Leadership Overview
Virginia Commonwealth University has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, strategic operations, marketing, financial management, and academic leadership.
Committed to advancing knowledge through R1 research, Virginia Commonwealth University fosters an environment of academic excellence and innovation. The institution integrates comprehensive health systems with diverse degree programs to impact global research and patient care.
Committed to advancing knowledge through R1 research, Virginia Commonwealth University fosters an environment of academic excellence and innovation. The institution integrates comprehensive health systems with diverse degree programs to impact global research and patient care.
Leadership Roles at Virginia Commonwealth University
David Allen - Deputy Chief Financial Officer
David Allen, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Virginia Commonwealth University, manages the fiscal planning and budgetary oversight for the institution's diverse academic and research programs. Allen monitors financial performance across the eleven schools and three colleges, ensuring that resources are allocated to support R1 research activity. By driving cost-efficiency initiatives, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer optimizes the use of public and private funding. This role involves collaborating with the finance team to maintain the university's long-term financial health. David Allen oversees the preparation of financial reports that guide strategic decision-making for the administration. Through the implementation of rigorous fiscal controls, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer protects the institution's assets and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. Allen supports the university's mission by providing the financial stability necessary for academic growth and innovation. These efforts ensure that the university can continue to offer over 200 degree and certificate programs effectively.
Sky Evans - President of The Philosophy of Medicine Club At VCU
Sky Evans, the President of The Philosophy of Medicine Club At VCU at Virginia Commonwealth University, leads student-driven discourse on the ethical and conceptual foundations of medical practice. Evans organizes seminars and discussions that bridge the gap between philosophical inquiry and clinical application. By driving engagement among students interested in the intersection of humanities and health sciences, the President of The Philosophy of Medicine Club At VCU fosters a deeper understanding of patient care. This role involves coordinating with faculty advisors to host events that explore the complexities of modern medicine. Sky Evans manages the club's outreach efforts, encouraging participation from diverse academic disciplines across the university. Through the facilitation of critical dialogue, the President of The Philosophy of Medicine Club At VCU supports the university's mission of advancing knowledge. Evans ensures that the club provides a platform for students to examine the ethical challenges inherent in the health system. These efforts enrich the academic experience for the university community.
Harmoney Tillerson - President, VCU Blkinfashion
Harmoney Tillerson, the President, VCU Blkinfashion at Virginia Commonwealth University, leads the student organization dedicated to exploring the intersection of culture, identity, and the fashion industry. Tillerson coordinates events and workshops that provide students with opportunities to showcase creative work and professional development. By driving initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the arts, the President, VCU Blkinfashion fosters a vibrant community for students interested in fashion design and business. This role involves managing partnerships with local artists and industry professionals to provide real-world experience. Harmoney Tillerson oversees the planning of showcases that highlight the talent of the student body. Through the promotion of creative expression, the President, VCU Blkinfashion supports the university's commitment to diverse academic opportunities. Tillerson ensures that the organization remains a platform for innovation and collaboration. These efforts contribute to the cultural richness of the campus and provide students with valuable networking opportunities in the creative sector.
Carol McCoy - President
Carol McCoy, the President at Virginia Commonwealth University, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. McCoy oversees the university's eleven schools and three colleges, ensuring that all programs maintain the high standards expected of an R1 Doctoral University. By driving institutional growth and research activity, the President fosters an environment of innovation and academic excellence. This role involves collaborating with the Board of Visitors and senior leadership to set long-term goals for the university. Carol McCoy manages the integration of education, research, and patient care services to maximize the institution's impact on the community. Through the promotion of diverse academic opportunities, the President ensures that students receive a comprehensive education. McCoy represents the university in regional and national forums, advocating for the importance of public research institutions. These efforts secure the resources and partnerships necessary to maintain the university's status as a leader in higher education and clinical research.
Alexander Henson - Chief Information Officer
Alexander Henson, the Chief Information Officer at Virginia Commonwealth University, directs the digital infrastructure supporting R1 research activities. Henson manages enterprise-wide data systems, ensuring secure access for faculty and students across the Richmond campus. By architecting scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer optimizes academic workflows and administrative efficiency. This leadership role involves coordinating with various schools to integrate advanced computing resources into the curriculum. Alexander Henson drives the modernization of campus networks, facilitating seamless connectivity for the entire university community. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive research data and institutional assets. These efforts support the broader mission of maintaining high-level research activity while providing a reliable technological foundation for all educational programs. Ultimately, Henson ensures that digital tools remain aligned with the evolving needs of a premier public research institution.

