Babson College Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Babson College has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial advisory, human resources, marketing, finance, institutional leadership, student organization management, alumni relations, entrepreneurial ventures, and fashion industry initiatives.

Committed to advancing entrepreneurial education, Babson College fosters a transformative learning environment that empowers students to create economic and social value across global markets.

Leadership Roles at Babson College

  • Chief Financial Officer, Advisory - Deborah Jackson
  • Vice President, Aa- For Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Barbara Burke
  • President - Ethan Metaferia
  • Chi Omega President - Caroline Quirk
  • Trustee, President of Alumni Association - Edward Fitzgerald
  • Founder & President - Chiraag Kankariya
  • President of Babson Fashion and Sneaker Organization - Danica Vernet
  • Chief Information Officer - Patricia Patria
  • Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer - Donna Bonaparte
  • Chief Marketing Officer, The Beaverline - Deepa Palaniyandy
  • Deborah Jackson - Chief Financial Officer, Advisory

    Deborah Jackson, the Chief Financial Officer, Advisory at Babson College, manages fiscal strategy and long-term economic planning for the institution. Overseeing the allocation of capital resources and budgetary oversight, the Chief Financial Officer, Advisory ensures alignment with the overarching mission of providing high-quality degree programs. This leadership role involves evaluating investment opportunities and providing critical financial guidance to the board regarding institutional growth. By monitoring market trends and optimizing revenue streams, Deborah Jackson directly impacts the financial health and sustainability of the college. Ultimately, Jackson secures the fiscal stability required to support academic excellence and infrastructure development, while driving strategic financial initiatives that bolster the reputation of the institution within the competitive landscape of private higher education.

    Barbara Burke - Vice President, Aa- For Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Barbara Burke, the Vice President, Aa- For Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Babson College, directs the comprehensive financial operations and accounting functions of the institution. Overseeing the management of endowment funds, operational budgets, and financial reporting, the Vice President, Aa- For Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures strict adherence to regulatory standards and fiscal transparency. This leadership role involves collaborating with the board to execute long-term financial planning and risk management strategies. By optimizing cost structures and enhancing revenue generation, Barbara Burke directly impacts the ability of the college to invest in new academic programs and campus facilities. Ultimately, Burke secures the financial integrity of the institution, while driving broad fiscal initiatives that support the long-term viability of the college in the higher education market.

    Ethan Metaferia - President

    Ethan Metaferia, the President at Babson College, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Overseeing the executive leadership team and representing the college to external stakeholders, the President ensures that the institution remains a leader in entrepreneurial education. This leadership role involves setting institutional priorities, fostering partnerships with industry leaders, and guiding the long-term development of the campus. By championing innovation in curriculum design and student services, Ethan Metaferia directly impacts the success and career readiness of the student body. Ultimately, Metaferia secures the future of the college, while driving high-level strategic initiatives that enhance the global influence and academic reputation of the institution within the competitive landscape of higher education.

    Caroline Quirk - Chi Omega President

    Caroline Quirk, the Chi Omega President at Babson College, directs the activities and community engagement efforts of the organization. Overseeing member development, philanthropic events, and campus integration, the Chi Omega President ensures that the organization contributes positively to the student experience. This leadership role involves coordinating with other student groups and administrative offices to facilitate events that align with the values of the college. By fostering a supportive environment for members, Caroline Quirk directly impacts the social and professional growth of the student body. Ultimately, Quirk secures the operational success of the organization, while driving initiatives that promote leadership and community service among students, thereby enhancing the overall vibrancy of the campus culture at the institution.

    Edward Fitzgerald - Trustee, President of Alumni Association

    Edward Fitzgerald, the Trustee, President of Alumni Association at Babson College, directs the engagement strategies and networking initiatives for the global alumni network. Overseeing the connection between graduates and the current student body, the Trustee, President of Alumni Association ensures that the legacy of the institution continues to provide value to its members. This leadership role involves organizing alumni events, fundraising efforts, and mentorship programs that bridge the gap between professional experience and academic learning. By cultivating strong relationships with donors and industry leaders, Edward Fitzgerald directly impacts the philanthropic support and career placement opportunities available to students. Ultimately, Fitzgerald secures the long-term loyalty of the alumni base, while driving strategic initiatives that strengthen the global influence of the college.

