Saint Louis University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Saint Louis University has 10 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, information technology, financial management, and academic leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and Jesuit values, Saint Louis University fosters intellectual growth and community service through a rigorous educational environment that prepares students for global leadership and societal impact.

Leadership Roles at Saint Louis University

  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - David Heimburger
  • Chapter President - Andrew Murtha
  • President - Bill Stessie
  • President - Luke Maher
  • Campus Kitchen Co-president - Kailah Crafford
  • President - Stephanie Kaefer
  • Co-Founder & President - Aneri Shah
  • Chief of Staff - Bridget Fletcher
  • Chief Information Officer - Elijah Acuff
  • Director Emeritus, Chief Medical Officer - Karen Webb
  • David Heimburger - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    David Heimburger, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Saint Louis University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Heimburger oversees budgeting, endowment management, and capital investments to ensure the university maintains its commitment to academic excellence. By analyzing economic trends and institutional performance, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for campus expansion and research initiatives. David Heimburger leads financial reporting and compliance efforts, providing transparency to the board and stakeholders. This role involves balancing operational costs with the strategic goals of the university, ensuring sustainable growth. Through rigorous financial oversight, Heimburger supports the development of new facilities and academic programs. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer works closely with other executive leaders to align fiscal policies with the Jesuit mission, ultimately safeguarding the financial future of the university while promoting accessibility and student success.
    David Heimburger

    Andrew Murtha - Chapter President

    Andrew Murtha, the Chapter President at Saint Louis University, leads specific student-focused initiatives and organizational chapters that promote community engagement. Murtha coordinates activities that align with the university's mission of service and leadership development. By fostering connections between students and local organizations, the Chapter President enhances the impact of campus programs. Andrew Murtha manages chapter operations, including event planning, membership recruitment, and resource management. This leadership role involves facilitating collaboration among student groups to address social issues and promote Jesuit values. Through active participation in campus life, the Chapter President drives student involvement and personal growth. Murtha ensures that all chapter activities adhere to institutional policies while maximizing the benefit to the broader community. The Chapter President remains focused on building a culture of service and academic excellence, providing students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges within the regional landscape.

    Bill Stessie - President

    Bill Stessie, the President at Saint Louis University, provides overarching strategic direction and institutional leadership for the university. Stessie defines the academic vision and promotes the core values of this Jesuit institution to internal and external stakeholders. By engaging with donors, alumni, and community partners, the President secures support for research and educational programs. Bill Stessie oversees the executive team, ensuring alignment across all departments to achieve long-term growth and excellence. This leadership role involves representing the university in national academic forums and advocating for policies that benefit higher education. Through a commitment to service and intellectual inquiry, the President drives the mission of the university forward. Stessie focuses on maintaining the institution's reputation for academic rigor and community impact. The President works to cultivate an inclusive environment that supports faculty research and student success, ensuring the university remains a leader in education west of the Mississippi.

    Luke Maher - President

    Luke Maher, the President at Saint Louis University, manages specific organizational divisions and student-led governance structures that contribute to the university's vibrant campus culture. Maher oversees the development of leadership programs that empower students to take active roles in institutional decision-making. By facilitating dialogue between the student body and administration, the President ensures that diverse perspectives inform campus policy. Luke Maher coordinates initiatives that promote social justice and community service, reflecting the Jesuit identity of the university. This leadership role involves mentoring student leaders and fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual respect. Through strategic planning and effective communication, the President drives engagement across various student organizations. Maher remains dedicated to enhancing the student experience by providing resources and support for extracurricular activities. The President works to ensure that all student-led initiatives align with the broader mission of academic excellence and service to others.

    Kailah Crafford - Campus Kitchen Co-president

    Kailah Crafford, the Campus Kitchen Co-president at Saint Louis University, leads food recovery and hunger relief initiatives that serve the local community. Crafford coordinates the collection and distribution of surplus food, ensuring that resources are utilized to support those in need. By managing volunteer teams and community partnerships, the Campus Kitchen Co-president drives the operational success of this service-oriented program. Kailah Crafford oversees the logistics of food preparation and delivery, maintaining strict safety and quality standards. This leadership role involves raising awareness about food insecurity and promoting sustainable practices on campus. Through active engagement with local organizations, the Campus Kitchen Co-president expands the reach of the program and maximizes its impact. Crafford remains dedicated to the Jesuit mission of service, providing students with meaningful opportunities to contribute to the well-being of the community. The Campus Kitchen Co-president ensures that the program remains a vital resource for the region.

