New Mexico State University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

New Mexico State University has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, finance, technology, and administration.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, New Mexico State University provides comprehensive academic services, fostering intellectual growth and community development across diverse fields.

Leadership Roles at New Mexico State University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Maureen Scott
  • Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Allen Bottorff
  • Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer - Braun Cartwright
  • Chief of Staff & President, Nmsu 's Office - Justin Bannister
  • President (NMSU-A) - Kenneth Van Winkle
  • Chief of Staff - Yesenia Palma-Dominguez
  • Chief Information Officer - James Stanfill
  • Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball - Emily Ancira
  • Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents - Adam Cavotta
  • Chief Procurement Officer & Chief People Officer - Dietrich Mackel
  • Maureen Scott - Chief Financial Officer

    Maureen Scott, the Chief Financial Officer at New Mexico State University, directs the institution's financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal management. Scott oversees all financial operations, including accounting, treasury, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and institutional policies. This critical role involves developing financial strategies that support the university's long-term sustainability and growth objectives. By managing the university's assets and liabilities, Maureen Scott ensures sound financial stewardship and optimizes resource allocation across academic and operational units. The Chief Financial Officer's purview includes managing investments, debt, and revenue streams to maximize financial health. Scott's leadership is essential for maintaining the fiscal integrity of New Mexico State University and supporting its mission through prudent financial governance.

    Allen Bottorff - Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Allen Bottorff, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer at New Mexico State University, leads comprehensive financial and administrative functions. Bottorff manages the university's fiscal health, overseeing budgeting, accounting, and financial planning to ensure strategic resource allocation and operational efficiency. This dual role encompasses directing administrative services that support the university's core mission, including facilities management and procurement. By integrating financial oversight with administrative operations, Allen Bottorff drives institutional effectiveness and supports academic and research endeavors. The Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to ensuring compliance with financial regulations and developing policies that promote fiscal responsibility. Bottorff's leadership ensures the robust financial stability and operational excellence of New Mexico State University.

    Braun Cartwright - Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer

    Braun Cartwright, the Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer at New Mexico State University, oversees critical operational and administrative functions within the athletics department. Cartwright directs daily operations, manages departmental budgets, and ensures the efficient allocation of resources to support athletic programs and student-athlete welfare. This leadership role involves strategic planning for departmental growth and operational excellence, aligning with the university's broader objectives. By managing key administrative areas, Braun Cartwright enhances the overall effectiveness and sustainability of the athletics division. The Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include overseeing facilities, event management, and compliance with NCAA regulations. Cartwright's operational expertise is vital for the success and efficient functioning of New Mexico State University's athletic endeavors.

    Justin Bannister - Chief of Staff & President, Nmsu 's Office

    Justin Bannister, the Chief of Staff & President, NMSU's Office at New Mexico State University, provides strategic support and operational leadership directly to the President's office. Bannister manages key initiatives, facilitates executive communications, and ensures the effective implementation of presidential directives across the university. This role involves coordinating high-level projects and advising the President on critical institutional matters, enhancing overall governance and strategic direction. By overseeing the President's immediate staff and operations, Justin Bannister ensures seamless execution of leadership priorities. The Chief of Staff & President, NMSU's Office's responsibilities include fostering collaboration among senior leaders and representing the President's office in various capacities. Bannister's strategic counsel and operational management are vital to the effective functioning of New Mexico State University's executive leadership.

    Kenneth Van Winkle - President (NMSU-A)

    Kenneth Van Winkle, the President (NMSU-A) at New Mexico State University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Alamogordo campus. Van Winkle oversees all academic programs, administrative operations, and community engagement initiatives for NMSU-A, ensuring alignment with the university's overarching mission. This role involves fostering an environment conducive to student success, faculty development, and institutional growth within the region. By leading the NMSU-A campus, Kenneth Van Winkle champions its unique contributions to higher education and workforce development. The President (NMSU-A)'s responsibilities include managing campus resources, building strategic partnerships, and representing the campus to stakeholders. Van Winkle's leadership is instrumental in advancing the educational mission and impact of New Mexico State University-Alamogordo.
    Kenneth Van Winkle

