Adelphi University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Adelphi University has 9 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial management, communications, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and research, Adelphi University fosters a transformative environment for students through rigorous liberal arts and sciences programs while maintaining a strong focus on professional training and community impact.

Leadership Roles at Adelphi University

  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Michael Rhattigan
  • President - Janice Kim
  • President - Dennis Cowan
  • President - Elizabeth Nemirovsky
  • Interim President - Christopher Storm
  • President, Office of The Front Office & Receptionist - Jason Lukito
  • Secretary for the President's Office - Gabrielle Stafford
  • Chief Information Officer - Fred Hicks
  • Chief Communications Officer - Bobbie Dell'Aquilo
  • Michael Rhattigan - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Rhattigan, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Adelphi University, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic strategy of the institution. Overseeing budget allocation, endowment growth, and operational expenditures, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources align with the university's commitment to liberal arts and sciences. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board of Trustees to maintain transparency and fiscal responsibility across all campus initiatives. By analyzing market trends and revenue streams, Michael Rhattigan directly impacts the university's ability to fund research and professional training programs. Furthermore, Rhattigan monitors institutional spending to maximize efficiency and support sustainable growth. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer secures the capital necessary for infrastructure development and academic expansion, ensuring that the university remains a stable and thriving center for higher education.

    Janice Kim - President

    Janice Kim, the President at Adelphi University, directs the overarching academic vision and strategic growth of the institution. Overseeing faculty development and curriculum innovation, the President ensures that the university maintains its status as a leading doctoral research center. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with industry leaders to enhance professional training opportunities for students. By championing the liberal arts and sciences, Janice Kim directly impacts the intellectual culture of the campus. Furthermore, Kim collaborates with the Board of Trustees to define long-term goals that support institutional sustainability and academic prestige. Through the promotion of research initiatives and community outreach, the President drives the university's mission forward, ensuring that all academic programs remain relevant and rigorous. Ultimately, Kim cultivates an environment where students and faculty thrive, solidifying the university's position as a cornerstone of higher education in New York.

    Dennis Cowan - President

    Dennis Cowan, the President at Adelphi University, directs the operational expansion and administrative efficiency of the university. Overseeing campus facilities and infrastructure projects, the President ensures that the physical environment supports the university's research and educational goals. This leadership role involves managing large-scale capital investments and coordinating with external stakeholders to improve campus resources. By streamlining administrative processes, Dennis Cowan directly impacts the daily experience of students and staff. Furthermore, Cowan works to align operational capacity with the university's growing research output. Through the implementation of sustainable campus practices, the President enhances the university's footprint and operational resilience. By focusing on the logistical needs of a doctoral research institution, the President ensures that all departments have the necessary support to excel, ultimately contributing to the overall success and reputation of the university within the competitive higher education sector.
    Dennis Cowan

    Elizabeth Nemirovsky - President

    Elizabeth Nemirovsky, the President at Adelphi University, directs the student success initiatives and academic support services across the institution. Overseeing enrollment management and student life programs, the President ensures that the university provides a holistic educational experience rooted in the liberal arts and sciences. This leadership role involves developing programs that improve retention and graduation rates for the diverse student population. By prioritizing student well-being and career readiness, Elizabeth Nemirovsky directly impacts the long-term outcomes of the university's graduates. Furthermore, Nemirovsky engages with student organizations to foster an inclusive and vibrant campus culture. Through the integration of academic advising and professional development, the President supports the university's mission to prepare students for successful careers. By focusing on the student journey, the President ensures that the university remains a supportive and effective environment for learning and personal growth.

    Christopher Storm - Interim President

    Christopher Storm, the Interim President at Adelphi University, directs the transition of leadership and maintains the continuity of academic operations. Overseeing the alignment of departmental goals with the university's core mission, the Interim President ensures that research and teaching activities proceed without disruption. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees during this period of transition. By upholding the standards of the liberal arts and sciences, Christopher Storm directly impacts the stability of the institution. Furthermore, Storm manages key administrative functions to ensure that all university services remain operational and effective. Through the careful management of institutional priorities, the Interim President preserves the university's momentum and commitment to excellence. By providing steady guidance, the Interim President ensures that the university continues to serve its students and the broader community effectively while preparing for future leadership.

