St. John's University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

St. John's University has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, administrative operations, academic governance, financial management, athletics, and institutional leadership.

Committed to fostering intellectual and spiritual growth, St. John's University delivers a premier liberal arts education that prepares students for global citizenship and professional excellence.

Leadership Roles at St. John's University

  • Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - Sasha Hudson
  • Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer - John Diffley
  • President - Suzie Saint-Vil
  • President of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship - Patrick Romain
  • President - Amarra Lopez
  • President - Ji Lifei
  • President - Mahnaz Ahmed
  • Chief Information Officer - Anne Pacione
  • Chief of Staff - Brian Baumer
  • Vice Provost and Chief of Staff - Linda Shannon
  • Sasha Hudson - Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

    Sasha Hudson, the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at St. John's University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial sustainability of the institution. Hudson oversees the endowment, annual operating budgets, and capital investments required to maintain the campus facilities. By directing financial planning, the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer ensures that resources remain available for student scholarships and international study programs. This role involves collaborating with the board to mitigate financial risk while pursuing growth opportunities in the competitive higher education market. Sasha Hudson monitors cash flow and debt management, providing the stability necessary for the university to fulfill its mission. Through strategic allocation of funds, the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer supports the physical and emotional development of the student body. Hudson maintains transparency in all fiscal reporting, upholding the integrity of the university.
    Sasha Hudson

    John Diffley - Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer

    John Diffley, the Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer at St. John's University, manages the operational logistics of the athletics department and campus facilities. Diffley oversees the maintenance of sports venues and ensures that all athletic programs comply with institutional and national standards. By coordinating the use of shared facilities, the Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer facilitates the physical development of students across both campuses. This leadership role involves managing budgets for athletic equipment and travel, ensuring that teams remain competitive within the Midwest region. John Diffley drives efficiency in event management, providing a high-quality experience for student-athletes and spectators alike. Through the optimization of operational workflows, the Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of the university. Diffley maintains a focus on safety and excellence in all athletic operations.

    Suzie Saint-Vil - President

    Suzie Saint-Vil, the President at St. John's University, defines the overarching vision and strategic direction for the institution. Saint-Vil oversees the implementation of the liberal arts mission, ensuring that the university remains a leader in Catholic higher education. By engaging with alumni, donors, and the broader community, the President secures the partnerships necessary for institutional growth. This leadership role involves guiding the faculty and staff toward achieving excellence in intellectual and spiritual development. Suzie Saint-Vil drives the expansion of international study opportunities, maintaining the university's status as a top-tier institution for global learning. Through the promotion of the unique partnership with the College of Saint Benedict, the President fosters a collaborative environment for all students. Saint-Vil manages the long-term sustainability of the university, ensuring that the institution continues to meet the needs of young men for generations to come.

    Patrick Romain - President of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

    Patrick Romain, the President of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at St. John's University, directs the spiritual outreach and community engagement programs for the student body. Romain oversees the development of faith-based initiatives that align with the Catholic liberal arts mission of the institution. By coordinating student groups and volunteer activities, the President of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship fosters an environment of emotional and spiritual growth. This leadership role involves collaborating with campus ministry to provide support services that address the holistic needs of students. Patrick Romain drives initiatives that encourage service and leadership, preparing students for active roles in their communities. Through the management of religious programming, the President of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship ensures that the university remains true to its foundational values. Romain facilitates dialogue and reflection, contributing to the overall development profile of the student population.
    Patrick Romain

    Amarra Lopez - President

    Amarra Lopez, the President at St. John's University, leads the institutional efforts to enhance academic reputation and student recruitment. Lopez oversees the development of new degree programs that respond to the evolving demands of the modern workforce. By fostering a culture of innovation, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of liberal arts education in the Midwest. This leadership role involves managing relationships with academic partners and government agencies to secure funding for research and campus improvements. Amarra Lopez drives the strategic planning process, focusing on the intellectual and physical development of the student body. Through the implementation of inclusive policies, the President supports the diverse needs of the campus community. Lopez maintains a commitment to the core mission of the university, ensuring that every decision reflects the values of the institution.

