Northwood University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Northwood University has 4 executives leading key functions including marketing, financial strategy, institutional leadership, and governance.

Dedicated to advancing free-enterprise education, Northwood University empowers future business leaders through a rigorous curriculum focused on finance, automotive marketing, and organizational leadership across diverse global markets.

Leadership Roles at Northwood University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Nick Nuss
  • President - Keith Petty
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Emma Ladd
  • Board of Governors - Connie Mack
  • Nick Nuss - Chief Financial Officer

    Nick Nuss, the Chief Financial Officer at Northwood University, manages all fiscal operations and long-term capital planning. Overseeing the budgetary allocation for academic programs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial sustainability of the institution. This leadership role involves monitoring endowment performance and optimizing resource distribution to support undergraduate and graduate degree development. By implementing rigorous fiscal controls, Nick Nuss directly impacts the university's capacity to invest in modern facilities and technology. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with the Board of Governors to maintain transparency and regulatory compliance across all financial reporting. Through prudent asset management, Nuss secures the necessary funding for military veteran support services and international student initiatives. This financial oversight provides the foundation for institutional stability, allowing Northwood University to continue delivering high-quality business education while maintaining a robust balance sheet for future expansion.

    Keith Petty - President

    Keith Petty, the President at Northwood University, architects the overarching strategic vision and institutional mission. Overseeing the executive leadership team, the President ensures alignment between academic curriculum and the demands of the modern free-enterprise economy. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with industry leaders to enhance the value of degrees in finance and organizational leadership. By driving institutional excellence, Keith Petty directly impacts the university's standing as a top undergraduate business school. The President engages with stakeholders, including students, alumni, and corporate partners, to promote the unique educational philosophy of the institution. Through consistent advocacy for academic rigor, Petty maintains the university's focus on developing ethical business leaders. This executive oversight ensures that Northwood University remains responsive to global market trends, ultimately guiding the institution toward sustained growth and continued relevance in the competitive higher education sector.

    Emma Ladd - Chief Marketing Officer

    Emma Ladd, the Chief Marketing Officer at Northwood University, directs all brand positioning and student recruitment initiatives. Overseeing the digital outreach strategy, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across North American and international markets. This leadership role involves managing complex enrollment funnels while aligning promotional activities with the core mission of free-enterprise education. By optimizing multi-channel campaigns, Emma Ladd directly impacts the university's ability to attract diverse student populations. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with academic departments to highlight unique degree offerings in automotive marketing and finance. Through data-driven analysis, Ladd refines institutional visibility, ensuring Northwood University maintains a competitive edge in the higher education landscape. This strategic focus supports long-term growth by connecting prospective students with specialized academic programs, ultimately strengthening the institution's reputation as a premier business school.

    Connie Mack - Board of Governors

    Connie Mack, the Board of Governors at Northwood University, provides high-level oversight and governance for all institutional policies. Overseeing the long-term direction of the university, the Board of Governors ensures adherence to the core mission of free-enterprise education. This leadership role involves evaluating executive performance and approving major strategic initiatives that impact the university's market position. By maintaining fiduciary responsibility, Connie Mack directly impacts the integrity and ethical standards of the institution. The Board of Governors collaborates with the President to address challenges within the higher education landscape, ensuring the university remains a leader in business training. Through careful deliberation, Mack supports the development of new academic programs and infrastructure projects. This governance role provides the necessary framework for institutional accountability, ensuring Northwood University continues to serve students effectively while upholding the values that define the institution's unique educational approach.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Northwood University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Northwood University?
    Northwood University is led by Nick Nuss (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Keith Petty (President) and Emma Ladd (Chief Marketing Officer).
    Who is part of Northwood University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Northwood University includes leaders such as Nick Nuss (Chief Financial Officer), Keith Petty (President), Emma Ladd (Chief Marketing Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Northwood University have?
    Northwood University has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Northwood University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Northwood University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Marketing Officer, Board of Governors.