    Jason Lukito - President, Office of The Front Office & Receptionist

    Jason Lukito, the President, Office of The Front Office & Receptionist at Adelphi University, directs the initial engagement and administrative intake processes for the university's executive offices. Overseeing the reception team and visitor management, the President, Office of The Front Office & Receptionist ensures that all guests and stakeholders receive professional and efficient service. This leadership role involves coordinating the flow of information between the public and the executive leadership team. By managing the front-facing operations of the university, Jason Lukito directly impacts the first impression of the institution. Furthermore, Lukito organizes scheduling and logistical support for executive meetings, ensuring that the leadership team remains focused on strategic objectives. Through the optimization of front-office workflows, the President, Office of The Front Office & Receptionist maintains a professional environment that reflects the university's commitment to excellence and accessibility for all members of the community.

    Gabrielle Stafford - Secretary for the President's Office

    Gabrielle Stafford, the Secretary for the President's Office at Adelphi University, directs the administrative coordination and documentation for the executive leadership team. Overseeing the management of official records and correspondence, the Secretary for the President's Office ensures that all executive communications align with the university's strategic goals. This leadership role involves managing the flow of sensitive information and coordinating complex schedules for the President. By maintaining the integrity of executive documentation, Gabrielle Stafford directly impacts the efficiency of the university's decision-making processes. Furthermore, Stafford supports the preparation of reports and presentations for the Board of Trustees, ensuring that all data is accurate and timely. Through the meticulous organization of the President's office, the Secretary for the President's Office facilitates seamless operations, allowing the leadership team to focus on the university's mission of research, liberal arts, and professional training.

    Fred Hicks - Chief Information Officer

    Fred Hicks, the Chief Information Officer at Adelphi University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological roadmap for the entire campus. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols and academic software integration, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all research data remains secure while supporting the doctoral research mission. This leadership role involves managing complex network systems that connect faculty and students across the New York region. By modernizing classroom technology and administrative databases, Fred Hicks directly impacts the efficiency of university operations. Furthermore, Hicks collaborates with academic departments to implement innovative digital tools that enhance the learning experience. Through the continuous optimization of enterprise resource planning systems, the Chief Information Officer maintains the technological backbone necessary for a premier research institution to thrive in a competitive educational landscape, ultimately driving digital transformation across all university departments.
    Fred Hicks

    Bobbie Dell'Aquilo - Chief Communications Officer

    Bobbie Dell'Aquilo, the Chief Communications Officer at Adelphi University, directs the brand strategy and public relations efforts for the institution. Overseeing media relations, digital content, and community engagement, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the university's reputation for academic excellence remains prominent within the New York region and beyond. This leadership role involves crafting messaging that highlights the impact of doctoral research and professional training programs. By managing internal and external communications, Bobbie Dell'Aquilo directly impacts student recruitment and alumni relations. Furthermore, Dell'Aquilo coordinates with university leadership to maintain consistent messaging during major institutional announcements. Through the development of comprehensive marketing campaigns, the Chief Communications Officer elevates the visibility of the university's mission, ensuring that the public understands the value of the liberal arts and sciences education provided to the diverse student body.
    Bobbie Dell'Aquilo

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Adelphi University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Adelphi University?
    Adelphi University is led by Michael Rhattigan (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Janice Kim (President) and Dennis Cowan (President).
    Who is part of Adelphi University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Adelphi University includes leaders such as Michael Rhattigan (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Janice Kim (President), Dennis Cowan (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Adelphi University have?
    Adelphi University has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Adelphi University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Adelphi University includes roles such as Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President, Interim President.