Penn State Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Penn State has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, administrative strategy, human resources, and athletic management.

Committed to excellence in land-grant research and global education, Penn State advances academic discovery and community service through a vast network of international campuses and distance learning platforms.

Leadership Roles at Penn State

  • Chief Operating Officer - Michele Spangler
  • President of Delta Chi Fraternity - The Behrend Chapter - Andrew Sanford
  • Chief of Staff - Lynch Cynthia
  • Chief of Staff - MBB - Tiana Myers
  • Chief of Staff Penn State Athletics - Nicholas Colella
  • Chief of Staff WBB - Pamela Brown
  • Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations - Kelsey Knight
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Penn State Health. Associate Vice President for Human Resources for Health Affairs, Penn State - David Swift
  • Senior Director, Administration & Chief of Staff - Daniel Murphy
  • Chief of Staff - MBB - Tiana Rich
  • Michele Spangler - Chief Operating Officer

    Michele Spangler, the Chief Operating Officer at Penn State, directs the daily administrative functions and operational infrastructure across the university system. Spangler manages the complex logistics required to support diverse academic programs and research facilities. By optimizing resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that institutional goals align with the broader mission of providing high-quality education. Spangler oversees the integration of technology and physical campus assets to maintain a competitive edge in the global research landscape. This leadership role involves coordinating with various departments to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Through rigorous oversight of operational budgets and facility management, Michele Spangler drives the university toward sustainable growth. Ultimately, Spangler secures the operational stability necessary for faculty and students to excel in medical sciences, engineering, and business education across all international locations.

    Andrew Sanford - President of Delta Chi Fraternity - The Behrend Chapter

    Andrew Sanford, the President of Delta Chi Fraternity - The Behrend Chapter at Penn State, directs the leadership and operational activities of the fraternity chapter. Sanford manages member engagement, community service initiatives, and internal governance to ensure the chapter aligns with university standards. By coordinating with university administration and student organizations, the President of Delta Chi Fraternity - The Behrend Chapter drives the chapter's contribution to campus life. This role involves overseeing chapter events, financial management, and member development programs. Andrew Sanford monitors the implementation of fraternity policies and ensures that all activities support the university's mission of service and education. Through strategic leadership and collaboration, Sanford fosters a positive environment for student growth and community involvement. Ultimately, the President of Delta Chi Fraternity - The Behrend Chapter secures the chapter's role as a contributing member of the university community, promoting leadership and academic success among members.

    Lynch Cynthia - Chief of Staff

    Lynch Cynthia, the Chief of Staff at Penn State, coordinates executive communications and facilitates strategic initiatives across the university leadership team. Cynthia manages the flow of information between the office of the president and various academic departments to ensure consistent policy execution. By aligning administrative priorities with the long-term vision of the institution, the Chief of Staff supports the effective delivery of research and teaching services. This role involves managing high-level projects that impact the university's international presence and public standing. Through careful planning and stakeholder engagement, Lynch Cynthia drives organizational cohesion and operational transparency. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on key institutional objectives, ensuring that all units remain focused on the core mission of academic excellence. Ultimately, Cynthia fosters a collaborative environment that enables the university to maintain its status as a top-tier global research institution.

    Tiana Myers - Chief of Staff - MBB

    Tiana Myers, the Chief of Staff - MBB at Penn State, directs the administrative operations and strategic planning for the men's basketball program. Myers manages team logistics, scheduling, and internal communications to ensure the program functions at a high level of efficiency. By coordinating with athletic department leadership, the Chief of Staff - MBB aligns team activities with the broader goals of the university's athletic division. This role involves overseeing staff workflows and managing external relationships to support the program's competitive success. Tiana Myers drives the implementation of operational policies that enhance the student-athlete experience while maintaining compliance with institutional standards. Through meticulous attention to detail and proactive problem-solving, Myers supports the coaching staff in achieving performance targets. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff - MBB ensures that the basketball program contributes positively to the university's reputation and community engagement efforts.

    Nicholas Colella - Chief of Staff Penn State Athletics

    Nicholas Colella, the Chief of Staff Penn State Athletics at Penn State, manages the administrative operations and strategic initiatives for the entire athletic department. Colella oversees the coordination of departmental projects and ensures that athletic programs align with the university's academic and service mission. By facilitating communication between coaches, administrative staff, and university leadership, the Chief of Staff Penn State Athletics drives operational efficiency across all sports. This role involves managing complex scheduling, budget oversight, and compliance requirements to support the success of student-athletes. Nicholas Colella monitors the implementation of departmental policies and ensures that resources are utilized effectively to maintain a competitive edge. Through strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration, Colella supports the growth and development of the athletic program. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff Penn State Athletics secures the infrastructure necessary for sustained excellence in collegiate sports.

