Seattle University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Seattle University has 9 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, institutional operations, presidential administration, and advancement coordination.

Rooted in Jesuit traditions, Seattle University fosters academic excellence and social justice through a commitment to transformative education and community engagement across the Pacific Northwest.

Leadership Roles at Seattle University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Stephen Smith
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Christopher Malins
  • President - Stephen Sundborg
  • Senior Executive Coordinator To the President - Monica Scott
  • President - Patrick Cunanan
  • President of Board of Regents - Maureen Brotherton
  • President - Society of Women Engineers - Frances Pappajohn-Goldade
  • Chief of Staff - Anne Moran
  • Advancement Chief of Staff - Julie Brady
  • Stephen Smith - Chief Financial Officer

    Stephen Smith, the Chief Financial Officer at Seattle University, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Smith directs the allocation of capital resources to support academic programs and campus infrastructure development. By overseeing budgetary planning and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment with the Jesuit mission of the university. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Regents to maintain institutional stability while navigating complex higher education funding landscapes. Stephen Smith monitors revenue streams and expenditure patterns to optimize operational efficiency across all departments. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards the endowment and promotes growth in research funding. The strategic decisions made by Smith directly impact the ability of the university to provide high-quality education to students while maintaining a robust financial foundation for future generations.

    Christopher Malins - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Malins, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Seattle University, oversees the comprehensive financial architecture and investment strategies of the institution. Malins directs the treasury functions and risk management protocols to protect the assets of the university. By analyzing market trends and economic indicators, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer develops long-term fiscal models that support campus expansion and technological upgrades. This leadership role requires close coordination with academic deans to align departmental budgets with the overarching mission of the university. Christopher Malins manages the audit and compliance processes to ensure transparency and accountability in all financial dealings. Through the optimization of debt structures and revenue diversification, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer strengthens the competitive position of the institution within the higher education sector.

    Stephen Sundborg - President

    Stephen Sundborg, the President at Seattle University, provides the primary vision and leadership for the entire academic community. Sundborg directs the strategic planning process to ensure the university remains a leader in Jesuit higher education. By engaging with the Board of Regents and external partners, the President shapes the long-term trajectory of the institution. This role involves overseeing the academic and administrative functions that define the student experience and faculty research output. Stephen Sundborg promotes the values of social justice and academic rigor across all campus programs. Through consistent advocacy for the mission of the university, the President fosters an environment of innovation and inclusivity. Sundborg ensures that the institution meets the evolving needs of the global community while maintaining the core identity of the university as a premier Jesuit institution in the Pacific Northwest.

    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 of the office of the President. Scott directs the flow of information and scheduling priorities to ensure the President remains focused on high-level institutional objectives. By coordinating meetings with the Board of Regents and senior leadership, the Senior Executive Coordinator To the President facilitates effective decision-making processes. This role involves overseeing the logistical support for major university events and official communications. Monica Scott monitors the internal and external correspondence to ensure alignment with the mission of the university. Through the management of executive resources, the Senior Executive Coordinator To the President supports the operational efficiency of the leadership team. Scott ensures that the office of the President functions as a central hub for strategic initiatives and community engagement.

    Patrick Cunanan - President

    Patrick Cunanan, the President at Seattle University, leads the institutional efforts to expand academic reach and enhance the student experience. Cunanan directs the implementation of strategic initiatives that align with the Jesuit mission of the university. By overseeing the development of new academic programs and research partnerships, the President drives innovation across the campus. This role involves collaborating with faculty and staff to maintain high standards of excellence in teaching and service. Patrick Cunanan monitors the institutional performance metrics to ensure the university achieves its long-term goals. Through the promotion of community engagement and social responsibility, the President strengthens the reputation of the institution. Cunanan ensures that the university remains a vibrant center for intellectual growth and professional development for students from diverse backgrounds.

    Maureen Brotherton - President of Board of Regents

    Maureen Brotherton, the President of Board of Regents at Seattle University, oversees the governance and fiduciary responsibilities of the governing body. Brotherton directs the board meetings and committee activities to ensure the university adheres to its mission and legal obligations. By facilitating communication between the Board of Regents and the executive leadership, the President of Board of Regents ensures alignment on strategic priorities. This role involves monitoring the financial health and long-term sustainability of the institution. Maureen Brotherton leads the efforts to recruit and retain board members who bring diverse expertise to the university. Through the oversight of policy development and institutional performance, the President of Board of Regents safeguards the interests of the university community. Brotherton ensures that the governance structure supports the academic and social goals of the institution.

    Frances Pappajohn-Goldade - President - Society of Women Engineers

    Frances Pappajohn-Goldade, the President - Society of Women Engineers at Seattle University, leads the student-focused organization dedicated to advancing women in engineering and technology fields. Pappajohn-Goldade directs the programming and outreach efforts that support the professional development of engineering students. By coordinating with faculty advisors and industry partners, the President - Society of Women Engineers creates opportunities for mentorship and career growth. This role involves overseeing the recruitment and retention initiatives that promote diversity within the engineering department. Frances Pappajohn-Goldade monitors the impact of student-led projects on the campus culture and academic success of members. Through the promotion of technical excellence and leadership skills, the President - Society of Women Engineers enhances the professional readiness of students. Pappajohn-Goldade ensures that the organization remains a vital resource for students pursuing careers in engineering.

    Anne Moran - Chief of Staff

    Anne Moran, the Chief of Staff at Seattle University, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication between the President and the broader campus community. Moran manages the administrative workflow of the President's office to ensure institutional priorities receive consistent attention. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff enables effective collaboration among senior leadership teams. This role involves overseeing special projects that advance the strategic goals of the university, particularly regarding campus-wide initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Anne Moran monitors the implementation of policies that reflect the Jesuit values of the institution. Through careful management of executive schedules and high-level correspondence, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational focus on academic and social objectives. Moran ensures that the leadership team remains responsive to the needs of faculty, staff, and students while driving operational excellence across the university.

    Julie Brady - Advancement Chief of Staff

    Julie Brady, the Advancement Chief of Staff at Seattle University, directs the operational strategy for fundraising and donor relations. Brady manages the administrative infrastructure that supports the development team in securing philanthropic support for scholarships and academic programs. By coordinating cross-departmental efforts, the Advancement Chief of Staff ensures that donor engagement aligns with the strategic vision of the university. This role involves overseeing the data management systems and communication protocols that facilitate successful capital campaigns. Julie Brady monitors the progress of advancement goals and provides the necessary resources for the team to achieve fundraising targets. Through the integration of donor outreach and institutional messaging, the Advancement Chief of Staff enhances the visibility and impact of the university. Brady ensures that all advancement activities remain consistent with the Jesuit commitment to service and community development.

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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 Christopher Malins (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Stephen Sundborg (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), Christopher Malins (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Stephen Sundborg (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Seattle University have?
    Seattle University has 9 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, President, Senior Executive Coordinator To the President, President.