Karen Helderman - Chief of Staff
Karen Helderman, the Chief of Staff at Virginia Commonwealth University, coordinates strategic initiatives across the eleven schools and three colleges. Helderman manages executive communications and facilitates alignment between the president and senior leadership teams. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff enhances operational efficiency within the university's complex organizational structure. This role involves overseeing high-priority projects that advance the institution's R1 research goals and community engagement efforts. Karen Helderman drives cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring that university policies support the diverse academic opportunities provided to students. Through careful planning and resource allocation, the Chief of Staff supports the integration of education and patient care services. Helderman maintains focus on long-term institutional objectives, fostering a cohesive environment that promotes academic excellence. By managing complex stakeholder relationships, the Chief of Staff secures the necessary support for ongoing research and development initiatives across the entire campus.
Barry Parham - Chief Technology Officer
Barry Parham, the Chief Technology Officer at Virginia Commonwealth University, architects the technical frameworks required for high-impact research and clinical applications. Parham oversees the development of specialized software solutions that support the university's health system and academic departments. By driving innovation in laboratory computing, the Chief Technology Officer enables researchers to process complex data sets with greater speed and accuracy. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty to implement cutting-edge tools that enhance the learning experience. Barry Parham manages the deployment of emerging technologies, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of scientific discovery. Through the optimization of technical resources, the Chief Technology Officer supports the university's commitment to very high research activity. Parham ensures that all technological investments directly contribute to the success of the institution's 200 degree and certificate programs. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer maintains the technical integrity of the university's research infrastructure.
Hannah Steighner - Director, Office of the Chief Information Officer
Hannah Steighner, the Director, Office of the Chief Information Officer at Virginia Commonwealth University, manages the daily operations and administrative functions of the IT leadership team. Steighner coordinates project timelines and resource distribution to ensure that information technology initiatives meet institutional deadlines. By facilitating communication between technical staff and academic departments, the Director, Office of the Chief Information Officer ensures that digital services remain responsive to user needs. This role involves monitoring performance metrics to improve the delivery of campus-wide technology support. Hannah Steighner drives the implementation of standardized procedures that enhance the reliability of university systems. Through the oversight of departmental budgets and staffing, the Director, Office of the Chief Information Officer supports the broader strategic goals of the IT division. Steighner ensures that all operational activities align with the university's mission of providing high-quality education and research support. These efforts maintain the stability of the digital environment for students and faculty.
Kunz Richard - Chief Marketing Officer, Sheltering Arms Institute
Kunz Richard, the Chief Marketing Officer, Sheltering Arms Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University, directs the brand strategy and public outreach for the university's integrated health care partnerships. Richard manages marketing campaigns that highlight the collaborative efforts between the university and the Sheltering Arms Institute. By driving awareness of specialized patient care services, the Chief Marketing Officer, Sheltering Arms Institute ensures that the community understands the value of these clinical offerings. This role involves coordinating with health system leaders to promote research-backed medical treatments. Kunz Richard oversees the development of communication materials that reflect the institution's commitment to excellence in patient care. Through strategic market positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer, Sheltering Arms Institute expands the reach of the university's health services. Richard ensures that all promotional activities align with the broader institutional brand. These efforts support the growth of the health system while reinforcing the university's reputation as a leader in medical education and clinical practice.
Samantha Brenner - Chief of Staff - VCU Women's Basketball
Samantha Brenner, the Chief of Staff - VCU Women's Basketball at Virginia Commonwealth University, coordinates the administrative and operational functions for the Division I athletic program. Brenner manages team logistics, scheduling, and compliance with Atlantic 10 Conference regulations. By driving organizational efficiency within the athletic department, the Chief of Staff - VCU Women's Basketball ensures that student-athletes receive the support necessary for success both on the court and in the classroom. This role involves facilitating communication between coaching staff, university administration, and external stakeholders. Samantha Brenner oversees the implementation of team policies that align with the university's values of excellence and integrity. Through the management of daily operations, the Chief of Staff - VCU Women's Basketball supports the competitive performance of the VCU Rams. Brenner ensures that all athletic activities contribute to the positive reputation of the university. These efforts foster a strong culture of discipline and achievement within the women's basketball program.
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