St. Thomas University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to values-based education, St. Thomas University provides diverse academic programs and resources to foster student success and excellence in higher education.

Leadership Roles at St. Thomas University

  • Chief Financial Officer & Chief Administrative Officer - Diego Britto
  • Founder & President, The Transactional Law Society & Team - Bar Sadeh
  • President - Stephen Ryan
  • President & Vice Chancellor - Nauman Farooqi
  • President - David Armstrong
  • President - Franklyn Casale
  • President, Research Institute For Christian Culture - Andrea Bonazzi
  • Chief Information Officer - Steven Birmingham
  • Senior VP, Strategy & Chief of Staff - Craig Henderson
  • Team Captain - Steven Asencio
  • 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 all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and fiscal management, ensuring the university's financial stability and compliance with regulatory standards. This dual role also encompasses the oversight of administrative functions, including human resources, facilities management, and procurement, to support the university's operational efficiency. Diego Britto's strategic financial leadership is critical for allocating resources effectively to support academic programs, student services, and campus development. The Chief Financial Officer & Chief Administrative Officer ensures that financial strategies align with the university's mission of providing accessible, values-driven education and supporting student success through robust financial aid and scholarship programs.
    Diego Britto

    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 directs a key student organization focused on legal practice. Sadeh spearheads initiatives within the Transactional Law Society, cultivating practical legal skills and professional development opportunities for law students. This leadership role involves organizing events, workshops, and networking opportunities that connect students with legal professionals and enhance their understanding of transactional law. Bar Sadeh's entrepreneurial spirit drives the growth and impact of the society, contributing significantly to the specialized offerings within the university's law program. The Founder & President ensures that the society's activities align with the university's commitment to excellence in legal education and student career preparation.

    Stephen Ryan - President

    Stephen Ryan, the President at St. Thomas University, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the institution. Ryan guides the university's mission to deliver a values-driven education across its diverse academic programs, including law, business, theology, and health sciences. This executive role involves fostering academic excellence, promoting student success, and ensuring the university's financial health and operational efficiency. Stephen Ryan's vision shapes the university's growth and its commitment to serving a diverse student population, including undergraduates, graduates, and international students. The President champions initiatives that enhance campus life, support faculty development, and strengthen the university's community engagement and market impact.

    Nauman Farooqi - President & Vice Chancellor

    Nauman Farooqi, the President & Vice Chancellor at St. Thomas University, directs the comprehensive academic and administrative operations of the institution. Farooqi oversees the strategic vision and execution of educational programs, ensuring alignment with the university's Catholic, values-driven mission. This leadership position involves fostering an environment of academic rigor, promoting research, and enhancing student success across all levels of study. Nauman Farooqi's responsibilities extend to managing faculty relations, curriculum development, and institutional advancement, ensuring St. Thomas University remains at the forefront of higher education. The President & Vice Chancellor is dedicated to expanding the university's reach and impact, supporting diverse student populations through innovative learning opportunities and robust student support services.

    David Armstrong - President

    David Armstrong, the President at St. Thomas University, leads the institution with a focus on its Catholic mission and commitment to student success. Armstrong guides strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing academic quality, expanding program offerings in areas like law, business, and health sciences, and fostering a supportive campus environment. This executive role involves overseeing university operations, cultivating donor relations, and ensuring the financial sustainability of St. Thomas University. David Armstrong's leadership emphasizes the importance of a values-driven education, preparing students for meaningful careers and engaged citizenship. The President champions initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence for all students, including those pursuing online or dual enrollment options.

    Franklyn Casale - President

    Franklyn Casale, the President at St. Thomas University, provides strategic leadership and vision for the institution's academic and operational endeavors. Casale directs the university's commitment to delivering a values-driven education, fostering student success, and advancing its reputation in higher education. This leadership role involves overseeing all facets of university administration, including academic affairs, student services, and financial management, to ensure institutional growth and stability. Franklyn Casale's focus remains on enhancing the student experience and expanding the university's impact through innovative programs and community engagement. The President guides St. Thomas University in its mission to serve a diverse student body and prepare graduates for impactful careers.

    Andrea Bonazzi - President, Research Institute For Christian Culture

    Andrea Bonazzi, the President, Research Institute For Christian Culture at St. Thomas University, leads a specialized research entity dedicated to exploring Christian culture. Bonazzi directs research initiatives, academic programs, and scholarly activities that deepen understanding and engagement with Christian traditions and their societal impact. This leadership role involves fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, securing research funding, and disseminating scholarly findings to academic and public audiences. Andrea Bonazzi's work contributes to the university's broader mission by enriching its intellectual landscape and promoting thoughtful discourse on faith and culture. The President ensures the institute's research aligns with St. Thomas University's values-driven educational philosophy and supports academic excellence.

    Steven Birmingham - Chief Information Officer

    Steven Birmingham, the Chief Information Officer at St. Thomas University, directs all information technology operations and digital infrastructure. Birmingham oversees the development and implementation of technology strategies that support the university's academic and administrative goals, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and efficient data management. This leadership role involves managing the IT department, guiding technological advancements, and ensuring seamless integration of digital tools across all university functions, from student services to research initiatives. Birmingham's focus remains on enhancing the technological landscape to facilitate St. Thomas University's mission of providing a values-driven education and supporting student success through innovative digital solutions. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technology infrastructure scales effectively to meet the evolving needs of a diverse student body, including online and dual enrollment programs.

    Craig Henderson - Senior VP, Strategy & Chief of Staff

    Craig Henderson, the Senior VP, Strategy & Chief of Staff at St. Thomas University, drives strategic planning and operational alignment across the institution. Henderson works closely with the President and other senior leaders to translate the university's mission into actionable strategic initiatives, ensuring efficient execution and resource allocation. This executive role involves coordinating cross-departmental efforts, managing key projects, and serving as a central point of contact for strategic communications and organizational development. Craig Henderson's responsibilities include fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, directly supporting the university's commitment to academic excellence and student success. The Senior VP, Strategy & Chief of Staff also plays a crucial part in evaluating new opportunities and optimizing existing operations to enhance the overall impact and reach of St. Thomas University's programs in law, business, theology, and health sciences.

    Steven Asencio - Team Captain

    Steven Asencio, the Team Captain at St. Thomas University, leads athletic teams, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and dedication. Asencio guides student-athletes in their pursuit of athletic excellence while emphasizing the importance of academic achievement and personal development. This leadership position involves motivating team members, coordinating training regimens, and representing the university's athletic programs with integrity. Steven Asencio's role contributes to the vibrant campus life and overall student experience at St. Thomas University, reinforcing the institution's commitment to holistic student success. The Team Captain ensures that athletic endeavors align with the university's values-driven educational philosophy, promoting teamwork and resilience among student participants.

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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 Bar Sadeh (Founder & President, The Transactional Law Society & Team) 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), Bar Sadeh (Founder & President, The Transactional Law Society & Team), 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, Founder & President, The Transactional Law Society & Team, President, President & Vice Chancellor, President.