Seattle University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Seattle University has 10 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, presidential operations, academic administration, and board governance.

Committed to academic excellence and social justice, Seattle University fosters an inclusive community through innovative legal education programs and practical training that prepares graduates for impactful careers in public interest and technology law.

Leadership Roles at Seattle University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Stephen Smith
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Chris Malins
  • Interim Chief of Staff To the President - Julie Brady
  • Executive Secretary To the President - Elizabeth Pilati
  • President - Patrick Cunanan
  • President - Stephen Sundborg
  • Senior Executive Coordinator To the President - Monica Scott
  • President of Board of Regents - Maureen Brotherton
  • Associate Provost and Chief of Staff - Mason Moore
  • Interim Chief of Staff To the Provost - Laura Knote
  • Stephen Smith - Chief Financial Officer

    Stephen Smith, the Chief Financial Officer at Seattle University, directs all fiscal operations and long-term budgetary planning. Managing the institution's complex financial landscape, the Chief Financial Officer ensures resource allocation aligns with academic goals and legal education initiatives. This leadership role involves overseeing endowment growth, capital expenditure projects, and institutional sustainability across North American operations. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Stephen Smith directly impacts the university's ability to support diverse student populations and experiential learning programs. Smith secures the necessary funding to maintain high-quality facilities and faculty resources, ultimately driving the financial health required for the school to fulfill its mission of promoting justice through education. Through careful analysis of market trends and internal performance metrics, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal stability essential for academic innovation.

    Chris Malins - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Chris Malins, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Seattle University, manages the overarching financial strategy and administrative infrastructure. Overseeing the integration of financial systems with academic programming, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer optimizes operational efficiency to support the institution's commitment to social justice. This role involves coordinating with external auditors and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with regulatory standards while expanding the university's reach in legal education. Chris Malins directly influences the allocation of funds toward technology law initiatives and public interest programs. By streamlining procurement and financial reporting processes, Malins strengthens the university's capacity to deliver high-impact legal training. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer maintains a focus on long-term solvency, ensuring that financial resources remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive community and preparing graduates for successful legal careers.

    Julie Brady - Interim Chief of Staff To the President

    Julie Brady, the Interim Chief of Staff To the President at Seattle University, coordinates executive communications and strategic initiatives across the university. Facilitating alignment between the President's office and academic departments, the Interim Chief of Staff To the President ensures that institutional priorities regarding legal education and social justice remain at the forefront of daily operations. This role involves managing high-level projects, preparing briefings for the Board of Regents, and fostering collaboration among senior leadership. Julie Brady directly supports the execution of the university's mission by streamlining decision-making processes and enhancing organizational communication. Brady maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the President's vision for an inclusive community translates into actionable policies. The Interim Chief of Staff To the President drives efficiency in administrative workflows, allowing the leadership team to concentrate on advancing the school's reputation for academic excellence.

    Elizabeth Pilati - Executive Secretary To the President

    Elizabeth Pilati, the Executive Secretary To the President at Seattle University, manages the administrative operations and scheduling for the Office of the President. Coordinating high-level meetings and maintaining essential records, the Executive Secretary To the President ensures that the President's office functions with precision and professionalism. This role involves managing correspondence with the Board of Regents and other key stakeholders to support the university's mission of academic excellence. Elizabeth Pilati directly facilitates the President's ability to engage with the community and advance the institution's commitment to social justice. Pilati maintains a focus on organizational efficiency, ensuring that all administrative tasks support the broader strategic goals of the university. The Executive Secretary To the President drives the smooth operation of the executive office, allowing the leadership team to focus on the development of innovative legal education programs and the promotion of justice.

    Patrick Cunanan - President

    Patrick Cunanan, the President at Seattle University, provides overall strategic direction and leadership for the entire institution. Defining the university's vision for academic excellence and social justice, the President oversees the implementation of long-term goals that shape the future of legal education. This role involves engaging with the Board of Regents, faculty, and students to ensure the university remains a leader in public interest and technology law. Patrick Cunanan directly influences the institution's growth by fostering an inclusive community and promoting practical training initiatives. Cunanan maintains a focus on institutional impact, ensuring that the university's programs prepare graduates to become effective advocates for justice. The President drives the university's mission forward, securing the resources and partnerships necessary to maintain high standards of education and community service across all academic programs and regional operations.

