St. John's College Executive and Leadership Team

Ally Gontang, the Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer at St. John's College, manages the fiscal health and operational integrity of the institution. Overseeing the allocation of resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that budgetary frameworks support the academic mission of rigorous inquiry. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to maintain long-term financial stability while optimizing administrative efficiency across the campus. By implementing robust financial controls, Ally Gontang directly impacts the ability of the college to provide a high-quality education. The Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer also directs the integration of financial data into strategic planning, ensuring that every dollar spent advances the commitment to Western civilization's greatest thinkers. Through careful oversight of institutional assets, Gontang secures the necessary capital to sustain the vibrant, small-seminar learning environment that defines the college experience.

Susan Paalman, the President, Annapolis at St. John's College, directs the daily operations and academic culture of the Annapolis campus. Overseeing faculty engagement and student life, the President, Annapolis ensures that the seminar-based curriculum remains the core of the educational experience. This leadership role involves fostering a community where civil discourse thrives and students feel empowered to challenge conventional wisdom. By managing regional initiatives and campus-wide programs, Susan Paalman maintains the high standards of intellectual rigor expected at the institution. The President, Annapolis also coordinates with academic departments to align pedagogical goals with the broader mission of the college. Through active participation in campus governance, Paalman drives the development of innovative approaches to education, ensuring that the Annapolis location remains a beacon for students who seek to delve deep into the foundational texts of Western civilization.

Christopher Nelson, the President at St. John's College, architects the overarching strategic vision and institutional mission of the college. Overseeing the long-term growth and reputation of the institution, the President ensures that the commitment to collaborative inquiry remains central to all academic and administrative functions. This leadership role involves engaging with alumni, donors, and the broader academic community to advance the unique educational model of the college. By championing the study of original texts, Christopher Nelson drives the intellectual direction of the institution. The President also facilitates collaboration between the various campuses, ensuring a unified approach to the challenges of modern higher education. Through consistent advocacy for the liberal arts, Nelson secures the future of the college, enabling students to develop the self-directed ability to navigate unknown territory and solve complex problems with courage and clarity.

Panayiotis Kanelos, the 24th President of the Annapolis Campus at St. John's College, executes the academic and cultural objectives specific to the Annapolis location. Overseeing the preservation of the seminar tradition, the 24th President of the Annapolis Campus ensures that the rigorous study of original texts remains the primary focus for all students. This leadership role involves managing faculty recruitment and maintaining the high quality of discourse that characterizes the college. By fostering an environment of brave engagement with diverse ideas, Panayiotis Kanelos drives the intellectual vitality of the campus. The 24th President of the Annapolis Campus also coordinates with the broader institutional leadership to ensure that the Annapolis experience aligns with the mission of the college. Through dedicated leadership, Kanelos supports the development of students who reject emotional rhetoric and embrace the challenging, transformative power of deep, self-directed learning.