Babson College Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Babson College has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, marketing, financial advisory, human resources, and institutional governance.

Dedicated to entrepreneurial leadership, Babson College fosters academic excellence through specialized degree programs. This institution 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
  • Chi Omega President - Caroline Quirk
  • President - Kawaji Ray
  • Co-President - Yilun Li
  • Founder, Babson Alternative Investment Association & Co-President - Wanrong Zhu
  • President - Ethan Metaferia
  • Chief Information Officer - Patricia Patria
  • Chief Marketing Officer, The Beaverline - Deepa Palaniyandy
  • Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer - Donna Bonaparte
  • Deborah Jackson - Chief Financial Officer, Advisory

    Deborah Jackson, the Chief Financial Officer, Advisory at Babson College, manages fiscal planning and strategic financial oversight for the institution. Overseeing budgetary allocations and long-term investment strategies, Jackson ensures the financial health of the college remains robust. This role involves providing critical guidance to the board regarding resource distribution and capital projects that support academic expansion. By monitoring economic indicators and institutional spending, the Chief Financial Officer, Advisory maintains fiscal discipline while funding key initiatives. Deborah Jackson works closely with department heads to align financial resources with the core mission of providing high-quality degree programs. Through rigorous analysis of revenue streams and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer, Advisory secures the necessary capital to sustain growth. This leadership position directly impacts the ability of the college to invest in faculty development and campus infrastructure, ensuring continued excellence in 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 annual audit process and treasury management, Burke ensures compliance with regulatory standards and institutional policies. This role involves developing financial models that support the strategic objectives of the college, including the expansion of degree offerings. By managing endowment funds and operational budgets, the Vice President, Aa- For Finance & Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability required for long-term academic success. Barbara Burke collaborates with executive leadership to evaluate the financial feasibility of new programs and campus improvements. Through precise reporting and risk management, the Vice President, Aa- For Finance & Chief Financial Officer provides the transparency necessary for effective governance. This leadership role supports the overall mission by ensuring that financial resources are allocated efficiently to maximize student impact.

    Caroline Quirk - Chi Omega President

    Caroline Quirk, the Chi Omega President at Babson College, leads student-focused initiatives and organizational governance within the campus community. Overseeing member engagement and community service projects, Quirk ensures that the organization aligns with the values and mission of the college. This role involves coordinating events that promote leadership development and networking opportunities for students. By fostering a collaborative environment, the Chi Omega President strengthens the sense of belonging among the student body. Caroline Quirk works with institutional administrators to ensure that all activities comply with campus policies and contribute to a vibrant student life. Through effective communication and event planning, the Chi Omega President drives participation in extracurricular programs that complement the academic experience. This leadership position supports the holistic development of students, preparing them for future professional roles by emphasizing teamwork, responsibility, and community involvement.

    Kawaji Ray - President

    Kawaji Ray, the President at Babson College, provides the overarching strategic vision and executive leadership for the entire institution. Overseeing the implementation of academic policies and long-term growth initiatives, Ray ensures that the college remains a leader in entrepreneurial education. This role involves representing the institution to external stakeholders, donors, and the broader academic community. By setting the tone for institutional culture and academic rigor, the President drives the pursuit of excellence in all degree programs. Kawaji Ray collaborates with the board and other executive leaders to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education. Through decisive leadership and a commitment to innovation, the President secures the resources and partnerships necessary for continued success. This leadership position is responsible for the overall health and direction of the college, ensuring that every department works in harmony to achieve the mission of empowering future business leaders.

    Yilun Li - Co-President

    Yilun Li, the Co-President at Babson College, shares the responsibility for institutional governance and the execution of strategic initiatives. Overseeing specific operational areas and student-led projects, Li ensures that the college maintains its focus on entrepreneurial excellence. This role involves working in tandem with the other Co-President to align administrative functions with the needs of the student body. By facilitating communication between faculty and students, the Co-President enhances the collaborative spirit of the campus. Yilun Li contributes to the development of new programs that address current market demands and educational trends. Through active participation in institutional planning, the Co-President supports the long-term sustainability of the college. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of the academic environment and a commitment to fostering an inclusive community. By driving specific initiatives, the Co-President ensures that the institution continues to provide high-value education to its diverse student population.

