St. John's University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

St. John's University has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, finance, academic affairs, operations, and institutional leadership.

Driven by a commitment to holistic development, St. John's University fosters intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical growth, preparing students for impactful lives through a unique partnership with the College of Saint Benedict.

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 - Alexis Shover
  • President - Mahnaz Ahmed
  • President - Andre Lu
  • President - Anna Pierratos
  • Jazz Band President - Julianna Vincent
  • Chief Information Officer - Anne Pacione
  • Vice Provost and Chief of Staff - Linda Shannon
  • Associate VP, Campus Facilities & Services - Brian Baumer
  • Sasha Hudson - Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

    Sasha Hudson, the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at St. John's University, manages the institution's financial health and fiscal operations. Hudson oversees all financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and investment activities, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This critical role involves developing financial strategies that support the university's long-term objectives and its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education. The Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer also manages relationships with financial institutions and oversees the university's endowment and capital assets. Sasha Hudson's leadership ensures that financial resources are allocated effectively to support academic programs, student services, and campus development, aligning with the university's mission of holistic student growth. This position is integral to maintaining the operational integrity and financial stability of St. John's University, enabling continued investment in its educational endeavors and infrastructure.
    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, directs the operational and administrative functions of the university's athletics department. Diffley oversees the day-to-day management of athletic programs, ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations and university policies. This leadership position involves managing budgets, facilities, and staff to support student-athlete success both on and off the field. The Chief Operating Officer role extends to strategic planning for athletic initiatives, enhancing the overall student-athlete experience and contributing to the university's reputation. John Diffley's operational oversight is crucial for the efficient functioning of athletics, supporting the holistic development goals of St. John's University by fostering teamwork, discipline, and leadership among student-athletes. This role ensures the athletics department operates effectively and contributes positively to the university community.

    Alexis Shover - President

    Alexis Shover, the President at St. John's University, provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the institution. Shover is responsible for advancing the university's mission, fostering academic excellence, and ensuring the holistic development of students. This role involves overseeing all aspects of university operations, including academic affairs, student life, and external relations. The President works to enhance the university's standing as a top-rated Catholic liberal arts college and to strengthen its unique partnership with the College of Saint Benedict. Alexis Shover's leadership guides the institution in meeting the evolving needs of students and the broader educational landscape, emphasizing intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical growth. This position is central to driving innovation, promoting community engagement, and securing the future success of St. John's University.

    Mahnaz Ahmed - President

    Mahnaz Ahmed, the President at St. John's University, leads the institution with a focus on academic innovation and student success. Ahmed is dedicated to upholding the university's commitment to intellectual rigor and personal growth, ensuring that programs meet the aspirations of students. This leadership role involves strategic oversight of academic departments, faculty development, and the enhancement of campus resources. The President works to foster a vibrant learning environment that supports the comprehensive development of each student. Mahnaz Ahmed's vision guides St. John's University in its mission to provide a transformative educational experience, emphasizing leadership and a well-rounded profile that includes intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical development. This position is key to maintaining the university's reputation and advancing its educational objectives.

    Andre Lu - President

    Andre Lu, the President at St. John's University, drives the strategic vision and operational effectiveness of the institution. Lu is committed to advancing the university's core values, focusing on the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical development of its students. This leadership position involves overseeing university-wide initiatives, fostering collaboration among faculty and staff, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality educational programs. The President plays a crucial role in strengthening the university's academic offerings and its unique partnership with the College of Saint Benedict. Andre Lu's leadership aims to enhance the student experience and prepare graduates for impactful contributions to society. This role is fundamental to the continued growth and success of St. John's University as a leading liberal arts institution.

    Anna Pierratos - President

    Anna Pierratos, the President at St. John's University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the institution's academic and administrative endeavors. Pierratos is dedicated to advancing the university's mission of fostering leadership and comprehensive personal development in students. This role involves overseeing all facets of university operations, ensuring alignment with the institution's Catholic liberal arts tradition and its unique collaborative model with the College of Saint Benedict. The President champions initiatives that enhance student learning, faculty research, and community engagement. Anna Pierratos's leadership focuses on strengthening the university's educational programs and its commitment to the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical growth of every student, ensuring St. John's University remains a distinguished institution.

    Julianna Vincent - Jazz Band President

    Julianna Vincent, the Jazz Band President at St. John's University, leads the student organization dedicated to the performance and promotion of jazz music. Vincent coordinates the activities of the jazz band, including rehearsals, performances, and member engagement, fostering a vibrant musical community within the university. This leadership role involves managing the band's schedule, organizing events, and representing the group to university administration and the wider community. The Jazz Band President contributes to the extracurricular and cultural life of St. John's University, supporting student development through artistic expression and collaborative endeavors. Julianna Vincent's efforts enhance the student experience by providing opportunities for musical engagement and performance, aligning with the university's commitment to holistic student growth.

    Anne Pacione - Chief Information Officer

    Anne Pacione, the Chief Information Officer at St. John's University, directs the institution's technology strategy and infrastructure. Pacione oversees all aspects of information systems, ensuring robust and secure digital environments that support academic and administrative functions. This leadership role involves managing the implementation of new technologies and maintaining existing systems to enhance operational efficiency and user experience across the university. Pacione's focus includes cybersecurity initiatives, data management, and the integration of digital tools to support the university's mission of intellectual and personal development. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technological resources align with the strategic goals of St. John's University, facilitating seamless access to information and fostering innovation in educational delivery. Pacione's oversight extends to network infrastructure, software development, and IT support services, all critical for maintaining the university's competitive edge in higher education.

    Linda Shannon - Vice Provost and Chief of Staff

    Linda Shannon, the Vice Provost and Chief of Staff at St. John's University, provides strategic leadership and operational support to the university's academic and administrative functions. Shannon works closely with the President and other senior leaders to advance institutional priorities and ensure effective execution of university-wide initiatives. This role involves coordinating efforts across various departments, managing key projects, and facilitating communication between different university bodies. The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal part in enhancing institutional effectiveness and supporting the strategic vision of St. John's University. Linda Shannon's responsibilities include overseeing special projects, advising on policy development, and ensuring alignment with the university's mission of fostering intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical development. This position is essential for driving operational excellence and strategic progress within the university's unique educational framework.

    Brian Baumer - Associate VP, Campus Facilities & Services

    Brian Baumer, the Associate VP, Campus Facilities & Services at St. John's University, manages the infrastructure and operational services that support the campus environment. Baumer oversees the maintenance, development, and utilization of university facilities, ensuring a safe, functional, and conducive atmosphere for learning and living. This role involves strategic planning for campus improvements, managing construction projects, and ensuring the efficient operation of essential services. The Associate VP plays a key part in maintaining the physical campus, which is integral to the holistic development goals of St. John's University. Brian Baumer's responsibilities extend to environmental sustainability initiatives and the effective management of resources dedicated to campus upkeep and enhancement, supporting the university's mission and its unique partnership model.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    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 Alexis Shover (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), Alexis Shover (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, President.