New Mexico State University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, New Mexico State University provides comprehensive educational services, fostering intellectual growth and preparing students for diverse career paths across numerous 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 - Benjamin Hardy
  • Chief Information Officer - James Stanfill
  • Chief of Staff - Yesenia Palma-Dominguez
  • Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents - Adam Cavotta
  • Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball - Emily Ancira
  • Chief Procurement Officer & Chief People Officer - Dietrich Mackel
  • Maureen Scott - Chief Financial Officer

    Maureen Scott, the Chief Financial Officer at New Mexico State University, oversees the institution's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Directing all financial operations, Scott ensures robust budget management, accurate financial reporting, and compliance with regulatory standards. This critical position involves managing investments, optimizing resource allocation, and developing financial strategies to support the university's long-term growth and academic mission. By maintaining fiscal discipline and exploring new revenue streams, Maureen Scott strengthens the financial stability of New Mexico State University. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership guides the institution through complex financial landscapes, ensuring resources are effectively deployed to advance educational and research endeavors.

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

    Allen Bottorff, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer at New Mexico State University, directs the comprehensive financial and administrative operations of the institution. Overseeing budget development, financial reporting, and resource management, Bottorff ensures fiscal integrity and strategic allocation of funds. This leadership position is critical for supporting academic programs, research initiatives, and campus infrastructure development. By implementing sound financial policies and driving operational efficiencies, Allen Bottorff strengthens the university's economic foundation. The Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer's expertise guides New Mexico State University through complex financial challenges, ensuring sustainable growth and the achievement of its educational mission.

    Braun Cartwright - Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer

    Braun Cartwright, the Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer at New Mexico State University, manages the operational and administrative functions of the athletics department. Overseeing daily operations, Cartwright ensures the efficient execution of departmental strategies, including facility management, event planning, and budget administration. This role is pivotal in supporting student-athlete success and enhancing the overall competitive performance of university sports programs. By streamlining processes and optimizing resource utilization, Braun Cartwright drives operational excellence within athletics. The Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities also encompass strategic planning for athletic facilities and ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations, directly contributing to the integrity and success 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, offers comprehensive support to the President's executive functions. Coordinating strategic initiatives and managing key projects, Bannister ensures the effective implementation of presidential priorities across the institution. This role involves facilitating interdepartmental collaboration, overseeing special assignments, and serving as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. By driving forward critical university objectives and enhancing operational synergy, Justin Bannister significantly contributes to the leadership's effectiveness. The Chief of Staff's strategic guidance and operational management are vital for advancing the mission and vision of New Mexico State University.

    Benjamin Hardy - President

    Benjamin Hardy, the President at New Mexico State University, provides the overarching vision and strategic leadership for the entire institution. Guiding academic, research, and administrative functions, Hardy sets the direction for educational excellence and institutional growth. This role involves fostering a culture of innovation, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and advocating for the university's interests at local, state, and national levels. By championing key initiatives and promoting collaboration, Benjamin Hardy drives the advancement of New Mexico State University's mission. The President's leadership is fundamental to shaping the university's future, enhancing its reputation, and serving the needs of students and the broader community.

    James Stanfill - Chief Information Officer

    James Stanfill, the Chief Information Officer at New Mexico State University, directs the institution's technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all IT operations, Stanfill ensures the seamless delivery of digital services essential for academic and administrative functions. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols, supporting research computing needs, and implementing innovative technological solutions to enhance the educational experience. By optimizing network performance and data management systems, James Stanfill drives efficiency across departments. The Chief Information Officer's purview includes the development and maintenance of the university's digital learning platforms and administrative software, directly impacting student success and operational effectiveness.

    Yesenia Palma-Dominguez - Chief of Staff

    Yesenia Palma-Dominguez, the Chief of Staff at New Mexico State University, provides strategic support and operational oversight to the President's office. Managing key initiatives and facilitating communication across university divisions, Palma-Dominguez ensures alignment with institutional goals. This role involves coordinating executive-level projects, streamlining administrative processes, and serving as a liaison between various stakeholders. By enhancing organizational efficiency and driving forward critical projects, Yesenia Palma-Dominguez contributes significantly to the university's strategic objectives. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities extend to advising on policy matters and ensuring the effective execution of presidential directives, thereby supporting the overall mission 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 support and strategic coordination for the governing board. Managing the board's administrative functions and facilitating communication between the regents and university leadership, Cavotta ensures effective governance. This position involves preparing board materials, coordinating meetings, and overseeing the implementation of board directives. By enhancing the board's operational efficiency and strategic focus, Adam Cavotta plays a key role in guiding the university's direction. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities are crucial for maintaining strong oversight and ensuring the NMSU Board of Regents can effectively fulfill its fiduciary duties for New Mexico State University.

    Emily Ancira - Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball

    Emily Ancira, the Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball at New Mexico State University, provides dedicated operational and administrative support to the men's basketball program. Managing team logistics, coordinating schedules, and overseeing program-specific initiatives, Ancira ensures the smooth functioning of daily operations. This role is essential for supporting student-athletes and coaching staff, enabling them to focus on performance and development. By streamlining administrative tasks and facilitating communication, Emily Ancira enhances the efficiency of the men's basketball program. The Chief of Staff's contributions are vital for the successful execution of team strategies and the overall well-being of the student-athletes at 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, directs both strategic sourcing and human capital management. Overseeing procurement processes, Mackel ensures efficient acquisition of goods and services while optimizing vendor relationships and cost-effectiveness. Simultaneously, as Chief People Officer, Mackel leads human resources functions, focusing on talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering a positive organizational culture. This dual role is critical for operational efficiency and workforce engagement. By integrating procurement strategies with people management initiatives, Dietrich Mackel enhances the university's overall operational effectiveness and employee satisfaction, supporting the strategic goals of 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.