Stanford University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Stanford University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, information technology, and medical affairs.

Driven by a legacy of innovation, Stanford University is dedicated to advancing knowledge and addressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary research and education, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit within the dynamic Bay Area.

Leadership Roles at Stanford University

  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Kavitha Pendyala
  • Director, Venture Fund and Financial Analysis, Office of the Chief Financial Officer - Jiayan Zhao
  • The Financial Analyst & Business Affairs Chief Financial Officer & Vice President - Kristyn Dubie
  • Chief Financial Officer & Administrator - Tracy McClain
  • Founder & Chief Operating Officer & Volunteer - Anqi Ji
  • Chief of Staff - Amanda Leland
  • Associate Chief Information Officer - Craig Perkins
  • Assistant Chief Information Officer & Director, Support Services Residential & Dining Enterprises Information Technology - Hope Johnson
  • Deputy Manager, Information Technology Departmental Services (Itds) & Chief Information Officer, Office of - Nicholas Arias
  • Chief Medical Officer - Daniel Durand
  • Kavitha Pendyala - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Kavitha Pendyala, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Stanford University, supports the financial health and strategic resource allocation for the institution. Pendyala collaborates with the Chief Financial Officer to manage budgets, financial planning, and fiscal operations, ensuring alignment with Stanford's research and educational objectives. This involves analyzing financial data to identify opportunities for efficiency and growth, particularly in supporting interdisciplinary initiatives and the university's entrepreneurial ventures. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer plays a crucial part in maintaining the financial integrity that underpins Stanford's extensive academic programs and its role within the Bay Area's dynamic environment. Kavitha Pendyala contributes to robust financial oversight for Stanford University.

    Jiayan Zhao - Director, Venture Fund and Financial Analysis, Office of the Chief Financial Officer

    Jiayan Zhao, the Director, Venture Fund and Financial Analysis, Office of the Chief Financial Officer at Stanford University, manages financial strategies for the university's venture capital activities and conducts in-depth financial analysis. Zhao provides critical insights into investment opportunities, supporting Stanford's entrepreneurial character and its deep ties to Silicon Valley. This role involves rigorous evaluation of financial performance and market trends to optimize the venture fund's impact. Jiayan Zhao's expertise ensures that financial resources are allocated effectively to foster innovation across research and teaching, aligning with the university's broad areas of excellence. Zhao's work directly supports the financial sustainability of Stanford University's forward-thinking initiatives.

    Kristyn Dubie - The Financial Analyst & Business Affairs Chief Financial Officer & Vice President

    Kristyn Dubie, The Financial Analyst & Business Affairs Chief Financial Officer & Vice President at Stanford University, directs comprehensive financial analysis and oversees business affairs critical to the university's operations. Dubie ensures fiscal responsibility and strategic financial planning across all university functions, supporting its extensive research and educational missions. This leadership position involves managing budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation to foster Stanford's entrepreneurial spirit and its role in Silicon Valley. Kristyn Dubie's expertise is essential for maintaining the financial stability that enables Stanford University to excel in diverse fields, from the sciences to the humanities. Dubie's oversight is fundamental to the university's continued success.

    Tracy McClain - Chief Financial Officer & Administrator

    Tracy McClain, the Chief Financial Officer & Administrator at Stanford University, holds ultimate responsibility for the institution's financial health and administrative operations. McClain directs all fiscal activities, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource management, ensuring robust support for Stanford's world-class research and educational programs. This executive leadership role is pivotal in sustaining the university's entrepreneurial character and its strategic positioning within the dynamic Bay Area. Tracy McClain's oversight guarantees that financial strategies align with the university's mission to advance knowledge and address societal challenges across all disciplines. McClain's administration is foundational to Stanford University's global standing.

    Anqi Ji - Founder & Chief Operating Officer & Volunteer

    Anqi Ji, the Founder & Chief Operating Officer & Volunteer at Stanford University, spearheads operational execution and strategic development for initiatives originating from the university's entrepreneurial spirit. Ji oversees the day-to-day management of key projects, ensuring seamless integration of research, teaching, and community engagement. This leadership position involves driving operational efficiencies that support Stanford's diverse areas of excellence, from the humanities to engineering and the sciences. Anqi Ji's role as Founder also implies a deep commitment to nurturing new ventures and fostering the university's legacy of innovation, directly contributing to its impact within Silicon Valley and beyond. Ji's volunteer capacity further underscores a dedication to Stanford University's core mission.

