St. Thomas University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

St. Thomas University has 10 executives leading key functions including technology, finance, strategy, research, and administration.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, St. Thomas University provides a values-driven education across law, business, theology, and health sciences, fostering student success through comprehensive resources and diverse programs.

Leadership Roles at St. Thomas University

  • Chief Financial Officer & Chief Administrative Officer - Diego Britto
  • President, Research Institute For Christian Culture - Andrea Bonazzi
  • President - Stephen Ryan
  • President - Franklyn Casale
  • President - David Armstrong
  • President - Tayshawn Peppers
  • Founder & President, The Transactional Law Society & Team - Bar Sadeh
  • Organization President - Rachel Bisnett
  • Chief Information Officer - Steven Birmingham
  • Senior VP, Strategy & Chief of Staff - Craig Henderson
  • Diego Britto - Chief Financial Officer & Chief Administrative Officer

    Diego Britto, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Administrative Officer at St. Thomas University, manages the institution's financial health and administrative operations. Britto oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring fiscal responsibility across all departments, including law, business, and health sciences. This dual role involves optimizing administrative processes to enhance efficiency and support the university's strategic objectives. By directing financial strategies, Diego Britto ensures the availability of financial aid and scholarships, directly supporting the university's commitment to student success and accessibility. The Chief Financial Officer & Chief Administrative Officer also guides the operational framework, ensuring that campus life activities and athletic programs are supported by sound financial and administrative management. Britto's leadership ensures the university's long-term sustainability and its capacity to deliver a values-driven education to a diverse student body.
    Diego Britto

    Andrea Bonazzi - President, Research Institute For Christian Culture

    Andrea Bonazzi, the President, Research Institute For Christian Culture at St. Thomas University, leads scholarly endeavors focused on Christian culture. Bonazzi directs research initiatives and fosters academic discourse within this specialized institute, contributing to the university's broader commitment to a values-driven education. This leadership position involves cultivating an environment conducive to intellectual exploration and the dissemination of knowledge related to Christian traditions and their impact. By guiding the Research Institute For Christian Culture, Andrea Bonazzi supports the development of unique academic programs and resources that enrich the university's offerings in theology and related fields. The President's focus on research excellence enhances STU's reputation and provides students with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge scholarship. Bonazzi's work directly supports the university's mission to integrate faith and reason across its diverse academic disciplines.

    Stephen Ryan - President

    Stephen Ryan, the President at St. Thomas University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Ryan guides the university's mission to deliver a values-driven education across its diverse programs, including law, business, theology, and health sciences. This role involves overseeing all major university functions, fostering academic excellence, and ensuring student success through comprehensive support systems and engaging campus life. By championing the university's Catholic identity, Stephen Ryan promotes an environment that integrates faith and reason, preparing students for meaningful careers and lives of service. The President works to enhance STU's standing within the higher education landscape, securing resources and forging partnerships that support institutional growth and innovation. Ryan's leadership is central to maintaining the university's commitment to accessibility and providing financial aid to its diverse student body.

    Franklyn Casale - President

    Franklyn Casale, the President at St. Thomas University, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution of the institution. Casale is dedicated to advancing STU's commitment to a values-driven education, ensuring that programs in law, business, theology, and health sciences meet high standards of academic rigor and relevance. This leadership position involves fostering a culture of innovation and student-centered learning, supported by robust academic resources and vibrant campus life. By overseeing the university's growth and development, Franklyn Casale ensures that STU remains a leading institution for undergraduate, graduate, and international students. The President's focus on student success includes advocating for financial aid and scholarships to make education accessible. Casale's tenure emphasizes strengthening the university's community engagement and its impact within the South Florida region and beyond.

    David Armstrong - President

    David Armstrong, the President at St. Thomas University, leads the institution with a focus on its Catholic mission and academic advancement. Armstrong guides the university in providing a values-driven education, emphasizing programs in law, business, theology, and health sciences to prepare students for impactful careers. This executive role involves fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes student success through academic resources, campus activities, and athletic programs. By championing the university's commitment to excellence, David Armstrong works to enhance STU's reputation and expand its reach to a diverse student population, including online and dual enrollment options. The President is instrumental in securing funding and developing strategic partnerships that bolster the university's capacity to serve its students and community. Armstrong's leadership ensures the continued growth and vitality of St. Thomas University.

