Jon Ahola was hired as Northern Arizona men's basketball's Chief of Staff in August 2025.
 
Ahola serves the coaching staff in managing a wide range of responsibilities including leadership, name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities, transfer portal management, recruit, family and alumni player relationships, professional player programs and program fundraising.
 
Ahola brings a distinguished background in business leadership to the NAU Basketball program. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Global Research and Development for the Stryker Trauma & Extremities Division. During this time, Ahola and his team oversaw the successful integration of Wright Medical, the largest acquisition in the company's history. His team also launched over 40 new products, streamlined R&D processes, cut new product time to market and reduced overall R&D spend. Ahola has been very successful throughout his career at building large global and engaged teams, leading to multiple R&D awards and recognition.
 
In addition to his leadership roles at Stryker, Ahola served as the Executive Sponsor of Stryker's Emerging Professionals employee resource group, chaired Michigan Tech's Engineering Advisory Board, and completed multiple leadership development programs offered by Harvard University and Stryker. He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.
 
Ahola resides in Flagstaff with his wife, Rebecca.