    Chiraag Kankariya - Founder & President

    Chiraag Kankariya, the Founder & President at Babson College, directs the development and execution of specialized entrepreneurial ventures within the campus ecosystem. Overseeing the launch of new initiatives and the management of project-based teams, the Founder & President ensures that these ventures align with the core mission of fostering innovation. This leadership role involves securing resources, mentoring student entrepreneurs, and navigating the complexities of startup growth. By creating practical opportunities for students to apply business concepts, Chiraag Kankariya directly impacts the entrepreneurial output of the institution. Ultimately, Kankariya secures the success of these ventures, while driving strategic initiatives that promote a culture of risk-taking and creative problem-solving among the student body, further cementing the reputation of the college as a hub for innovation.

    Danica Vernet - President of Babson Fashion and Sneaker Organization

    Danica Vernet, the President of Babson Fashion and Sneaker Organization at Babson College, directs the operational activities and industry-focused programming for the organization. Overseeing the planning of fashion-related events, guest speaker series, and networking opportunities, the President of Babson Fashion and Sneaker Organization ensures that students gain exposure to the retail and design sectors. This leadership role involves managing organizational budgets, recruiting new members, and collaborating with industry professionals to provide real-world insights. By facilitating connections between students and the fashion industry, Danica Vernet directly impacts the career preparation of participants. Ultimately, Vernet secures the growth of the organization, while driving initiatives that highlight the intersection of business and fashion, thereby enriching the diverse extracurricular landscape of the college.

    Patricia Patria - Chief Information Officer

    Patricia Patria, the Chief Information Officer at Babson College, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy for the institution. Overseeing the integration of advanced academic software and secure data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all campus operations remain at the forefront of educational innovation. This leadership role involves managing complex cybersecurity frameworks and supporting the digital transformation of classroom experiences. By optimizing network reliability and cloud-based resources, Patricia Patria directly impacts the efficiency of faculty research and student engagement. Ultimately, Patria secures the technological foundation necessary for maintaining the competitive edge of the college within the higher education sector, while simultaneously driving North American initiatives for digital accessibility and robust information management across all academic departments.

    Donna Bonaparte - Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer

    Donna Bonaparte, the Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer at Babson College, directs all talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the recruitment of world-class faculty and administrative staff, the Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the core values of the institution. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits packages and fostering an inclusive environment that promotes professional growth. By implementing performance management systems and streamlining internal communication, Donna Bonaparte directly impacts the operational effectiveness of the college. Ultimately, Bonaparte secures a high-performing organizational structure that supports the academic mission, while driving regional human capital strategies that attract top-tier talent to the campus in Massachusetts.
    Donna Bonaparte

    Deepa Palaniyandy - Chief Marketing Officer, The Beaverline

    Deepa Palaniyandy, the Chief Marketing Officer, The Beaverline at Babson College, directs all brand strategy, digital outreach, and institutional messaging. Overseeing the promotion of degree programs and the public image of the college, the Chief Marketing Officer, The Beaverline ensures that the unique value proposition of the institution reaches prospective students globally. This leadership role involves managing multi-channel advertising campaigns and analyzing market data to refine recruitment efforts. By crafting compelling narratives that highlight the entrepreneurial focus of the college, Deepa Palaniyandy directly impacts enrollment growth and brand recognition. Ultimately, Palaniyandy secures a strong market position for the institution, while driving strategic marketing initiatives that expand the reach of the college across diverse international and domestic student demographics.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Babson College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Babson College?
    Babson College is led by Deborah Jackson (Chief Financial Officer, Advisory), along with executives such as Barbara Burke (Vice President, Aa- For Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Ethan Metaferia (President).
    Who is part of Babson College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Babson College includes leaders such as Deborah Jackson (Chief Financial Officer, Advisory), Barbara Burke (Vice President, Aa- For Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Ethan Metaferia (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Babson College have?
    Babson College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Babson College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Babson College includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Advisory, Vice President, Aa- For Finance & Chief Financial Officer, President, Chi Omega President, Trustee, President of Alumni Association.