Virginia Tech Executive and Leadership Team

James Franklin, the Chief Executive Officer at Virginia Tech, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term institutional growth. Franklin manages high-level partnerships with industry leaders to expand research capabilities and academic reach. By aligning university resources with global technological demands, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that Virginia Tech maintains a competitive edge in engineering and science. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine institutional priorities and secure sustainable funding models. James Franklin drives the implementation of interdisciplinary programs that bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes operational efficiency across the entire campus. Franklin secures the university's reputation as a premier research institution by championing initiatives that promote academic excellence and community impact. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer shapes the future trajectory of the university through decisive action and visionary planning.

Dwight Shelton, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Virginia Tech, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the university. Shelton manages the allocation of multi-million dollar budgets to support research, infrastructure, and academic programs. By overseeing financial reporting and compliance, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term stability of the institution. Dwight Shelton develops innovative funding models that leverage public and private partnerships to fuel growth in engineering and science. This leadership role involves providing the Board with accurate financial insights to guide strategic decision-making. Through rigorous oversight of procurement and investment activities, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes the use of university resources. Shelton drives the implementation of cost-saving measures that enhance operational efficiency without compromising academic quality. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation required for the university to pursue its mission of excellence and innovation in a competitive global market.

Hannah Howard, the Chief Operating Officer at Virginia Tech, manages the complex infrastructure and logistical frameworks that support world-class research and education. Howard oversees the daily operations of campus facilities, ensuring that laboratories and academic spaces meet the rigorous standards required for scientific innovation. By optimizing resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer improves the efficiency of university services and administrative support systems. Hannah Howard directs large-scale initiatives aimed at modernizing campus technology and physical assets to accommodate growing student populations. This leadership role involves coordinating with various departments to ensure that operational workflows support the university's commitment to hands-on learning. Through strategic planning, the Chief Operating Officer mitigates risks and enhances the resilience of institutional operations. Howard drives the implementation of sustainable practices across all facilities. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational excellence necessary for the university to thrive as a leading public research institution.

Chase Wingfield, the President at Virginia Tech, leads the university's efforts to expand its influence in the regional and national education landscape. Wingfield focuses on cultivating relationships with alumni and industry partners to increase support for research and student development. By championing the university's core values, the President ensures that academic programs remain aligned with the evolving needs of the workforce. Chase Wingfield oversees the strategic direction of specific campus initiatives that promote interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement. This role involves representing the university in high-level discussions regarding the future of public research institutions. Through proactive leadership, the President drives the growth of programs that emphasize hands-on learning and practical skill acquisition. Wingfield manages the implementation of policies that foster an inclusive and vibrant campus environment. Ultimately, the President secures the university's reputation as a hub for innovation and academic achievement through dedicated advocacy and strategic oversight.

Morgan Bradley, the Co-President at Virginia Tech, shares the responsibility of guiding the university's strategic initiatives and operational priorities. Bradley focuses on enhancing the student experience by integrating technology into campus life and academic support services. By collaborating with other leaders, the Co-President ensures that the university's mission of academic excellence remains central to all decision-making processes. Morgan Bradley manages specific projects that aim to increase the university's research output in the fields of agriculture and business. This role involves fostering partnerships with external organizations to create new opportunities for student internships and collaborative research. Through careful coordination, the Co-President drives the success of initiatives that promote interdisciplinary learning. Bradley oversees the development of programs that prepare students for the challenges of a modern, technology-driven economy. Ultimately, the Co-President contributes to the university's growth by providing balanced leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement in all academic and operational areas.

Ben Bring, the President at Virginia Tech, directs the expansion of the university's research footprint in the technology and engineering sectors. Bring focuses on securing grants and partnerships that support cutting-edge scientific discovery and innovation. By overseeing the development of new research facilities, the President ensures that faculty and students have access to world-class resources. Ben Bring manages the strategic alignment of academic departments to foster a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration. This role involves engaging with stakeholders to promote the university's impact on the regional economy. Through visionary leadership, the President drives the implementation of programs that emphasize practical application and hands-on learning. Bring monitors the progress of key research initiatives to ensure they meet the university's high standards for academic excellence. Ultimately, the President secures the university's position as a leader in scientific research by championing projects that address complex global challenges and drive technological advancement.

David Williams, the President, Highty-Tighty Alumni Inc. at Virginia Tech, manages the engagement and support of the university's historic alumni network. Williams coordinates efforts to preserve the traditions and values of the institution while fostering a strong connection between past graduates and current students. By organizing events and fundraising campaigns, the President, Highty-Tighty Alumni Inc. ensures that the alumni community remains an active participant in the university's growth. David Williams oversees the communication strategies that keep alumni informed about the latest research and academic developments. This role involves building bridges between the alumni network and the university's leadership to support long-term institutional goals. Through dedicated outreach, the President, Highty-Tighty Alumni Inc. drives the participation of graduates in mentorship and career development programs. Williams maintains the legacy of the university by ensuring that alumni contributions continue to support student success. Ultimately, the President, Highty-Tighty Alumni Inc. strengthens the university's community and secures its future through enduring alumni relationships.

Aden Zahalsky, the President at Virginia Tech, leads the university's efforts to enhance its global reputation through excellence in business and science education. Zahalsky focuses on developing strategic partnerships that provide students with unique opportunities for hands-on learning and professional growth. By overseeing the implementation of innovative academic programs, the President ensures that the university remains responsive to the needs of the global market. Aden Zahalsky manages the coordination of interdisciplinary research projects that address critical issues in agriculture and technology. This role involves representing the university in international forums to promote its research capabilities and academic achievements. Through proactive engagement, the President drives the growth of initiatives that foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Zahalsky monitors the performance of academic departments to ensure they maintain the highest standards of quality. Ultimately, the President secures the university's status as a premier institution by championing excellence in all facets of research and education.

Monika Gibson, the Chief of Staff at Virginia Tech, coordinates executive communications and facilitates seamless collaboration between administrative departments. Gibson manages the flow of critical information to the leadership team, ensuring that strategic objectives remain the primary focus of daily operations. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the responsiveness of the university to emerging academic and research challenges. Monika Gibson oversees the execution of high-priority projects that require cross-functional cooperation across the campus. This role involves managing complex schedules and stakeholder relationships to maintain institutional momentum. Through careful analysis of organizational needs, the Chief of Staff supports the development of policies that improve campus culture and operational transparency. Gibson drives the alignment of departmental goals with the broader mission of the university. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff provides the necessary structure to ensure that leadership decisions translate into tangible improvements in research and student outcomes.

Carlos Evia, the Strategic Initiatives Associate Dean & Chief Technology Officer, Clahs at Virginia Tech, architects the digital transformation of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Evia integrates advanced technological tools into the curriculum to enhance interdisciplinary research and student engagement. By identifying emerging trends in digital humanities and social sciences, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the college remains at the forefront of academic innovation. Carlos Evia manages the deployment of scalable technology infrastructure that supports complex data analysis and collaborative projects. This role involves bridging the gap between technical requirements and pedagogical goals to foster a culture of digital literacy. Through strategic partnerships, the Chief Technology Officer expands the reach of the college's research initiatives. Evia drives the adoption of new platforms that streamline administrative and academic workflows. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer secures the college's position as a leader in the intersection of technology and human-centered research.