    Wanrong Zhu - Founder, Babson Alternative Investment Association & Co-President

    Wanrong Zhu, the Founder, Babson Alternative Investment Association & Co-President at Babson College, leads specialized financial education initiatives and shares executive governance duties. Overseeing the development of investment-focused programs, Zhu ensures that students gain practical experience in financial markets. This role involves managing the association and collaborating with the other Co-President to align student activities with the broader institutional mission. By providing mentorship and networking opportunities, the Founder, Babson Alternative Investment Association & Co-President prepares students for careers in finance and investment management. Wanrong Zhu works with faculty advisors to integrate real-world financial analysis into the curriculum. Through strategic leadership, the Founder, Babson Alternative Investment Association & Co-President enhances the reputation of the college as a hub for financial expertise. This leadership position supports the growth of the institution by fostering strong connections between students and the professional investment community.

    Ethan Metaferia - President

    Ethan Metaferia, the President at Babson College, directs the strategic operations and academic mission of the institution. Overseeing the implementation of educational programs and institutional policies, Metaferia ensures that the college maintains its commitment to entrepreneurial excellence. This role involves engaging with alumni and industry partners to expand the reach and impact of the degree programs. By fostering a culture of innovation and academic rigor, the President drives the continuous improvement of the student experience. Ethan Metaferia collaborates with the board to set long-term goals and secure the financial resources necessary for growth. Through effective communication and leadership, the President aligns the efforts of faculty and staff with the core values of the college. This leadership position is essential for maintaining the competitive position of the institution in the global education market, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern business world.

    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 campus-wide network security and academic software integration, Patria ensures that all digital resources support the rigorous educational mission of the college. This role involves managing complex data systems that facilitate research and student engagement across North American operations. By modernizing legacy platforms, the Chief Information Officer optimizes administrative efficiency and enhances the overall user experience for faculty and students alike. Patricia Patria maintains alignment with institutional goals by prioritizing scalable cloud solutions and robust cybersecurity protocols. Through constant evaluation of emerging educational technologies, the Chief Information Officer drives innovation in the classroom and beyond. This leadership position requires close collaboration with academic departments to ensure that technological investments directly improve learning outcomes and institutional productivity.

    Deepa Palaniyandy - Chief Marketing Officer, The Beaverline

    Deepa Palaniyandy, the Chief Marketing Officer, The Beaverline at Babson College, architects the brand identity and communication strategy for the institution. Managing outreach initiatives and public relations, Palaniyandy ensures that the college maintains a strong reputation within the competitive higher education landscape. This role involves coordinating multi-channel campaigns that highlight the unique value proposition of degree programs to prospective students globally. By analyzing market trends and audience engagement metrics, the Chief Marketing Officer, The Beaverline optimizes messaging to increase enrollment and institutional visibility. Deepa Palaniyandy collaborates with admissions teams to align promotional efforts with recruitment targets. Through strategic storytelling and digital content creation, the Chief Marketing Officer, The Beaverline strengthens the connection between the college and its diverse alumni network. This leadership function supports long-term growth by positioning the institution as a premier destination for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.

    Donna Bonaparte - Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer

    Donna Bonaparte, the Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer at Babson College, manages talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development. Overseeing the recruitment of faculty and staff, Bonaparte ensures that the institution attracts top-tier professionals dedicated to the educational mission. This role involves designing comprehensive benefits packages and professional development programs that foster a high-performance culture. By implementing equitable hiring practices and performance management systems, the Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer supports the diverse needs of the workforce. Donna Bonaparte collaborates with other executive leaders to align human capital strategies with the broader goals of the college. Through effective conflict resolution and policy implementation, the Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer maintains a positive and productive work environment. This leadership function is essential for sustaining the operational capacity of the institution and ensuring that all employees contribute effectively to student success.
    Donna Bonaparte

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    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 Caroline Quirk (Chi Omega 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), Caroline Quirk (Chi Omega 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, Chi Omega President, President, Co-President.