops, the Club President ensures that student initiatives align with the academic and career goals of the department. This leadership role involves managing budgets, organizing outreach programs, and facilitating connections between students and industry professionals. By fostering a collaborative environment, Max Nicely directly impacts the professional growth and networking opportunities available to the student body. Nicely secures the necessary support and resources to execute successful projects that enhance the practical experience of participants. The Club President coordinates with faculty advisors and university administration to ensure that all club activities adhere to institutional standards, ultimately contributing to a vibrant campus culture that prepares students for future careers in food science and nutrition.

    Jason Gipe - President

    Jason Gipe, the President at NC State University, directs the administrative operations and strategic initiatives for specific departmental units. Overseeing the implementation of operational policies, the President ensures that the department maintains high standards of efficiency and service delivery. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams, optimizing resource utilization, and driving the execution of key projects related to food and bioprocessing science. By streamlining internal processes, Jason Gipe directly impacts the productivity and output of the department. Gipe secures the operational alignment required to support research and educational programs effectively. The President coordinates with other executive leaders to address logistical challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities, ensuring that the department remains a leader in its field. Through proactive management and strategic oversight, the President supports the overall mission of the university by maintaining a robust and responsive organizational structure.
    Jason Gipe

    Linda Rudd - Executives President, Human Resources

    Linda Rudd, the Executives President, Human Resources at NC State University, directs the strategic planning and policy development for executive-level personnel. Overseeing the management of leadership talent, the Executives President, Human Resources ensures that the university attracts and retains top-tier professionals capable of driving the academic mission. This leadership role involves designing executive compensation packages, managing succession planning, and fostering a culture of high performance among senior leadership. By aligning human resource strategies with the long-term goals of the institution, Linda Rudd directly impacts the quality and effectiveness of the university's leadership team. Rudd secures the organizational stability necessary for navigating complex academic and administrative challenges. The Executives President, Human Resources coordinates with the Board and other senior leaders to ensure that leadership development initiatives support the university's commitment to excellence in research, education, and public service.

    Lydia Ferguson - President

    Lydia Ferguson, the President at NC State University, directs the outreach and community engagement efforts for specialized research centers. Overseeing the development of partnerships with public health stakeholders and industry manufacturers, the President ensures that the university's research translates into real-world solutions for food safety and nutrition. This leadership role involves managing external relations, identifying funding opportunities, and promoting the university's expertise in bioprocessing science. By facilitating collaboration between academia and the private sector, Lydia Ferguson directly impacts the practical application of scientific research. Ferguson secures the partnerships necessary to sustain long-term outreach programs and product testing services. The President coordinates with faculty and administrative staff to ensure that community engagement initiatives are aligned with the university's mission, ultimately driving positive change in public health and food security through effective leadership and strategic relationship management.

    Timothy Danielson - Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Timothy Danielson, the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer at NC State University, directs all talent acquisition and workforce development strategies. Overseeing the administrative infrastructure, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures alignment between departmental staffing needs and the broader academic mission. This leadership role involves managing complex labor relations and fostering an inclusive environment for faculty and staff across the institution. By optimizing recruitment pipelines and professional development programs, Timothy Danielson directly impacts the operational efficiency of the university. Danielson secures long-term organizational stability through the implementation of robust performance management systems and competitive compensation frameworks. The Chief Human Resources Officer coordinates with other executive leaders to maintain a high-performing culture that supports the research and educational goals of the department, ultimately strengthening the human capital necessary for sustained academic excellence and institutional growth.

    Megan Lybrand - Chief Communications Officer, Cals

    Megan Lybrand, the Chief Communications Officer, Cals at NC State University, directs all internal and external messaging strategies for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Overseeing the dissemination of research findings and educational outreach, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the university's impact on food security and nutrition reaches key stakeholders. This leadership role involves managing brand identity, public relations, and digital engagement across diverse platforms. By crafting compelling narratives that highlight the value of bioprocessing and food science, Megan Lybrand directly impacts the public perception and institutional reputation of the college. Lybrand secures consistent communication channels that connect faculty expertise with industry partners and the broader community. The Chief Communications Officer collaborates with academic leaders to translate complex scientific data into accessible information, ultimately driving engagement and supporting the strategic goals of the institution through effective and transparent communication.

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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 Aziz Amoozegar (President) and Max Nicely (Club President).
    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), Aziz Amoozegar (President), Max Nicely (Club President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NC State University have?
    NC State University has 8 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, President, Club President, President, Executives President, Human Resources.