St. John's University Executive and Leadership Team

Sasha Hudson, the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at St. John's University, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the institution. Hudson manages the endowment, annual budgeting, and long-term investment planning to ensure the financial sustainability of the university. By overseeing treasury operations and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer protects the assets of the institution. Hudson collaborates with the board to align financial resources with the strategic priorities of the university. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize revenue streams and control operational costs. Sasha Hudson drives the implementation of financial policies that support academic growth and campus infrastructure improvements. Through rigorous fiscal oversight, the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer ensures that the university maintains a strong balance sheet. Hudson provides the financial stability necessary for the institution to continue its mission of providing a high-quality liberal arts education.

John Diffley, the Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer at St. John's University, manages the operational logistics and financial health of the athletics department. Diffley oversees facility maintenance and capital projects to ensure that student-athletes have access to top-tier training environments. By directing the administrative functions of the department, the Chief Operating Officer supports the competitive success of all athletic programs. Diffley coordinates with university leadership to align sports initiatives with the broader educational mission of the institution. This leadership role involves managing budgets and revenue streams to sustain the long-term viability of athletic operations. John Diffley implements policies that prioritize the physical and emotional development of student-athletes. Through strategic planning and resource allocation, the Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer enhances the overall profile of the university. Diffley drives initiatives that foster school spirit and community engagement, ensuring that the athletics program remains a cornerstone of the campus experience.

Amarra Lopez, the President at St. John's University, architects the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Lopez leads the executive team in advancing the mission of providing a transformative liberal arts education. By engaging with alumni, donors, and community partners, the President secures the resources necessary for institutional growth and development. Lopez oversees the implementation of long-term academic and operational goals that define the university's market position. This leadership role involves representing the institution on a national stage to promote the values of Catholic higher education. Amarra Lopez drives initiatives that foster an inclusive and intellectually stimulating campus environment. Through consistent focus on student success and faculty excellence, the President ensures that the university remains a leader in the Midwest. Lopez maintains a commitment to the holistic development of students, guiding the institution toward a future of continued academic and spiritual impact.

Francesco Inchiappa, the President at St. John's University, focuses on international partnerships and global academic expansion. Inchiappa directs the development of overseas study programs to ensure that students gain a global perspective during their education. By fostering relationships with international institutions, the President enhances the global footprint of the university. Inchiappa oversees the integration of international research initiatives into the core curriculum. This leadership role involves managing global outreach efforts to attract diverse talent and expand the reach of the university. Francesco Inchiappa drives the strategy for international student recruitment and support services. Through the expansion of global opportunities, the President ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of international education. Inchiappa maintains a focus on creating pathways for students to engage with diverse cultures, ultimately preparing graduates for success in an interconnected world. The President provides the leadership necessary to sustain the university's reputation for global academic excellence.

Ji Lifei, the President at St. John's University, concentrates on internal campus culture and student life initiatives. Lifei directs the development of programs that support the emotional and physical well-being of the student body. By overseeing student services and campus activities, the President ensures a vibrant and supportive living-learning environment. Lifei collaborates with student organizations to promote leadership development and community service. This leadership role involves managing the campus climate to foster a sense of belonging and spiritual growth. Ji Lifei drives initiatives that enhance the student experience, ensuring that the university remains a top-rated institution for personal development. Through the implementation of wellness programs and student support services, the President maintains a focus on the holistic needs of the campus community. Lifei provides the guidance necessary to sustain a culture of excellence, ensuring that every student has the resources to thrive during their time at the university.

Mahnaz Ahmed, the President at St. John's University, leads the institutional advancement and fundraising efforts to support the university's mission. Ahmed directs capital campaigns and donor relations to secure the financial future of the institution. By overseeing the development office, the President ensures that the university has the resources to fund scholarships and facility upgrades. Ahmed collaborates with the board to identify strategic opportunities for growth and expansion. This leadership role involves building strong relationships with stakeholders to advance the reputation of the university. Mahnaz Ahmed drives initiatives that promote the value of a liberal arts education to prospective donors and the broader public. Through the successful management of fundraising efforts, the President ensures that the university remains accessible and competitive. Ahmed provides the leadership necessary to sustain the long-term financial health of the institution, ensuring that the mission of the university continues for future generations.

Matthew Kane, the President of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honors Society at St. John's University, directs the promotion of leadership and academic excellence among the student body. Kane oversees the selection process and programming for the honors society to ensure that high-achieving students receive recognition and development opportunities. By facilitating workshops and networking events, the President of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honors Society fosters a culture of service and integrity. Kane collaborates with faculty advisors to align society activities with the broader leadership mission of the university. This leadership role involves mentoring students to prepare them for future professional success. Matthew Kane drives initiatives that highlight the achievements of students in various fields, from athletics to academics. Through the management of the honors society, the President of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honors Society enhances the academic profile of the university, ensuring that student leaders have the support to excel.

Anne Pacione, the Chief Information Officer at St. John's University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy across the institution. Pacione manages the integration of advanced learning management systems to support the academic mission of the university. By overseeing cybersecurity protocols and data governance, the Chief Information Officer ensures the protection of sensitive institutional information. Pacione collaborates with academic departments to implement innovative software solutions that enhance the student experience. This leadership role involves modernizing campus networks to facilitate seamless connectivity for faculty and students. Through the deployment of scalable cloud services, Anne Pacione optimizes operational efficiency across all departments. The Chief Information Officer maintains a focus on digital transformation to keep the university competitive within the higher education landscape. Pacione drives the adoption of emerging technologies that support research initiatives and administrative workflows, ultimately securing the technological foundation required for long-term institutional success.

Brian Baumer, the Chief of Staff at St. John's University, coordinates executive communications and manages strategic initiatives for the office of the president. Baumer facilitates alignment between senior leadership and various campus stakeholders to ensure the execution of institutional goals. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff improves organizational agility and decision-making speed. Baumer monitors the progress of key projects that impact the university's long-term development and community engagement efforts. This leadership role requires constant interaction with the board and external partners to advance the reputation of the institution. Brian Baumer oversees the implementation of policies that promote a cohesive campus culture. Through rigorous project management and cross-departmental coordination, the Chief of Staff ensures that resources align with the core mission of the university. Baumer maintains a focus on operational excellence, providing the necessary support to sustain the high standards of this historic liberal arts college.

Linda Shannon, the Vice Provost and Chief of Staff at St. John's University, manages academic affairs and coordinates strategic planning for the provost office. Shannon oversees faculty development programs and curriculum implementation to ensure academic rigor across all disciplines. By facilitating communication between academic departments and executive leadership, the Vice Provost and Chief of Staff ensures the successful execution of educational goals. Shannon monitors the progress of accreditation efforts and academic policy updates. This leadership role involves managing the allocation of academic resources to support student learning outcomes. Linda Shannon drives initiatives that promote interdisciplinary collaboration and research excellence. Through careful oversight of academic operations, the Vice Provost and Chief of Staff maintains the high standards of the liberal arts curriculum. Shannon ensures that the university remains responsive to the evolving needs of students, providing the necessary guidance to sustain academic growth and institutional quality.