    Pamela Brown - Chief of Staff WBB

    Pamela Brown, the Chief of Staff WBB at Penn State, directs the administrative and operational functions for the women's basketball program. Brown manages team logistics, travel arrangements, and internal communications to ensure the program operates smoothly throughout the season. By coordinating with the athletic department and university administration, the Chief of Staff WBB aligns team activities with the institution's broader objectives. This role involves overseeing staff workflows and managing external partnerships to support the program's competitive goals. Pamela Brown drives the implementation of policies that enhance the student-athlete experience while ensuring adherence to university regulations. Through proactive management and strategic planning, Brown supports the coaching staff in achieving performance milestones. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff WBB ensures that the women's basketball program maintains a high standard of excellence and contributes to the overall success of the university's athletic division.

    Kelsey Knight - Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations

    Kelsey Knight, the Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations at Penn State, coordinates strategic initiatives and administrative operations for the university's fundraising and alumni engagement efforts. Knight manages the flow of information and project tracking to ensure that development goals align with the institution's long-term vision. By facilitating communication between the vice president and various stakeholders, the Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations drives the success of major fundraising campaigns. This role involves overseeing departmental workflows and ensuring that alumni relations activities support the university's academic mission. Kelsey Knight monitors progress on key development objectives and ensures that resources are allocated effectively. Through careful planning and stakeholder engagement, Knight fosters strong connections with the global alumni network. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations secures the financial support necessary for continued research and educational growth.

    David Swift - Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Penn State Health. Associate Vice President for Human Resources for Health Affairs, Penn State

    David Swift, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Penn State Health. Associate Vice President for Human Resources for Health Affairs, Penn State at Penn State, directs the human capital strategy for the health system and university health affairs. Swift manages talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development to ensure a high-performing workforce. By aligning human resources policies with the clinical and academic goals of the health system, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Penn State Health. Associate Vice President for Human Resources for Health Affairs, Penn State drives operational excellence. This role involves overseeing complex HR functions across multiple locations to support medical sciences and research initiatives. David Swift monitors workforce trends and implements strategies to attract and retain top talent. Through strategic leadership, Swift ensures that the health system maintains a culture of excellence and innovation. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Penn State Health. Associate Vice President for Human Resources for Health Affairs, Penn State secures the human resources infrastructure required for high-quality patient care and medical research.

    Daniel Murphy - Senior Director, Administration & Chief of Staff

    Daniel Murphy, the Senior Director, Administration & Chief of Staff at Penn State, directs the administrative operations and strategic planning for the university's central administration. Murphy manages the coordination of high-level projects and ensures that departmental activities align with the institution's core mission. By facilitating communication between executive leadership and various academic units, the Senior Director, Administration & Chief of Staff drives organizational efficiency. This role involves overseeing administrative workflows, budget management, and policy implementation to support the university's research and teaching goals. Daniel Murphy monitors progress on key institutional initiatives and ensures that resources are utilized effectively. Through proactive problem-solving and strategic oversight, Murphy supports the university's leadership in achieving long-term objectives. Ultimately, the Senior Director, Administration & Chief of Staff secures the operational stability necessary for the university to maintain its status as a leading global research institution.

    Tiana Rich - Chief of Staff - MBB

    Tiana Rich, the Chief of Staff - MBB at Penn State, directs the administrative and operational support for the men's basketball program. Rich manages team logistics, scheduling, and internal communications to ensure the program functions effectively. By coordinating with the athletic department, the Chief of Staff - MBB aligns team activities with the university's broader athletic and academic goals. This role involves overseeing staff workflows and managing external relationships to support the program's competitive success. Tiana Rich drives the implementation of operational policies that enhance the student-athlete experience while maintaining compliance with institutional standards. Through meticulous attention to detail and proactive management, Rich supports the coaching staff in achieving performance targets. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff - MBB ensures that the basketball program contributes positively to the university's reputation and community engagement efforts, fostering a culture of excellence within the athletic division.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Penn State Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Penn State?
    Penn State is led by Michele Spangler (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Andrew Sanford (President of Delta Chi Fraternity - The Behrend Chapter) and Lynch Cynthia (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Penn State’s executive team?
    The executive team of Penn State includes leaders such as Michele Spangler (Chief Operating Officer), Andrew Sanford (President of Delta Chi Fraternity - The Behrend Chapter), Lynch Cynthia (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Penn State have?
    Penn State has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Penn State’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Penn State includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, President of Delta Chi Fraternity - The Behrend Chapter, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff - MBB, Chief of Staff Penn State Athletics.