Northwood University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Northwood University has 5 executives leading key functions including marketing, financial strategy, institutional leadership, and governance.

Dedicated to advancing free-enterprise education, Northwood University empowers students through specialized business curricula while fostering a global environment for future leaders to thrive within competitive markets.

Leadership Roles at Northwood University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Nick Nuss
  • President - Kent MacDonald
  • 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 budgetary planning. Overseeing the allocation of resources across academic programs and campus infrastructure, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial health of the institution. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams from tuition, grants, and endowments to support the university's commitment to free-enterprise education. By implementing rigorous cost-control measures and financial forecasting, Nick Nuss directly impacts the sustainability of the university's diverse curriculum. Nuss secures the necessary capital to fund automotive marketing and organizational leadership initiatives, providing the foundation for academic excellence. Through coordination with the Board of Governors, the Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency and fiscal responsibility. Ultimately, Nuss drives the financial strategy that allows the institution to serve a wide range of clients, including current students and international learners, while maintaining a competitive position within the higher education landscape.

    Kent MacDonald - President

    Kent MacDonald, the President at Northwood University, architects the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing academic excellence and institutional growth, the President ensures that the university remains a leader in free-enterprise education. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with industry leaders to enhance the value of undergraduate and graduate degrees. By championing the university's mission, Kent MacDonald directly impacts the development of future business leaders across the globe. MacDonald secures the institution's reputation by promoting a curriculum that emphasizes practical business skills and ethical leadership. Through engagement with faculty, students, and alumni, the President cultivates a vibrant campus culture that supports innovation and professional success. Ultimately, MacDonald drives the long-term strategic initiatives that solidify the university's status as a top undergraduate business school, ensuring that every program remains relevant to the evolving needs of the global economy and the diverse student body.
    Kent MacDonald

    Keith Petty - President

    Keith Petty, the President at Northwood University, manages operational efficiency and the execution of internal administrative policies. Overseeing the daily functions of the university's various departments, the President ensures that academic and support services operate in harmony with the institution's core values. This leadership role involves streamlining processes to improve the student experience and faculty productivity. By focusing on organizational effectiveness, Keith Petty directly impacts the university's ability to deliver high-quality education in finance and marketing. Petty secures operational stability by implementing modern management practices that support the university's mission. Through collaboration with other executive leaders, the President addresses the logistical challenges of maintaining a top-tier business school. Ultimately, Petty drives the internal improvements necessary to sustain growth and excellence, ensuring that the university continues to provide a world-class learning environment for all students, including those pursuing traditional and online degree programs.

    Emma Ladd - Chief Marketing Officer

    Emma Ladd, the Chief Marketing Officer at Northwood University, directs all brand positioning and student recruitment initiatives. Overseeing digital outreach and institutional messaging, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures alignment with the core mission of free-enterprise education. This leadership role involves expanding market reach across North American territories to attract diverse cohorts of future business leaders. By optimizing communication channels and promotional campaigns, Emma Ladd directly impacts the university's enrollment growth and public perception. Ladd secures long-term institutional visibility by integrating data-driven insights into every marketing strategy. Through constant collaboration with academic departments, the Chief Marketing Officer maintains a consistent brand identity that resonates with prospective students, military veterans, and international applicants. Ultimately, Ladd drives the strategic narrative that defines the institution as a premier destination for undergraduate business studies, ensuring the university remains a top choice for aspiring professionals seeking a robust, career-focused education.

    Connie Mack - Board of Governors

    Connie Mack, the Board of Governors at Northwood University, provides high-level oversight and fiduciary guidance for the institution. Overseeing the alignment of university policies with the principles of free enterprise, the Board of Governors ensures that the long-term goals of the university remain consistent with its founding mission. This leadership role involves evaluating institutional performance and approving major strategic initiatives that shape the future of the university. By providing governance and accountability, Connie Mack directly impacts the integrity and success of the academic programs. Mack secures the university's commitment to excellence by advising on critical matters of policy and resource management. Through active participation in board meetings and strategic reviews, the Board of Governors supports the executive team in achieving institutional objectives. Ultimately, Mack drives the ethical and strategic framework that allows the university to thrive as a leading business school, ensuring that the institution serves its students and stakeholders with distinction.

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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 Kent MacDonald (President) and Keith Petty (President).
    Who is part of Northwood University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Northwood University includes leaders such as Nick Nuss (Chief Financial Officer), Kent MacDonald (President), Keith Petty (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Northwood University have?
    Northwood University has 5 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, President, Chief Marketing Officer, Board of Governors.