    Yesenia Palma-Dominguez - Chief of Staff

    Yesenia Palma-Dominguez, the Chief of Staff at New Mexico State University, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across key university departments. Palma-Dominguez ensures efficient execution of administrative policies and facilitates communication between executive leadership and various academic and support units. This role involves managing critical projects that enhance institutional effectiveness and support the university's educational mission. By streamlining internal processes, Palma-Dominguez contributes to the smooth functioning of daily operations and the advancement of strategic goals. The Chief of Staff's oversight extends to coordinating special assignments and ensuring that leadership directives are translated into actionable plans, thereby driving progress in areas vital to the university's academic and research endeavors. Yesenia Palma-Dominguez's leadership ensures that the university operates with maximum efficiency and strategic focus.

    James Stanfill - Chief Information Officer

    James Stanfill, the Chief Information Officer at New Mexico State University, architects and oversees the institution's comprehensive technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Stanfill drives innovation in information systems, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and efficient data management to support academic, research, and administrative functions. This leadership position involves guiding the implementation of cutting-edge technologies that enhance learning environments and operational capabilities across the university. By managing the IT department, James Stanfill ensures the reliability and scalability of all technological services, from network operations to student information systems. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include developing long-term technology roadmaps that align with the university's strategic objectives and budget constraints. Stanfill's expertise is crucial for maintaining a secure and advanced digital ecosystem that empowers students, faculty, and staff.

    Emily Ancira - Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball

    Emily Ancira, the Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball at New Mexico State University, directs strategic operations and administrative functions supporting the Men's Basketball program. Ancira ensures efficient management of team logistics, budget oversight, and compliance with athletic department policies. This role involves coordinating schedules, travel, and resource allocation to optimize team performance and support student-athlete success. By managing the day-to-day administrative needs of the basketball program, Emily Ancira contributes directly to its operational effectiveness. The Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball's responsibilities include liaising with university departments and external stakeholders to facilitate program objectives. Ancira's dedicated focus ensures the smooth functioning of the Men's Basketball program, aligning its operations with the broader athletic and academic goals of New Mexico State University.

    Adam Cavotta - Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents

    Adam Cavotta, the Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents at New Mexico State University, provides essential strategic and administrative support to the Board of Regents. Cavotta facilitates board operations, manages communications, and ensures the effective execution of governance directives. This position involves coordinating board meetings, preparing essential documentation, and advising regents on institutional matters to uphold fiduciary responsibilities. By serving as a key liaison, Adam Cavotta enhances the board's ability to oversee the university's strategic direction and fiscal health. The Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents' responsibilities include ensuring compliance with governance protocols and supporting the board's oversight functions. Cavotta's leadership is critical for the effective functioning of the NMSU Board of Regents and its role in guiding New Mexico State University.

    Dietrich Mackel - Chief Procurement Officer & Chief People Officer

    Dietrich Mackel, the Chief Procurement Officer & Chief People Officer at New Mexico State University, leads dual critical functions: strategic sourcing and human capital management. Mackel directs procurement operations to ensure cost-effective acquisition of goods and services, while simultaneously overseeing all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, development, and employee relations. This integrated leadership ensures that institutional resources are managed efficiently and that the university cultivates a skilled and engaged workforce. By optimizing procurement strategies and fostering a positive employee environment, Dietrich Mackel supports the university's operational and strategic goals. The Chief Procurement Officer & Chief People Officer's responsibilities are vital for maintaining fiscal responsibility and building a robust organizational culture. Mackel's dual expertise drives institutional efficiency and employee success at New Mexico State University.
    Dietrich Mackel

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding New Mexico State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads New Mexico State University?
    New Mexico State University is led by Maureen Scott (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Allen Bottorff (Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Braun Cartwright (Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of New Mexico State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of New Mexico State University includes leaders such as Maureen Scott (Chief Financial Officer), Allen Bottorff (Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Braun Cartwright (Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does New Mexico State University have?
    New Mexico State University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in New Mexico State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of New Mexico State University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff & President, Nmsu 's Office, President (NMSU-A).