Mantella's background includes broad strategic experience comprised from over 30 years in higher education administration, serving as an officer at many public and private universities throughout New York, New Jersey, Michigan, and Massachusetts.
As Senior Vice President and CEO for the Lifelong Learning Network at Northeastern University in Boston,[8] Mantella was responsible for leading the strategic planning, global market expansion, marketing, new business development, digital platforms, learner experience, and academic programs for serving 18,000 adult learners worldwide. In addition, she led and stewarded the development of Northeastern's global campuses as platforms for all university activity. She also oversaw broad portfolio, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels of enrollment management and student affairs programs in support of the institution's strong student-centered mission and rising position in the market.
Mantella was approved to be the next president of Grand Valley State University in January 2019 by resolution. Mantella was appointed for a term of five years and will receive the usual and customary benefits associated with the office. Her salary will be $480,000 for the upcoming year. Her predecessor Thomas Haas' salary was $435,660 with an annual deferred annuity of $66,438.[1]
Personal life
Mantella is married to attorney Robert Avery.[1] They have three grown children and four grandchildren.[4] Mantella and her husband moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan in the Spring of 2019 accompanied by her mother.