    Stephanie Kaefer - President

    Stephanie Kaefer, the President at Saint Louis University, leads specialized academic or professional associations within the university that focus on career development and industry networking. Kaefer coordinates events and workshops that connect students with professionals in their fields of study. By fostering relationships with industry leaders, the President enhances the career prospects of the student body. Stephanie Kaefer manages the operations of the association, including membership growth and program development. This leadership role involves creating opportunities for professional growth and skill-building, ensuring that students are prepared for the workforce. Through strategic planning and outreach, the President drives the success of the association and its members. Kaefer remains focused on bridging the gap between academic theory and professional practice. The President works to ensure that all association activities support the university's mission of preparing students for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society.

    Aneri Shah - Co-Founder & President

    Aneri Shah, the Co-Founder & President at Saint Louis University, directs the development and growth of entrepreneurial ventures and student-led startups within the university ecosystem. Shah oversees the incubation of new ideas, providing mentorship and resources to student innovators. By facilitating connections with investors and industry experts, the Co-Founder & President accelerates the transition from concept to market. Aneri Shah manages the strategic direction of the venture, ensuring that all projects align with the university's commitment to innovation and social impact. This leadership role involves building a supportive community for entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of creativity. Through effective management and vision, the Co-Founder & President drives the success of student-led initiatives. Shah remains dedicated to empowering students to solve real-world problems through entrepreneurship. The Co-Founder & President works to ensure that the university remains a hub for innovation and economic development in the region.

    Bridget Fletcher - Chief of Staff

    Bridget Fletcher, the Chief of Staff at Saint Louis University, coordinates executive communications and streamlines administrative workflows across the institution. Fletcher manages high-level projects that align departmental goals with the broader mission of this historic university. By facilitating collaboration between the president and various academic units, the Chief of Staff ensures operational efficiency and strategic focus. Bridget Fletcher maintains oversight of internal governance processes, supporting the university in its commitment to Jesuit educational standards. This role involves synthesizing complex data to inform executive decision-making and optimizing resource allocation for campus-wide initiatives. Through meticulous planning and cross-functional leadership, the Chief of Staff drives organizational stability. Fletcher remains dedicated to enhancing the administrative infrastructure that supports faculty, staff, and students, ultimately strengthening the institutional capacity to deliver high-quality education across the Midwest region and beyond.

    Elijah Acuff - Chief Information Officer

    Elijah Acuff, the Chief Information Officer at Saint Louis University, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the campus. Acuff oversees the implementation of secure network systems and advanced data analytics platforms that support academic research and administrative functions. By modernizing the digital environment, the Chief Information Officer enables seamless connectivity for students and faculty. Elijah Acuff manages cybersecurity protocols to protect institutional assets and sensitive information. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging technologies to ensure the university remains at the forefront of educational innovation. Through strategic investment in hardware and software solutions, Acuff enhances the overall learning experience. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with academic leaders to integrate technology into the curriculum, ensuring that digital tools effectively support the mission of this Jesuit institution. Acuff maintains a focus on scalable systems that accommodate the evolving needs of a diverse academic community.

    Karen Webb - Director Emeritus, Chief Medical Officer

    Karen Webb, the Director Emeritus, Chief Medical Officer at Saint Louis University, oversees clinical operations and health-related initiatives within the university's medical programs. Webb directs the integration of patient care, research, and education to ensure high standards of medical practice. By managing clinical partnerships and health services, the Director Emeritus, Chief Medical Officer supports the university's commitment to community health and wellness. Karen Webb leads efforts to improve healthcare delivery and medical training, ensuring that students receive practical experience in a professional setting. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty to advance medical research and clinical innovation. Through strategic oversight of health programs, Webb enhances the university's impact on regional healthcare outcomes. The Director Emeritus, Chief Medical Officer remains focused on maintaining excellence in medical education and patient care, ensuring that the university continues to serve the community with compassion and expertise.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Saint Louis University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Saint Louis University?
    Saint Louis University is led by David Heimburger (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Andrew Murtha (Chapter President) and Bill Stessie (President).
    Who is part of Saint Louis University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Saint Louis University includes leaders such as David Heimburger (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Andrew Murtha (Chapter President), Bill Stessie (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Saint Louis University have?
    Saint Louis University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Saint Louis University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Saint Louis University includes roles such as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chapter President, President, President, Campus Kitchen Co-president.