St. John's College Executive and Leadership Team

Ally Gontang-Highfield, the Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer at St. John's College, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy. This leadership role involves managing the college's financial health, ensuring resource allocation aligns with institutional goals, and overseeing budgeting processes. Gontang-Highfield drives efficiency in financial systems, implements robust controls, and provides critical financial insights to support strategic decision-making across the institution. The scope of this position includes managing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting, all vital to the operational stability of the college. Ally Gontang-Highfield's oversight ensures compliance with all relevant financial regulations and standards, safeguarding the college's assets and fostering long-term financial sustainability. This executive's work directly supports the college's mission by enabling uninterrupted academic pursuits and campus operations through sound financial management.

Nora Demleitner, the 25th President of the Annapolis Campus. Collegewide President at St. John's College, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the institution. This role encompasses guiding academic initiatives, fostering institutional growth, and representing the college to external stakeholders. Demleitner champions the college's unique Great Books curriculum, ensuring its continued relevance and rigor. Overseeing campus operations and development, the President cultivates a vibrant learning environment that encourages civil discourse and deep intellectual engagement. Nora Demleitner works closely with faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees to advance the college's mission and enhance its national standing. This leadership position involves setting institutional priorities, driving fundraising efforts, and ensuring the long-term vitality of St. John's College. The President's vision shapes the student experience and the college's impact on higher education.

Susan Paalman, the President, Annapolis at St. John's College, directs the strategic and operational functions of the Annapolis campus. This executive leadership position involves overseeing all aspects of campus life, from academic programming to student affairs and administrative services. Paalman ensures the campus environment actively supports the college's distinctive educational philosophy, emphasizing collaborative inquiry and the study of original texts. This role requires close collaboration with faculty and staff to maintain the integrity of the seminar and tutorial methods. Susan Paalman's responsibilities include fostering a strong sense of community among students and faculty, driving campus initiatives, and ensuring the effective delivery of educational services. The President, Annapolis plays a crucial part in upholding the college's commitment to intellectual freedom and civil discourse, preparing students for self-directed learning and innovative problem-solving in diverse fields.

Katarina Wong, the President at St. John's College, provides executive leadership and strategic vision for the institution. This role involves guiding the college's overall direction, ensuring adherence to its unique pedagogical model, and fostering an environment conducive to rigorous intellectual exploration. Wong oversees key institutional priorities, including academic excellence, student development, and community engagement. The President works to enhance the college's reputation and impact, advocating for its distinctive approach to liberal arts education. Katarina Wong collaborates with campus leadership and the Board to drive institutional advancement and ensure the long-term sustainability of the college's mission. This executive's leadership supports the cultivation of students who are courageous in asking difficult questions and embrace civil discourse, preparing them for impactful contributions across various professional landscapes.

Panayiotis Kanelos, the 24th President of the Annapolis Campus at St. John's College, provides dedicated leadership to the Annapolis location. This executive role focuses on advancing the campus's academic mission and operational effectiveness, ensuring alignment with the college's core educational principles. Kanelos oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives designed to enhance the student learning experience and foster a vibrant intellectual community. The responsibilities include managing campus resources, supporting faculty endeavors, and cultivating a culture that embraces the rigorous study of original texts and civil discourse. Panayiotis Kanelos works to strengthen the campus's connection to the broader St. John's College mission, promoting the development of self-directed learners known for their fearless engagement with challenging ideas. This leadership ensures the continued excellence of the Annapolis campus.

Christopher Nelson, the President at St. John's College, directs the overall strategic trajectory and operational framework of the institution. This executive leadership position is central to maintaining the college's distinctive commitment to collaborative inquiry and the study of foundational texts from Western civilization. Nelson champions the unique pedagogical approach, ensuring its integrity and effectiveness in cultivating critical thinking and civil discourse among students. Overseeing institutional development and external relations, the President works to enhance the college's standing and support its mission. Christopher Nelson collaborates with campus leaders and the Board to drive academic innovation and ensure the financial health of the college. This leadership fosters an environment where students are encouraged to ask profound questions and engage fearlessly with complex ideas, preparing them for diverse and impactful careers.

J. Sterling, the Eighth President of the Santa Fe Campus at St. John's College, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the Santa Fe campus. This executive role is pivotal in upholding the college's unique educational philosophy, emphasizing the rigorous study of original texts and fostering an environment of civil discourse. Sterling oversees campus initiatives that support academic excellence and student development, ensuring the Santa Fe campus thrives as a vibrant learning community. The President works to enhance the campus's contribution to the college's overall mission, promoting the development of self-directed, intellectually courageous individuals. J. Sterling collaborates with faculty, staff, and the wider college administration to advance the campus's goals and ensure its continued success in preparing students for diverse and challenging fields.

Ella Kirschner, the Chorus Archon (President) at St. John's College, provides leadership for the choral program, integrating its artistic and educational dimensions. This role involves guiding the musical direction and operational aspects of the chorus, ensuring its contribution to the college's vibrant community of learning. Kirschner fosters an environment where students can engage deeply with musical texts and performance practices, complementing the college's broader commitment to the study of original works. The Chorus Archon (President) works to enhance the visibility and impact of the choral program, supporting student participation and artistic development. Ella Kirschner's leadership ensures the chorus serves as a vital component of the student experience, encouraging discipline, collaboration, and a fearless approach to artistic expression, aligning with the college's core values.