Santa Clara University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Santa Clara University has 5 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, information technology, student health advocacy, athletic leadership, and staff representation.

Rooted in Jesuit values, Santa Clara University advances academic excellence and social justice through a commitment to transformative education within the heart of Silicon Valley.

Leadership Roles at Santa Clara University

  • President, Pre-Health Club - Madison Mann
  • Staff Senate President-Elect - Nayeli Perez
  • Chief of Staff - Molly McDonald
  • Chief Information Officer - Robert Owen
  • Team Captain - Fiona O'Keeffe
  • Madison Mann - President, Pre-Health Club

    Madison Mann, the President, Pre-Health Club at Santa Clara University, directs student-led initiatives focused on medical career preparation and community health awareness. By organizing professional development workshops, the President, Pre-Health Club facilitates networking opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Madison Mann oversees the coordination of guest speaker series and clinical shadowing programs that bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. This leadership role involves managing club resources and fostering partnerships with local medical institutions to provide students with valuable industry exposure. Through active engagement with the student body, the President, Pre-Health Club promotes a culture of service and academic excellence. The position requires consistent collaboration with faculty advisors to ensure all programming aligns with current medical school admission standards. By cultivating a supportive community, the President, Pre-Health Club empowers students to achieve professional success in the demanding field of healthcare.

    Nayeli Perez - Staff Senate President-Elect

    Nayeli Perez, the Staff Senate President-Elect at Santa Clara University, represents the interests of the university staff while preparing to lead the governing body. By facilitating dialogue between staff members and university administration, the Staff Senate President-Elect ensures that employee concerns receive proper attention. Nayeli Perez oversees the development of initiatives aimed at improving workplace culture and professional development opportunities for all staff. This leadership role involves participating in key committees that influence institutional policy and long-term planning. Through proactive engagement, the Staff Senate President-Elect fosters a sense of community and shared purpose across diverse departments. The position requires strong communication skills to effectively advocate for staff needs while supporting the broader mission of the university. By promoting transparency and collaboration, the Staff Senate President-Elect strengthens the internal governance structure. This leadership function remains critical for maintaining a productive and inclusive work environment within the university.

    Molly McDonald - Chief of Staff

    Molly McDonald, the Chief of Staff at Santa Clara University, coordinates high-level administrative operations and facilitates communication across the executive leadership team. By managing complex institutional projects, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment with the university's strategic mission. Molly McDonald directs the flow of information to the President, optimizing decision-making processes for the entire campus community. This role involves overseeing cross-departmental initiatives that support the academic and operational goals of the institution. Through rigorous planning and resource allocation, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational efficiency. The position requires constant collaboration with senior leadership to address emerging challenges in the higher education landscape. By streamlining internal workflows, the Chief of Staff fosters a cohesive environment that promotes institutional growth. This leadership function remains vital for maintaining the operational integrity of the university while advancing long-term objectives within the competitive Silicon Valley educational market.

    Robert Owen - Chief Information Officer

    Robert Owen, the Chief Information Officer at Santa Clara University, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support modern academic research and administrative functions. By implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive institutional data across the entire campus network. Robert Owen directs the integration of emerging technologies into the classroom, enhancing the learning experience for students and faculty alike. This role involves managing large-scale IT projects that improve connectivity and digital accessibility throughout the university. Through strategic investment in cloud-based systems, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency and supports the university's commitment to innovation. The position requires close coordination with academic departments to ensure technology solutions meet specific pedagogical needs. By maintaining robust network stability, the Chief Information Officer secures the digital foundation required for academic success. This leadership role directly impacts the university's ability to compete in the global educational landscape.
    Robert Owen

    Fiona O'Keeffe - Team Captain

    Fiona O'Keeffe, the Team Captain at Santa Clara University, drives athletic performance and fosters team cohesion within the university's competitive sports programs. By leading daily training sessions, the Team Captain ensures that all athletes maintain peak physical condition and tactical readiness. Fiona O'Keeffe coordinates communication between the coaching staff and the student-athletes, ensuring that team objectives remain clear and actionable. This leadership role involves mentoring younger team members and promoting a culture of discipline and resilience. Through consistent performance on the field, the Team Captain sets the standard for excellence and sportsmanship. The position requires balancing rigorous athletic schedules with academic responsibilities, demonstrating the university's commitment to the student-athlete model. By fostering a collaborative team environment, the Team Captain enhances the overall competitive standing of the university's athletic department. This leadership function remains essential for achieving success in regional and national collegiate competitions.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Santa Clara University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Santa Clara University?
    Santa Clara University is led by Madison Mann (President, Pre-Health Club), along with executives such as Nayeli Perez (Staff Senate President-Elect) and Molly McDonald (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Santa Clara University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Santa Clara University includes leaders such as Madison Mann (President, Pre-Health Club), Nayeli Perez (Staff Senate President-Elect), Molly McDonald (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Santa Clara University have?
    Santa Clara University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Santa Clara University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Santa Clara University includes roles such as President, Pre-Health Club, Staff Senate President-Elect, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Team Captain.