American University Executive and Leadership Team

Sarah Baldassaro, the Chief of Staff & To The Counselor & President at American University, manages the complex administrative interface between the president and the university's legal and academic counselors. Baldassaro coordinates strategic initiatives that span the institution's diverse offerings, from history and arts to taxation and finance. The Chief of Staff & To The Counselor & President ensures that executive directives align with the university's mission of fostering a student-centered research environment. By facilitating communication across the leadership team, Sarah Baldassaro supports the effective implementation of policies that impact the entire campus. This role involves overseeing the administrative support structure for the president, ensuring that all institutional activities remain compliant and focused on academic success. Through the management of high-level projects, the Chief of Staff & To The Counselor & President drives organizational cohesion, enabling the university to maintain its reputation for excellence in research and education.

David Marchick, the Interim President at American University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the institution during this transitional period. Marchick oversees the university's academic and administrative operations, ensuring that the commitment to student-centered research remains the primary focus. The Interim President engages with the board, faculty, and student body to advance the university's reputation in fields ranging from law and business to the arts and sciences. David Marchick drives the execution of long-term institutional goals, maintaining stability while fostering an environment of innovation and intellectual growth. By representing the university in national and international academic forums, the Interim President strengthens the institution's market position. This leadership role involves balancing the diverse needs of various departments, from accounting to physics, to ensure that the university continues to deliver high-quality education. Through decisive action and collaborative governance, the Interim President secures the university's future success.

Mylo Sherma, the President at American University, defines the overarching vision and strategic trajectory for the institution. Sherma oversees the expansion of research capabilities and the enhancement of academic programs in disciplines such as biology, economics, and information technology. The President directs the university's engagement with global partners, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in higher education. By fostering a culture of inquiry and excellence, Mylo Sherma supports the development of students who are prepared to address complex societal challenges. This leadership role involves managing the university's financial health and physical infrastructure to support a world-class learning environment. Through the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration, the President drives the integration of diverse fields like law and communication. The strategic focus remains on maintaining the university's status as a premier research institution, ensuring that every academic initiative contributes to the broader mission of student success and societal impact.

Isabella Watson, the President at American University, leads the institution's efforts to advance academic innovation and research excellence. Watson oversees the development of new degree programs in emerging fields like taxation and advanced physics, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant to modern industry needs. The President directs the university's fundraising and community outreach initiatives, strengthening the institution's ties to the Washington, D.C. region and beyond. By championing a student-centered approach, Isabella Watson ensures that all academic and administrative functions prioritize the success of the student body. This leadership role involves collaborating with the board of trustees to set long-term strategic goals that enhance the university's competitive standing. Through the promotion of diversity and inclusion, the President drives the creation of a vibrant campus community. The strategic focus remains on sustaining the university's reputation for rigorous intellectual inquiry and preparing graduates for leadership in their respective fields.

Cornelius Tarigan, the President Director at American University, manages the operational and financial oversight of the institution's international and specialized programs. Tarigan directs the expansion of global partnerships, ensuring that the university's research and educational reach extends across international borders. The President Director oversees the alignment of administrative resources with the university's mission to provide high-quality education in fields like business administration and journalism. By optimizing the operational structure, Cornelius Tarigan ensures that the university maintains its commitment to student-centered research while achieving financial sustainability. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic deans to implement programs that meet the needs of a diverse, global student population. Through the strategic management of institutional assets, the President Director drives growth and innovation, ensuring that the university remains a top choice for students seeking a rigorous and globally-oriented education in the heart of the District of Columbia.

Rodney Woods, the President, Bolin Scholars Society (Pre-Law Society) at American University, leads the specialized academic and professional development initiatives for students pursuing legal careers. Woods oversees the programming and mentorship activities that prepare students for the rigors of law school and the legal profession. The President, Bolin Scholars Society (Pre-Law Society) directs the organization's efforts to connect students with alumni and legal experts, fostering a network of professional support. By facilitating workshops and seminars on legal theory and practice, Rodney Woods ensures that members gain the skills necessary for success in the competitive field of law. This leadership role involves collaborating with the university's law department to provide resources that enhance the academic experience of pre-law students. Through the promotion of excellence and integrity, the President, Bolin Scholars Society (Pre-Law Society) drives the professional development of the next generation of legal scholars and practitioners.

Shawn Beighle, the Chief Technology Officer at American University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological innovation strategy across the institution. Beighle oversees the integration of advanced computing systems to support research initiatives in fields like physics and information technology. By modernizing campus-wide networks, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to implement software solutions that enhance learning outcomes. Shawn Beighle manages the deployment of secure data architectures, protecting sensitive institutional information while facilitating academic collaboration. Through the optimization of digital resources, the Chief Technology Officer drives operational efficiency across the Washington, D.C. campus. The strategic focus remains on scaling technological capabilities to meet the evolving demands of a research-intensive university environment, ultimately supporting the broader mission of academic excellence and innovation.

Keith Byrd, the Chief of Staff at American University, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication between the president and various academic departments. Byrd manages high-level administrative workflows, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of the university. The Chief of Staff oversees the execution of institutional policies, streamlining decision-making processes to support the diverse needs of students in accounting, law, and business administration. Keith Byrd maintains oversight of internal governance, fostering collaboration among senior leadership to address complex organizational challenges. By managing the flow of information to the executive office, the Chief of Staff enables efficient resource allocation across the institution. This role involves representing the university in external partnerships and ensuring that administrative functions remain focused on the core mission of student-centered research. Through meticulous planning and oversight, the Chief of Staff secures the operational stability necessary for long-term academic growth.

Steve Munson, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at American University, architects the comprehensive information systems strategy that powers the university's research and administrative functions. Munson oversees the management of enterprise data, ensuring that academic departments like journalism, economics, and biology possess the digital tools required for high-level inquiry. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer directs the implementation of robust cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard institutional assets. By aligning information technology investments with the university's long-term academic vision, Steve Munson optimizes the digital experience for the entire campus community. This leadership role involves managing large-scale infrastructure projects that support the institution's presence in the competitive landscape of higher education. Through the continuous improvement of information systems, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer drives innovation in teaching and research, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of technological advancement in the District of Columbia.

Marshall Taylor, the Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at American University, directs the human capital strategy for the entire institution. Taylor oversees talent acquisition, faculty development, and employee relations, ensuring that the university attracts and retains top-tier researchers and educators. The Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer manages the implementation of comprehensive benefits and professional growth programs that support staff across all departments, including communication, journalism, and physics. By fostering an inclusive and productive workplace culture, Marshall Taylor ensures that the university's workforce remains aligned with its core mission of academic excellence. This leadership role involves navigating complex labor regulations and organizational development initiatives to maintain operational efficiency. Through the strategic management of human resources, the Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer supports the university's ability to provide a high-quality, student-centered educational experience in the competitive Washington, D.C. market.