New Mexico State University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

New Mexico State University has 10 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, information technology, financial administration, athletic operations, and academic governance.

Committed to academic excellence and community development, New Mexico State University delivers comprehensive educational services to students seeking degrees across diverse fields of study while fostering regional growth.

Leadership Roles at New Mexico State University

  • 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 Elect - Dinus Briggs
  • Chief of Staff - Yesenia Palma-Dominguez
  • Chief Information Officer - Jim Stanfill
  • Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball - Emily Ancira
  • Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents - Adam Cavotta
  • Assistant To Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice President - Christine Quintana
  • Chief Procurement Officer & Chief People Officer - Dietrich Mackel
  • Allen Bottorff - Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Allen Bottorff, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer at New Mexico State University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning of the institution. Overseeing long-term financial sustainability, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer allocates resources to support academic programs and infrastructure development. This role involves rigorous oversight of institutional assets and the implementation of transparent financial reporting standards. By analyzing economic trends, Allen Bottorff ensures that the university maintains a competitive position while delivering high-value educational services. Bottorff coordinates with the Board of Regents to align financial strategies with the overarching mission of the university. Through prudent fiscal management, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer mitigates operational risks and maximizes funding efficiency. This leadership function remains essential for sustaining the growth and stability of the university across its diverse academic departments.

    Braun Cartwright - Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer

    Braun Cartwright, the Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer at New Mexico State University, manages the daily operational logistics of the athletic department. Overseeing facility maintenance and event management, the Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer ensures that all athletic programs function within the broader educational framework of the university. This role involves coordinating with internal stakeholders to optimize resource utilization for student-athlete development. By implementing efficient administrative processes, Braun Cartwright supports the competitive success of university sports teams. Cartwright monitors operational budgets and compliance requirements, ensuring that the department adheres to institutional and regulatory standards. Through strategic planning, the Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer enhances the visibility and impact of the athletic program. This position requires constant attention to detail and a commitment to fostering an environment where student-athletes excel both on the field and in the classroom.

    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 functions of the president's office to ensure institutional priorities receive focused attention. Overseeing strategic communications and internal policy development, the Chief of Staff & President, Nmsu 's Office coordinates efforts across all university divisions. This role involves synthesizing complex information to support the president in making critical decisions regarding academic and administrative growth. By fostering collaboration among senior leadership, Justin Bannister ensures that the university remains aligned with its core mission of providing quality education. Bannister manages high-level projects that impact the entire campus community, driving initiatives that enhance the university's reputation. Through effective leadership, the Chief of Staff & President, Nmsu 's Office maintains operational excellence and supports the long-term vision of the institution in a dynamic educational landscape.

    Dinus Briggs - President Elect

    Dinus Briggs, the President Elect at New Mexico State University, prepares for the transition into the primary leadership role by engaging with current strategic initiatives and institutional stakeholders. Overseeing the assessment of existing academic and administrative programs, the President Elect identifies opportunities for future growth and innovation. This role involves building relationships with faculty, staff, and community partners to ensure a seamless transition of leadership. By analyzing the current market position of the university, Dinus Briggs develops a vision for enhancing the institution's impact on educational services. Briggs participates in high-level planning sessions to understand the complexities of university governance and financial management. Through careful preparation, the President Elect ensures that the institution remains focused on its mission of providing quality degrees. This leadership function is critical for maintaining continuity and momentum as the university moves toward its next phase of development.

    Yesenia Palma-Dominguez - Chief of Staff

    Yesenia Palma-Dominguez, the Chief of Staff at New Mexico State University, coordinates high-level administrative workflows to ensure institutional alignment with academic goals. Managing complex communication channels between departments, the Chief of Staff facilitates efficient decision-making processes across the campus. This role involves synthesizing data from various academic units to support the broader mission of providing quality educational services. By streamlining internal operations, Yesenia Palma-Dominguez optimizes the functionality of the executive office. Palma-Dominguez maintains rigorous standards for project management, ensuring that university initiatives remain on schedule and within scope. Through constant collaboration with faculty and administrative leaders, the Chief of Staff drives organizational cohesion. This position requires balancing immediate operational demands with long-term strategic planning, ultimately strengthening the overall impact of the institution within the competitive landscape of higher education.