    Ji Lifei - President

    Ji Lifei, the President at St. John's University, manages the international outreach and global partnerships that define the university's reach. Lifei oversees the expansion of study abroad programs, ensuring that students have access to diverse cultural experiences. By directing the internationalization strategy, the President supports the university's goal of preparing students for a globalized world. This leadership role involves collaborating with international institutions to facilitate student exchanges and research collaborations. Ji Lifei drives the growth of the university's global footprint, enhancing its reputation as a top-rated institution for international study. Through the management of global initiatives, the President ensures that the university remains competitive in attracting students from around the world. Lifei maintains a focus on academic excellence, ensuring that all international programs align with the rigorous standards of the liberal arts curriculum.

    Mahnaz Ahmed - President

    Mahnaz Ahmed, the President at St. John's University, directs the institutional advancement and fundraising efforts required to support the university's mission. Ahmed oversees the development of donor relations and capital campaigns that fund new facilities and student scholarships. By managing the university's public image, the President ensures that the institution remains a top choice for prospective students. This leadership role involves working with the board to set long-term goals for institutional growth and financial stability. Mahnaz Ahmed drives the implementation of programs that emphasize leadership and personal development, ensuring that the university meets the needs of young men. Through the coordination of alumni networks, the President fosters a strong sense of community and support for the institution. Ahmed maintains a focus on the future, ensuring that the university continues to thrive as a premier liberal arts college.

    Anne Pacione - Chief Information Officer

    Anne Pacione, the Chief Information Officer at St. John's University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy across the institution. Pacione oversees the integration of advanced learning management systems and cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive academic data. By modernizing campus networks, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty engaged in rigorous liberal arts research. This leadership role involves aligning technical investments with the long-term educational goals of the university. Anne Pacione manages complex software deployments that support the unique partnership between campuses, facilitating shared academic resources. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency across the Midwest region. Pacione maintains high standards for data integrity, supporting the mission of providing a top-rated Catholic education. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer secures the digital environment necessary for academic success.

    Brian Baumer - Chief of Staff

    Brian Baumer, the Chief of Staff at St. John's University, coordinates executive communications and manages strategic initiatives for the senior leadership team. Baumer facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to ensure institutional objectives align with the core mission of the college. Overseeing the daily operations of the president's office, the Chief of Staff streamlines decision-making processes and optimizes administrative workflows. This role requires constant engagement with faculty and external stakeholders to advance the reputation of the institution. Brian Baumer monitors the execution of long-term development plans, ensuring that resources support the intellectual and spiritual growth of the student body. By managing high-level projects, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational focus during periods of academic expansion. Baumer provides critical support to the board, translating complex policy requirements into actionable tasks. Through diligent oversight, the Chief of Staff sustains the operational health of the university.

    Linda Shannon - Vice Provost and Chief of Staff

    Linda Shannon, the Vice Provost and Chief of Staff at St. John's University, manages academic policy and administrative alignment within the university structure. Shannon oversees the implementation of the undergraduate curriculum, ensuring that degree requirements meet the high standards expected of a top-rated liberal arts institution. By coordinating between the provost office and administrative departments, the Vice Provost and Chief of Staff facilitates the smooth operation of the academic calendar. This leadership role involves evaluating faculty performance and supporting the development of new programs that address the needs of young men. Linda Shannon drives initiatives that enhance the partnership with the College of Saint Benedict, fostering a cohesive learning environment. Through rigorous assessment of academic outcomes, the Vice Provost and Chief of Staff ensures that the institution maintains its competitive edge. Shannon supports the faculty in delivering a transformative educational experience.

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

    Who leads St. John's University?
    St. John's University is led by Sasha Hudson (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), along with executives such as John Diffley (Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer) and Suzie Saint-Vil (President).
    Who is part of St. John's University’s executive team?
    The executive team of St. John's University includes leaders such as Sasha Hudson (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), John Diffley (Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer), Suzie Saint-Vil (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does St. John's University have?
    St. John's University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in St. John's University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of St. John's University includes roles such as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer, President, President of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, President.