    Tayshawn Peppers - President

    Tayshawn Peppers, the President at St. Thomas University, spearheads the university's strategic direction and operational management. Peppers is committed to upholding STU's values-driven educational philosophy, overseeing programs across law, business, theology, and health sciences to ensure academic quality and student development. This leadership role focuses on enhancing the student experience through comprehensive support services, diverse campus life, and competitive athletic programs. By driving initiatives that promote student success, Tayshawn Peppers ensures that STU continues to attract and support a wide range of students, including undergraduates, graduates, and international learners. The President's efforts include advocating for financial aid and scholarships, making higher education more accessible. Peppers' vision aims to strengthen the university's community ties and its contribution to the educational landscape.

    Bar Sadeh - Founder & President, The Transactional Law Society & Team

    Bar Sadeh, the Founder & President, The Transactional Law Society & Team at St. Thomas University, establishes and leads a key student organization focused on transactional law. Sadeh drives the society's activities, providing students with practical experience and networking opportunities within the legal field, particularly in areas relevant to business and law programs. This leadership role involves organizing events, workshops, and team projects that enhance members' understanding of transactional legal practices. By founding and directing The Transactional Law Society, Bar Sadeh contributes to the university's mission of offering specialized, career-focused education. The President's initiative supports student development and prepares them for successful careers in law. Sadeh's work fosters a collaborative environment for aspiring legal professionals within the STU community.

    Rachel Bisnett - Organization President

    Rachel Bisnett, the Organization President at St. Thomas University, leads a significant student-governed entity within the university structure. Bisnett directs the operations and strategic initiatives of the organization, ensuring alignment with the broader goals of STU and its commitment to student development. This role involves managing resources, coordinating activities, and representing the organization's interests to university administration and the student body. By overseeing various organizational functions, Rachel Bisnett fosters leadership skills and provides valuable experience in management and governance. The Organization President plays a crucial part in enhancing campus life and supporting student success through organized initiatives and advocacy. Bisnett's leadership contributes to a dynamic and engaging university environment for all students.

    Steven Birmingham - Chief Information Officer

    Steven Birmingham, the Chief Information Officer at St. Thomas University, directs the institution's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Birmingham oversees all information systems, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and efficient data management to support academic and administrative functions. This leadership role involves implementing innovative technological solutions that enhance the student learning experience and streamline university operations across various programs, including law, business, and health sciences. By managing the university's digital footprint, Steven Birmingham ensures seamless access to online learning platforms and critical student resources, directly contributing to the university's mission of providing accessible, values-driven education. The Chief Information Officer's purview extends to evaluating and adopting new technologies that align with STU's strategic goals for growth and operational excellence in the competitive higher education landscape.

    Craig Henderson - Senior VP, Strategy & Chief of Staff

    Craig Henderson, the Senior VP, Strategy & Chief of Staff at St. Thomas University, drives institutional strategy and operational alignment. Henderson works closely with university leadership to develop and execute strategic initiatives that advance STU's mission of providing a values-driven education. This role involves coordinating efforts across departments, including law, business, and health sciences, to ensure cohesive progress towards institutional goals. By serving as Chief of Staff, Craig Henderson facilitates communication and collaboration among executive teams and provides critical support to the President. The Senior VP, Strategy & Chief of Staff also analyzes market trends and institutional performance to identify opportunities for growth and improvement, ensuring the university remains competitive and responsive to the needs of its diverse student population. Henderson's strategic oversight is crucial for enhancing student success and expanding the university's reach.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding St. Thomas University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads St. Thomas University?
    St. Thomas University is led by Diego Britto (Chief Financial Officer & Chief Administrative Officer), along with executives such as Andrea Bonazzi (President, Research Institute For Christian Culture) and Stephen Ryan (President).
    Who is part of St. Thomas University’s executive team?
    The executive team of St. Thomas University includes leaders such as Diego Britto (Chief Financial Officer & Chief Administrative Officer), Andrea Bonazzi (President, Research Institute For Christian Culture), Stephen Ryan (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does St. Thomas University have?
    St. Thomas University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in St. Thomas University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of St. Thomas University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer & Chief Administrative Officer, President, Research Institute For Christian Culture, President, President, President.