    Amanda Leland - Chief of Staff

    Amanda Leland, the Chief of Staff at Stanford University, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across key university departments. Leland manages critical projects that enhance the university's entrepreneurial character and its connection to Silicon Valley's innovation ecosystem. This role involves coordinating efforts to ensure interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving are effectively implemented across research and teaching endeavors. Leland's oversight extends to facilitating communication between senior leadership and various academic and administrative units, driving forward the university's mission in the sciences, humanities, and engineering. Amanda Leland ensures that operational strategies directly support Stanford's position as a leading global research institution.

    Craig Perkins - Associate Chief Information Officer

    Craig Perkins, the Associate Chief Information Officer at Stanford University, directs critical aspects of the university's information technology infrastructure and services. Perkins collaborates with the Chief Information Officer to advance technological solutions that support Stanford's world-leading research and educational endeavors. This involves overseeing the implementation of systems that facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance the digital learning environment. The Associate Chief Information Officer ensures that IT operations are robust, secure, and scalable, directly supporting the university's mission across all academic and administrative functions. Craig Perkins's leadership is vital for maintaining Stanford University's technological edge in the competitive Bay Area landscape.

    Hope Johnson - Assistant Chief Information Officer & Director, Support Services Residential & Dining Enterprises Information Technology

    Hope Johnson, the Assistant Chief Information Officer & Director, Support Services Residential & Dining Enterprises Information Technology at Stanford University, leads the technological support for residential and dining operations. Johnson ensures that IT services within these critical enterprises are efficient, reliable, and aligned with the university's overall technology strategy. This involves managing infrastructure, applications, and user support to enhance the student experience and operational effectiveness. Hope Johnson's dual role highlights a commitment to both broad IT leadership and specialized support for essential campus services, contributing to the seamless functioning of Stanford University. Johnson's efforts directly impact the daily lives of students and staff within the Bay Area.

    Nicholas Arias - Deputy Manager, Information Technology Departmental Services (Itds) & Chief Information Officer, Office of

    Nicholas Arias, the Deputy Manager, Information Technology Departmental Services (Itds) & Chief Information Officer, Office of at Stanford University, leads critical IT services and departmental support functions. Arias ensures the effective delivery of technology solutions that empower research, teaching, and administrative operations across the university. This role involves strategic planning for IT infrastructure and services, fostering innovation and operational efficiency. Nicholas Arias's leadership is key to maintaining a robust technological environment that supports Stanford University's interdisciplinary approaches and its connection to the Silicon Valley innovation hub. Arias's efforts enhance the university's capacity to address complex challenges through advanced technology.
    Nicholas Arias

    Daniel Durand - Chief Medical Officer

    Daniel Durand, the Chief Medical Officer at Stanford University, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for the university's medical and health-related initiatives. Durand oversees clinical operations, patient care standards, and the integration of medical research with educational programs, ensuring the highest quality of healthcare delivery. This leadership role is crucial for advancing Stanford's contributions to medical science and public health, leveraging its position in the intellectually dynamic Bay Area. Daniel Durand's expertise guides the university's medical faculty and staff in addressing complex health challenges and fostering innovation in patient care and biomedical research. Durand's commitment is central to Stanford University's health mission.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Stanford University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Stanford University?
    Stanford University is led by Kavitha Pendyala (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Jiayan Zhao (Director, Venture Fund and Financial Analysis, Office of the Chief Financial Officer) and Kristyn Dubie (The Financial Analyst & Business Affairs Chief Financial Officer & Vice President).
    Who is part of Stanford University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Stanford University includes leaders such as Kavitha Pendyala (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Jiayan Zhao (Director, Venture Fund and Financial Analysis, Office of the Chief Financial Officer), Kristyn Dubie (The Financial Analyst & Business Affairs Chief Financial Officer & Vice President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Stanford University have?
    Stanford University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Stanford University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Stanford University includes roles such as Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Director, Venture Fund and Financial Analysis, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, The Financial Analyst & Business Affairs Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Administrator, Founder & Chief Operating Officer & Volunteer.