New Mexico State University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

New Mexico State University has 10 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, information technology, administrative operations, and academic leadership.

Dedicated to academic excellence and community advancement, New Mexico State University fosters innovation through rigorous research and comprehensive degree programs that empower students to succeed in a global economy.

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 - Valerio Ferme
  • President - Gary Carruthers
  • Chief Information Officer - Jim Stanfill
  • Chief of Staff - Yesenia Palma-Dominguez
  • Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball - Emily Ancira
  • Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents - Adam Cavotta
  • Maureen Scott - Chief Financial Officer

    Maureen Scott, the Chief Financial Officer at New Mexico State University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the institution. Overseeing complex financial reporting and resource allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all academic departments maintain alignment with long-term institutional goals. This role involves rigorous analysis of revenue streams and expenditure patterns to support the university's mission of providing high-quality educational services. By implementing robust financial controls, Maureen Scott optimizes the distribution of funds across various research and instructional programs. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board of Regents to secure the financial future of the university while navigating the economic landscape of the Southwestern United States. Through meticulous planning and strategic oversight, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal stability required for sustained growth and academic achievement across the entire campus community.

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

    Allen Bottorff, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer at New Mexico State University, oversees the comprehensive financial and administrative framework of the institution. Directing the university's capital planning and budgetary processes, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that all fiscal operations support the long-term strategic vision. This role involves managing large-scale financial portfolios and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. By optimizing administrative efficiency, Allen Bottorff enables the university to allocate resources effectively toward research and student services. The Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with executive leadership to drive sustainable growth and maintain the institution's financial health. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary infrastructure to support the university's mission of providing high-quality education to students across the region.

    Braun Cartwright - Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer

    Braun Cartwright, the Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer at New Mexico State University, manages the internal operations and business functions of the athletic department. Overseeing facility management and departmental logistics, the Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer ensures that all athletic programs operate with maximum efficiency. This role involves developing strategic partnerships and revenue-generating initiatives that support the university's sports teams. By streamlining operational workflows, Braun Cartwright enhances the overall effectiveness of the athletic department's support services. The Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer coordinates with university leadership to align athletic goals with the institution's broader educational mission. Through the implementation of best practices in sports administration, the Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer drives the success of athletic programs while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and fostering a positive environment for student-athletes across the university's regional footprint.

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

    Justin Bannister, the Chief of Staff & President, Nmsu 's Office at New Mexico State University, manages the executive office operations and serves as a primary liaison for the President. Overseeing the strategic agenda of the President's office, the Chief of Staff & President, Nmsu 's Office ensures that institutional priorities receive consistent attention and support. This role involves coordinating high-level communications and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders. By facilitating the execution of presidential initiatives, Justin Bannister drives the university's mission forward. The Chief of Staff & President, Nmsu 's Office monitors the progress of key projects and ensures that all administrative functions align with the university's long-term goals. Through proactive leadership and effective management of the President's office, the Chief of Staff & President, Nmsu 's Office supports the university's commitment to providing exceptional educational services and fostering a culture of academic achievement.

    Valerio Ferme - President

    Valerio Ferme, the President at New Mexico State University, provides the overarching strategic vision and academic leadership for the entire institution. Directing the university's mission to provide high-quality educational services, the President oversees all academic, research, and administrative functions. This role involves engaging with the Board of Regents, faculty, and the broader community to advance the university's reputation and impact. By fostering an environment of innovation and inclusivity, Valerio Ferme ensures that the institution remains a leader in higher education. The President coordinates with executive leadership to drive growth, enhance student outcomes, and secure the university's financial future. Through a commitment to academic excellence and community service, the President shapes the strategic direction of the university, ensuring that all programs meet the evolving needs of students and the regional economy while maintaining the institution's long-standing tradition of excellence.
    Valerio Ferme

    Gary Carruthers - President

    Gary Carruthers, the President at New Mexico State University, leads the institution's efforts to expand its academic reach and enhance its research capabilities. Focusing on the university's role as a provider of educational services, the President directs initiatives that improve student retention and graduation rates. This role involves building strong relationships with state and national stakeholders to secure support for the university's mission. By championing academic programs that address current industry needs, Gary Carruthers ensures that the university remains a vital contributor to the regional workforce. The President collaborates with the Board of Regents and other senior leaders to implement policies that promote institutional growth and operational efficiency. Through a focus on student-centered learning and community engagement, the President drives the university's commitment to excellence, ensuring that the institution continues to provide high-quality education to students seeking to obtain degrees in diverse fields.

    Jim Stanfill - Chief Information Officer

    Jim Stanfill, the Chief Information Officer at New Mexico State University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy for the entire campus. Managing enterprise-wide systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students, faculty, and staff possess access to secure and reliable digital tools. This leadership role involves architecting scalable network solutions that support both remote learning initiatives and on-campus research activities. By modernizing data management protocols, Jim Stanfill enhances the efficiency of administrative operations and academic delivery. The Chief Information Officer coordinates with academic leadership to integrate emerging technologies into the curriculum, thereby maintaining the university's competitive edge in the higher education sector. Through the implementation of advanced cybersecurity measures, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive institutional data while facilitating seamless connectivity across regional and national networks, ultimately driving the digital transformation of the university's educational environment.

    Yesenia Palma-Dominguez - Chief of Staff

    Yesenia Palma-Dominguez, the Chief of Staff at New Mexico State University, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication between the President's office and various university departments. Managing high-level administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic initiatives receive the necessary support and resources for successful execution. This role involves synthesizing complex information from diverse stakeholders to provide actionable insights for senior leadership. By streamlining internal processes, Yesenia Palma-Dominguez enhances organizational agility and fosters a culture of collaboration across the institution. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key university projects, ensuring that all activities remain consistent with the overarching mission of academic excellence. Through proactive problem-solving and effective project management, the Chief of Staff maintains operational continuity and supports the university's commitment to providing comprehensive educational services to a diverse student body.

    Emily Ancira - Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball

    Emily Ancira, the Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball at New Mexico State University, manages the administrative and operational logistics for the men's basketball program. Overseeing daily team operations, the Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball ensures that coaching staff and student-athletes maintain focus on both athletic performance and academic success. This role involves coordinating travel, scheduling, and compliance with athletic department policies to support the program's competitive standing. By facilitating communication between the coaching staff and university administration, Emily Ancira ensures that the basketball program aligns with the broader institutional values. The Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball optimizes resource utilization to enhance the student-athlete experience while promoting the university's brand across regional athletic conferences. Through meticulous attention to detail and strategic planning, the Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball supports the program's growth and long-term success within the collegiate sports landscape.

    Adam Cavotta - Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents

    Adam Cavotta, the Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents at New Mexico State University, facilitates the governance processes and administrative functions of the Board of Regents. Managing the flow of information between the Board and university leadership, the Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents ensures that all policy discussions and decision-making activities remain transparent and efficient. This role involves coordinating board meetings, preparing essential documentation, and ensuring compliance with institutional bylaws. By providing strategic support to the Regents, Adam Cavotta enables the Board to focus on long-term institutional oversight and policy development. The Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents maintains the integrity of the governance process, ensuring that all actions align with the university's mission of academic excellence. Through effective communication and meticulous organization, the Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents supports the university's commitment to accountability and strategic growth.

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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.