San Diego State University Executive and Leadership Team

Manuel Gandara, the Chief Executive Officer at San Diego State University, directs the overarching strategic vision for all entrepreneurial initiatives. This leadership role involves aligning the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center with broader academic goals to maximize student impact. By overseeing the integration of the ZIP Launchpad into the campus ecosystem, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that resources remain accessible to diverse student populations. Manuel Gandara maintains high-level partnerships with regional stakeholders to expand the reach of these programs across the San Diego community. Through rigorous oversight of funding allocations and mentorship frameworks, the Chief Executive Officer drives the growth of experiential learning opportunities. This executive focus on scalability and innovation supports the university mission of cultivating entrepreneurial talent. Ultimately, Gandara secures the long-term viability of these programs by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence.

Michelle Matter, the Chief Operating Officer at San Diego State University, manages the daily execution of entrepreneurship programs and campus-wide operational workflows. This role involves coordinating the logistics for workshops, pitch competitions, and specialized degree programs. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center functions at peak capacity. Michelle Matter oversees the allocation of physical space and human resources to support student and alumni ventures. This leadership function requires close collaboration with academic departments to align operational output with the university mission. Through the implementation of standardized project management frameworks, the Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency in program delivery. Matter monitors key performance indicators to assess the impact of experiential learning initiatives on student success. By optimizing resource distribution, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards of service expected within the San Diego academic community.

Sean Hauze, the Chief Operating Officer, Information Technology Division at San Diego State University, manages the internal service delivery and operational workflows of the IT department. This role involves ensuring that the technical support provided to the entrepreneurship initiatives is efficient and responsive. By overseeing the daily operations of the IT staff, the Chief Operating Officer, Information Technology Division maintains high service levels for students and faculty. Sean Hauze directs the implementation of standardized support protocols to improve user experience. This leadership position requires coordinating with other IT leaders to ensure that operational capacity meets demand. Through the management of internal resources, the Chief Operating Officer, Information Technology Division supports the successful execution of technology-driven projects. Hauze monitors performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement. By focusing on operational excellence, the Chief Operating Officer, Information Technology Division enables the IT department to effectively support the university mission.

Janet Bedford, the President at San Diego State University, provides the ultimate leadership and vision for the entire institution. This role involves championing the entrepreneurship initiatives as a core component of the university identity. By setting the strategic agenda, the President ensures that the university remains committed to fostering innovation and community engagement. Janet Bedford represents the institution to external partners, donors, and the broader San Diego community. This leadership position requires balancing the needs of diverse academic departments while maintaining a unified institutional focus. Through the promotion of academic excellence and social innovation, the President drives the university toward its long-term goals. Bedford collaborates with the Board to secure the resources necessary for growth. By fostering a culture of leadership and entrepreneurship, the President ensures that the university continues to deliver significant value to students, faculty, and the regional economy.

Michael Kurima, the President, Sdsu 's Enrollment Management Advisory Committee at San Diego State University, directs the strategic planning for student recruitment and retention within the entrepreneurship programs. This role involves analyzing enrollment data to ensure that the academic tracks attract a diverse and talented student body. By overseeing the advisory committee, the President, Sdsu 's Enrollment Management Advisory Committee aligns enrollment goals with the university capacity. Michael Kurima collaborates with academic leaders to develop marketing strategies that highlight the value of the entrepreneurship specialization. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of student demographics and market trends. Through the implementation of data-driven recruitment initiatives, the President, Sdsu 's Enrollment Management Advisory Committee supports the growth of the student population. Kurima monitors retention rates to ensure that students receive the necessary support to succeed. By optimizing enrollment processes, the President, Sdsu 's Enrollment Management Advisory Committee contributes to the overall success of the university.

Bo Phaymany, the Chief Information Officer at San Diego State University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting campus-wide entrepreneurship initiatives. This role involves managing the technological resources required for the ZIP Launchpad and various academic tracks. By implementing secure data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that student research and pitch competition data remain protected. Bo Phaymany collaborates with faculty to integrate advanced software tools into the curriculum, enhancing the learning experience for students in science and technology. Overseeing the digital transformation of administrative processes, the Chief Information Officer improves operational efficiency across the university. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of emerging tech trends to maintain a competitive edge in educational delivery. Through strategic investment in cloud-based platforms, Phaymany supports the expansion of digital resources for the entire academic community, ensuring seamless access to critical tools.

Brittany Santos-Derieg, the Chief of Staff at San Diego State University, coordinates executive communications and facilitates cross-departmental alignment for all entrepreneurship initiatives. This role involves managing the flow of information between the leadership team and the broader university administration. By organizing high-level meetings and strategic planning sessions, the Chief of Staff ensures that all stakeholders remain focused on core objectives. Brittany Santos-Derieg oversees the implementation of policy changes that impact the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center and related programs. This leadership position requires balancing competing priorities to maintain organizational momentum. Through the development of internal communication strategies, the Chief of Staff fosters transparency and collaboration across campus. Santos-Derieg supports the executive team by providing analytical insights into program performance and resource utilization. By managing the administrative cadence of the office, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on long-term strategic growth.

Kirk Campbell, the Senior Associate Vice President. Deputy Chief Information Officer at San Diego State University, manages the implementation of specialized IT systems for the entrepreneurship division. This role involves overseeing the technical support teams that maintain the infrastructure for the ZIP Launchpad. By directing the deployment of hardware and software solutions, the Senior Associate Vice President. Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that students have reliable access to necessary research tools. Kirk Campbell collaborates with the broader IT leadership to align departmental goals with the university technology roadmap. This leadership position requires managing complex technical projects that support academic innovation. Through the optimization of network performance, the Senior Associate Vice President. Deputy Chief Information Officer enhances the digital environment for faculty and staff. Campbell monitors system reliability to prevent disruptions in educational delivery. By focusing on technical scalability, the Senior Associate Vice President. Deputy Chief Information Officer supports the university mission of fostering innovation.

Christopher Xanthos, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Business Operations at San Diego State University, manages the financial and operational aspects of the university information technology systems. This role involves aligning IT spending with the strategic needs of the entrepreneurship initiatives. By overseeing the procurement of technology assets, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Business Operations ensures that resources are utilized effectively. Christopher Xanthos directs the business processes that support the IT division, including vendor management and budget planning. This leadership position requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for technological advancement. Through the analysis of operational data, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Business Operations identifies opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements. Xanthos collaborates with other executives to ensure that business operations support the broader academic goals. By maintaining financial oversight, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Business Operations secures the resources necessary for long-term success.

James Frazee, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at San Diego State University, leads the comprehensive digital strategy for the entire institution. This role involves setting the vision for how technology enables entrepreneurship and academic research. By overseeing the integration of advanced computing resources, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures that the university remains at the forefront of innovation. James Frazee manages the strategic direction of the IT division, focusing on security, accessibility, and performance. This leadership position requires constant engagement with the Board and other C-suite leaders to align technology with the university mission. Through the promotion of digital literacy and innovation, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer drives the adoption of new tools across campus. Frazee monitors the impact of technology on student outcomes. By championing digital transformation, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer supports the growth of the university.