Virginia Commonwealth University Executive and Leadership Team

Laura Kottkamp, the Chief Executive Officer, The Vcu Foundations The Business Foundation, The Engineering Foundation & Vcu Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University, directs the financial growth and philanthropic strategy for the institution. Overseeing the management of endowment assets and donor relations, Kottkamp ensures the long-term sustainability of academic and research initiatives. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to align foundation activities with the broader mission of the university. By optimizing investment portfolios and fundraising efforts, the Chief Executive Officer supports the expansion of engineering and business programs. Laura Kottkamp maintains rigorous standards for fiscal transparency and operational efficiency across all foundation entities. Through these efforts, the Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary resources to advance the university's status as an R1 Doctoral institution, ultimately strengthening the academic infrastructure for students and faculty alike.

Sky Evans, the President of The Philosophy of Medicine Club At VCU at Virginia Commonwealth University, leads student-driven discourse on the ethical and philosophical dimensions of healthcare. Overseeing the organization of seminars and guest lectures, Evans fosters an environment of critical thinking among students interested in the intersection of medicine and humanities. This role involves coordinating with faculty advisors to ensure that club activities align with the university's academic mission. By facilitating interdisciplinary discussions, the President of The Philosophy of Medicine Club At VCU encourages students to explore the complexities of patient care and medical research. Sky Evans manages the club's outreach efforts to increase student participation and engagement. Through the promotion of intellectual inquiry, the President of The Philosophy of Medicine Club At VCU contributes to the vibrant academic culture of the university. Evans maintains a focus on fostering meaningful dialogue, preparing students for future roles in the medical field.

Jhanak Mittal, the President, PennyAppeal at Virginia Commonwealth University, leads the strategic direction and charitable initiatives of the organization. Overseeing the development of fundraising campaigns and community outreach programs, Mittal ensures that the organization effectively addresses social needs. This role involves managing partnerships with local and regional stakeholders to maximize the impact of charitable efforts. By driving the mission of the organization, the President, PennyAppeal supports the university's commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. Jhanak Mittal coordinates the efforts of volunteers and staff to achieve organizational goals. Through the implementation of effective management practices, the President, PennyAppeal enhances the sustainability of the organization's programs. Mittal maintains a focus on transparency and accountability, ensuring that all activities align with the values of the university. Through these efforts, the President, PennyAppeal contributes to the positive social impact of the institution within the broader community.

Karen Helderman, the Chief of Staff at Virginia Commonwealth University, manages the daily operations and strategic priorities of the executive office. Coordinating cross-departmental initiatives, Helderman ensures that administrative workflows align with the university's research and educational goals. This role involves facilitating communication between the leadership team and various academic units to maintain institutional focus. By streamlining decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff enhances organizational agility across the Richmond campus. Karen Helderman monitors the execution of key projects, ensuring that all departments meet performance benchmarks. Through proactive management of internal affairs, the Chief of Staff supports the university's commitment to high-level research activity. Helderman provides critical oversight for administrative functions, allowing the institution to maintain its competitive edge within the Atlantic 10 Conference and the broader academic landscape.

Barry Parham, the Chief Technology Officer at Virginia Commonwealth University, architects the digital infrastructure required to support advanced research and academic excellence. Overseeing the implementation of high-performance computing systems, Parham ensures that the university maintains its status as an R1 Doctoral institution. This leadership role involves managing the integration of complex data networks across the health system and academic departments. By driving technological innovation, the Chief Technology Officer enables seamless collaboration between researchers and students. Barry Parham evaluates emerging technologies to enhance the university's digital capabilities and security posture. Through the deployment of scalable solutions, the Chief Technology Officer supports the institution's mission to advance knowledge across multiple disciplines. Parham maintains a focus on operational reliability, ensuring that all technological assets remain aligned with the long-term strategic objectives of the university.

Susan Evans, the Chief Information Officer at Virginia Commonwealth University, governs the information systems and data management strategies that underpin the university's operations. Overseeing the security and accessibility of institutional data, Evans ensures compliance with research standards and patient care requirements. This role involves directing the digital transformation of administrative processes to improve efficiency across the 11 schools and three colleges. By optimizing information flow, the Chief Information Officer supports the university's commitment to academic and clinical excellence. Susan Evans collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align information technology investments with the broader institutional mission. Through the implementation of robust data governance frameworks, the Chief Information Officer protects the integrity of the university's research output. Evans maintains a focus on user experience, ensuring that students and faculty have reliable access to essential digital resources.

William Nelson, the Chief of Staff & Senior Vice Provost at Virginia Commonwealth University, integrates administrative oversight with academic policy development. Managing the intersection of faculty affairs and institutional strategy, Nelson ensures that academic programs remain consistent with the university's research goals. This role involves coordinating with the Provost to enhance the quality of the 200 degree and certificate programs offered. By facilitating communication between the administration and academic leadership, the Chief of Staff & Senior Vice Provost drives the implementation of educational initiatives. William Nelson monitors the progress of faculty development and student success metrics to maintain high academic standards. Through the alignment of administrative resources with pedagogical needs, the Chief of Staff & Senior Vice Provost supports the university's mission. Nelson provides essential guidance on policy matters, ensuring that the institution continues to thrive as a premier research university.

Ishneila Moore, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Virginia Commonwealth University, assists in the management of executive operations and the execution of institutional priorities. Supporting the Chief of Staff, Moore coordinates internal communications and project tracking to ensure organizational alignment. This role involves managing the flow of information between the executive office and various university departments. By facilitating efficient administrative processes, the Deputy Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on strategic growth and research advancement. Ishneila Moore monitors the status of key initiatives, ensuring that all projects remain on schedule and within scope. Through the effective management of daily operations, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the university's mission to provide diverse academic opportunities. Moore maintains a focus on operational excellence, contributing to the overall stability and success of the institution's administrative functions.

Hannah Steighner, the Director, Office of the Chief Information Officer at Virginia Commonwealth University, manages the operational activities and administrative functions of the IT department. Overseeing the coordination of technology projects, Steighner ensures that the office supports the broader digital strategy of the university. This role involves managing staff workflows and resource allocation to meet the demands of the academic and health systems. By streamlining communication within the IT division, the Director, Office of the Chief Information Officer enhances the efficiency of service delivery. Hannah Steighner monitors project timelines and budget adherence to ensure that technological goals align with institutional priorities. Through the effective management of the office, the Director, Office of the Chief Information Officer supports the university's commitment to innovation. Steighner provides essential operational support, ensuring that the IT department remains responsive to the needs of students, faculty, and staff.

Kunz Richard, the Chief Marketing Officer, Sheltering Arms Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University, directs the brand strategy and public outreach for the health system's specialized care services. Overseeing the promotion of patient care initiatives, Richard ensures that the institute's reputation for excellence remains strong within the regional healthcare market. This role involves developing marketing campaigns that highlight the integration of research and clinical practice. By driving engagement with patients and the community, the Chief Marketing Officer, Sheltering Arms Institute supports the growth of the university's health system. Kunz Richard manages the communication of clinical outcomes and service offerings to maintain a competitive position. Through the strategic use of digital and traditional media, the Chief Marketing Officer, Sheltering Arms Institute enhances the visibility of the institute's specialized medical programs. Richard maintains a focus on brand consistency, ensuring that all messaging reflects the university's commitment to patient-centered care.