    Jim Stanfill - Chief Information Officer

    Jim Stanfill, the Chief Information Officer at New Mexico State University, directs the technological infrastructure supporting modern educational delivery. Overseeing digital transformation initiatives, the Chief Information Officer secures the integrity of academic data and campus-wide network systems. This leadership role involves architecting scalable solutions that enhance student access to digital learning resources. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, Jim Stanfill protects the intellectual property and personal information of the entire university community. Stanfill manages the integration of emerging technologies into the classroom environment, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of educational innovation. Through strategic investment in hardware and software, the Chief Information Officer supports the research and administrative needs of the university. This function remains critical for maintaining operational continuity and fostering a digitally inclusive environment for students and faculty across all regional programs.

    Emily Ancira - Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball

    Emily Ancira, the Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball at New Mexico State University, coordinates the administrative and operational requirements of the men's basketball program. Overseeing team logistics, travel arrangements, and scheduling, the Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball ensures that the coaching staff remains focused on player development and game strategy. This role involves managing internal communications and facilitating relationships with external partners to support the program's needs. By maintaining organized workflows, Emily Ancira contributes to the overall efficiency of the athletic department. Ancira monitors compliance with university policies and athletic regulations, ensuring that all team activities align with institutional values. Through proactive problem-solving, the Chief of Staff - Men's Basketball supports the competitive goals of the program. This leadership function remains vital for maintaining the operational standards necessary for success in a high-pressure collegiate sports environment.

    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 communication and governance processes between the Board of Regents and university leadership. Overseeing the preparation of board meetings and policy documentation, the Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents ensures that all governance activities adhere to legal and institutional requirements. This role involves managing the flow of information to support informed decision-making by the regents. By coordinating strategic initiatives, Adam Cavotta helps align board oversight with the long-term mission of the university. Cavotta maintains professional relationships with stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability in institutional governance. Through meticulous attention to regulatory compliance, the Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents supports the stability and integrity of the university. This position remains essential for bridging the gap between policy-making and operational execution across the entire institution.

    Christine Quintana - Assistant To Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice President

    Christine Quintana, the Assistant To Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice President at New Mexico State University, supports the strategic implementation of information technology initiatives across the campus. Overseeing administrative coordination for the IT department, the Assistant To Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice President ensures that technical projects align with the broader educational goals of the university. This role involves managing departmental resources and facilitating communication between IT leadership and other academic units. By streamlining operational workflows, Christine Quintana enhances the efficiency of technology service delivery. Quintana monitors project timelines and budget adherence, ensuring that the university's digital infrastructure remains robust and reliable. Through proactive support, the Assistant To Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice President contributes to the successful execution of campus-wide technology strategies. This position remains critical for maintaining the high standards of service required for modern academic environments.

    Dietrich Mackel - Chief Procurement Officer & Chief People Officer

    Dietrich Mackel, the Chief Procurement Officer & Chief People Officer at New Mexico State University, manages both the acquisition of goods and the development of human capital. Overseeing procurement strategies, the Chief Procurement Officer & Chief People Officer ensures that the university obtains necessary resources at optimal value. Simultaneously, this role involves directing talent acquisition, employee relations, and professional development programs to foster a high-performing workforce. By aligning human resources with procurement needs, Dietrich Mackel creates a cohesive operational environment that supports academic excellence. Mackel implements policies that promote equity and efficiency across all departments. Through strategic management of both supply chains and personnel, the Chief Procurement Officer & Chief People Officer drives organizational effectiveness. This dual-focus leadership role remains essential for maintaining the operational capacity and cultural health of the university as it continues to serve its diverse student population.
    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 Allen Bottorff (Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Braun Cartwright (Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer) and Justin Bannister (Chief of Staff & President, Nmsu 's Office).
    Who is part of New Mexico State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of New Mexico State University includes leaders such as Allen Bottorff (Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Braun Cartwright (Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer), Justin Bannister (Chief of Staff & President, Nmsu 's Office) 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 Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff & President, Nmsu 's Office, President Elect, Chief of Staff.