    Stephen Sundborg - President

    Stephen Sundborg, the President at Seattle University, guides the institution's mission and strategic development. Overseeing the university's commitment to academic excellence and justice, the President ensures that all legal education programs remain innovative and responsive to the needs of a diverse student body. This role involves representing the university to external partners and stakeholders, reinforcing the institution's reputation for practical training and social advocacy. Stephen Sundborg directly impacts the university's success by championing initiatives that expand access to legal education and promote inclusive community values. Sundborg maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that the university continues to prepare graduates for impactful careers in various legal fields. The President drives the strategic vision that enables the institution to thrive as a center for justice-oriented education, fostering an environment where students can excel and contribute to the legal profession.

    Monica Scott - Senior Executive Coordinator To the President

    Monica Scott, the Senior Executive Coordinator To the President at Seattle University, manages the complex administrative requirements and project coordination for the Office of the President. Facilitating communication between the President and various university departments, the Senior Executive Coordinator To the President ensures that strategic initiatives regarding legal education and social justice receive the necessary administrative support. This role involves organizing high-level events, managing executive schedules, and preparing documentation for institutional leadership. Monica Scott directly contributes to the efficiency of the President's office, enabling the leadership team to focus on advancing the university's mission. Scott maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that all administrative processes align with the institution's commitment to academic quality and inclusivity. The Senior Executive Coordinator To the President drives the coordination of key projects, supporting the university's efforts to prepare graduates for successful careers in law.

    Maureen Brotherton - President of Board of Regents

    Maureen Brotherton, the President of Board of Regents at Seattle University, leads the governing body responsible for the university's long-term strategic oversight and fiduciary health. Directing the Board's activities, the President of Board of Regents ensures that the institution remains true to its mission of academic excellence and social justice. This role involves evaluating institutional performance, approving major budgetary decisions, and providing guidance to the President on critical policy matters. Maureen Brotherton directly influences the university's direction by fostering a culture of accountability and strategic growth. Brotherton maintains a focus on the institution's future, ensuring that the university continues to provide innovative legal education programs that meet the needs of a changing society. The President of Board of Regents drives the governance process, supporting the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive community and preparing graduates for impactful legal careers.

    Mason Moore - Associate Provost and Chief of Staff

    Mason Moore, the Associate Provost and Chief of Staff at Seattle University, bridges the gap between academic affairs and executive administration. Overseeing faculty support systems and academic policy implementation, the Associate Provost and Chief of Staff ensures that the curriculum remains aligned with the university's dedication to practical training and experiential learning. This role involves managing cross-departmental initiatives that enhance the student experience within the School of Law. Mason Moore directly contributes to the development of innovative legal programs by coordinating resources and facilitating faculty collaboration. Moore maintains a focus on academic quality, ensuring that the institution's commitment to justice remains central to all educational offerings. The Associate Provost and Chief of Staff drives strategic planning efforts that support the university's growth in technology law and public interest fields, ultimately strengthening the academic foundation for all students.

    Laura Knote - Interim Chief of Staff To the Provost

    Laura Knote, the Interim Chief of Staff To the Provost at Seattle University, manages the administrative functions and strategic priorities within the Office of the Provost. Coordinating academic initiatives and faculty-related projects, the Interim Chief of Staff To the Provost ensures that the university's educational mission remains supported by efficient operational processes. This role involves facilitating communication between the Provost and various academic departments to promote consistency in legal education standards. Laura Knote directly impacts the university's ability to deliver high-quality instruction by streamlining administrative workflows and supporting the implementation of new degree programs. Knote maintains a focus on academic excellence, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to foster an inclusive and justice-oriented learning environment. The Interim Chief of Staff To the Provost drives the execution of strategic academic goals, enabling the institution to maintain its competitive position in the legal education market.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Seattle University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Seattle University?
    Seattle University is led by Stephen Smith (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Chris Malins (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Julie Brady (Interim Chief of Staff To the President).
    Who is part of Seattle University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Seattle University includes leaders such as Stephen Smith (Chief Financial Officer), Chris Malins (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Julie Brady (Interim Chief of Staff To the President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Seattle University have?
    Seattle University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Seattle University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Seattle University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Interim Chief of Staff To the President, Executive Secretary To the President, President.