St. John's College Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

St. John's College has 6 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, financial operations, campus leadership, and academic administration.

Dedicated to the rigorous study of original texts and collaborative inquiry, St. John's College fosters a unique community where students and faculty engage in brave discourse to solve complex global problems.

Leadership Roles at St. John's College

  • Warden and Chief Executive Officer - Rose Alwyn
  • Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer - Ally Gontang
  • President, Annapolis - Susan Paalman
  • 24th President of the Annapolis Campus - Panayiotis Kanelos
  • Co-President - Valkyrie Gyore-Voros
  • President - Christopher Nelson
  • Rose Alwyn - Warden and Chief Executive Officer

    Rose Alwyn, the Warden and Chief Executive Officer at St. John's College, directs the overarching institutional strategy and long-term academic vision. Overseeing the integration of the college's unique curriculum with modern administrative requirements, the Warden and Chief Executive Officer ensures that the institution maintains its commitment to the study of original texts. Alwyn manages high-level relationships with the Board of Governors and external stakeholders to secure the financial and intellectual future of the college. By aligning academic rigor with operational efficiency, the Warden and Chief Executive Officer drives the mission of fostering civil discourse across all campuses. This leadership role involves navigating complex educational landscapes while preserving the distinct pedagogical identity of the institution. Through consistent focus on institutional excellence, Alwyn secures the enduring legacy of the college as a premier center for liberal arts inquiry and intellectual development.

    Ally Gontang - Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer

    Ally Gontang, the Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer at St. John's College, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation strategies necessary to support the academic mission. Overseeing the budgetary framework and long-term financial planning, the Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital investments align with the college's commitment to small seminar classes and original text study. Gontang directs the administrative teams responsible for endowment management and operational sustainability across the institution. By optimizing financial workflows, the Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary infrastructure for faculty and students to pursue deep, self-directed learning. This role requires constant collaboration with the executive leadership to balance fiscal responsibility with the unique educational needs of the community. Ultimately, Gontang maintains the economic stability required for the college to thrive in a competitive higher education market.

    Susan Paalman - President, Annapolis

    Susan Paalman, the President, Annapolis at St. John's College, leads the daily operations and academic culture of the Maryland campus. Overseeing the faculty recruitment process and student engagement initiatives, the President, Annapolis ensures that the rigorous study of Western civilization's greatest thinkers remains the core focus of the campus experience. Paalman directs the implementation of institutional policies that promote civil discourse and courageous inquiry among the student body. By fostering a vibrant community of learning, the President, Annapolis supports the development of alumni who excel in diverse fields ranging from law to neuroscience. This leadership role involves managing campus-specific resources and maintaining the historical integrity of the Annapolis location. Through active engagement with the academic community, Paalman drives the mission of the college forward, ensuring that every student benefits from the unique, seminar-based pedagogical approach that defines the institution.

    Panayiotis Kanelos - 24th President of the Annapolis Campus

    Panayiotis Kanelos, the 24th President of the Annapolis Campus at St. John's College, architects the strategic initiatives that define the campus's role within the broader institution. Overseeing the expansion of academic programs and the preservation of the college's distinctive curriculum, the 24th President of the Annapolis Campus ensures that the rigorous study of original texts remains accessible to a diverse student population. Kanelos directs the efforts to integrate modern research methodologies with the traditional seminar format, enhancing the overall learning environment. By cultivating partnerships with academic organizations and alumni networks, the 24th President of the Annapolis Campus strengthens the institutional impact on global intellectual discourse. This role requires a deep commitment to the college's philosophy of brave engagement with challenging ideas. Through consistent leadership, Kanelos supports the development of innovative approaches to vexing problems, ensuring that the Annapolis campus continues to produce graduates capable of deep, fearless inquiry.

    Valkyrie Gyore-Voros - Co-President

    Valkyrie Gyore-Voros, the Co-President at St. John's College, shares the responsibility for institutional governance and the advancement of the college's mission. Overseeing the collaborative efforts between administrative departments and academic divisions, the Co-President ensures that the institution maintains its focus on the rigorous study of original texts. Gyore-Voros directs the development of strategic partnerships that enhance the college's visibility and influence in the higher education sector. By facilitating communication between the Board and the faculty, the Co-President supports a unified approach to institutional growth and pedagogical innovation. This leadership role involves managing complex organizational challenges while upholding the values of civil discourse and intellectual courage. Through a commitment to the college's unique community of learning, Gyore-Voros drives the initiatives that prepare students for diverse professional paths, ensuring that the institution remains a beacon for those who dare to free their minds through brave engagement.

    Christopher Nelson - President

    Christopher Nelson, the President at St. John's College, provides the overarching leadership necessary to sustain the college's commitment to collaborative inquiry. Overseeing the institutional advancement and long-term strategic planning, the President ensures that the college remains a unique, vibrant community of learning. Nelson directs the efforts to maintain the integrity of the curriculum, which focuses on the study of original texts from Homer to Einstein. By engaging with the broader academic community, the President promotes the value of civil discourse and the importance of asking hard questions. This leadership role involves balancing the needs of the faculty, students, and alumni to ensure the continued success of the institution. Through a dedication to the college's mission, Nelson drives the growth of the college, supporting the development of alumni who are known for their ability to delve deep into unknown territory and solve complex problems with innovative approaches.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding St. John's College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads St. John's College?
    St. John's College is led by Rose Alwyn (Warden and Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ally Gontang (Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer) and Susan Paalman (President, Annapolis).
    Who is part of St. John's College’s executive team?
    The executive team of St. John's College includes leaders such as Rose Alwyn (Warden and Chief Executive Officer), Ally Gontang (Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer), Susan Paalman (President, Annapolis) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does St. John's College have?
    St. John's College has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in St. John's College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of St. John's College includes roles such as Warden and Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, Finance Operations & Chief Financial Officer, President, Annapolis, 24th President of the Annapolis Campus, Co-President.