Barnard College Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Barnard College has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, and operations.

Driven by academic excellence, Barnard College is dedicated to empowering women through rigorous liberal arts education, fostering intellectual curiosity and leadership development within a vibrant New York City setting.

Leadership Roles at Barnard College

  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Sharon Watkins
  • President - Kirk O'Brien
  • President & Science & Public Policy Board Executive - Noelle Hamah-Kilik
  • Class President - Tiferet Grossman
  • President - Mariame Sissoko
  • Co-President - Isabell Roth
  • President - Angela Ogle
  • Co President - Viktoriya Rutkovskaya
  • Chief of Staff - Laura Maloney
  • Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness - Virginia Ryan
  • Sharon Watkins - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Sharon Watkins, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Barnard College, manages the institution's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Watkins oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, treasury, and financial reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This executive directs the allocation of financial resources to support academic programs, research endeavors, and campus infrastructure development. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer plays a critical role in long-term financial strategy, investment management, and risk assessment, safeguarding the college's assets. Watkins collaborates with other senior leaders to align financial strategies with the college's educational mission and operational needs. By maintaining robust financial controls and driving fiscal efficiency, Sharon Watkins ensures Barnard College can continue its commitment to academic excellence and student success in New York City.

    Kirk O'Brien - President

    Kirk O'Brien, the President at Barnard College, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. O'Brien guides the college's academic vision, financial stability, and overall institutional advancement, ensuring Barnard College upholds its commitment to women's liberal arts education. This leadership role involves fostering a vibrant academic community, overseeing faculty and staff, and engaging with external constituencies, including alumnae, donors, and the broader New York City community. The President directs strategic planning efforts, champions institutional priorities, and represents Barnard College on national and international stages. O'Brien's administration focuses on enhancing academic programs, expanding research opportunities, and ensuring the college's continued growth and impact. Through decisive leadership, Kirk O'Brien drives the mission of empowering students and advancing knowledge.

    Noelle Hamah-Kilik - President & Science & Public Policy Board Executive

    Noelle Hamah-Kilik, the President & Science & Public Policy Board Executive at Barnard College, leads strategic initiatives at the intersection of scientific advancement and public policy. Hamah-Kilik directs the college's engagement with critical scientific and policy dialogues, fostering interdisciplinary research and educational programs. This executive oversees the Science & Public Policy Board, guiding its efforts to address complex societal challenges through informed policy recommendations and academic research. The President & Science & Public Policy Board Executive champions initiatives that promote scientific literacy and responsible policy-making among students and faculty. Noelle Hamah-Kilik's leadership ensures Barnard College remains at the forefront of discussions shaping science and policy, contributing to informed public discourse and academic innovation. This dual role drives the college's impact in critical global issues.

    Tiferet Grossman - Class President

    Tiferet Grossman, the Class President at Barnard College, represents the interests and advocates for the needs of the student body. Grossman leads initiatives focused on enhancing the student experience, organizing class events, and fostering a sense of community among peers. This role involves liaising between students and college administration, ensuring student voices are heard in institutional decision-making processes. The Class President works to promote student engagement in campus life and academic pursuits. Tiferet Grossman's leadership aims to build a strong and cohesive class identity, supporting academic success and personal development. This position is crucial for student representation and advocacy within Barnard College.

    Mariame Sissoko - President

    Mariame Sissoko, the President at Barnard College, provides strategic leadership and drives institutional priorities. Sissoko oversees key operational areas, ensuring the effective implementation of college-wide initiatives and academic programs. This executive role involves fostering collaboration among departments, enhancing student services, and promoting the college's mission of empowering women through liberal arts education. The President works to strengthen Barnard College's position within the academic landscape and its connection to the New York City community. Mariame Sissoko's leadership focuses on advancing academic excellence, supporting faculty research, and ensuring a dynamic learning environment for all students. This position is vital for the continued success and development of Barnard College.

    Isabell Roth - Co-President

    Isabell Roth, the Co-President at Barnard College, shares leadership responsibilities for key institutional initiatives and student advocacy. Roth collaborates with fellow leadership to advance the college's mission and enhance the student experience. This role involves coordinating efforts across various student organizations and administrative offices, ensuring cohesive progress on strategic goals. The Co-President actively participates in decision-making processes, representing student perspectives and contributing to the development of campus programs. Isabell Roth's focus is on fostering a supportive and engaging environment that promotes academic achievement and personal growth for all students at Barnard College. This collaborative leadership strengthens the college's commitment to its students.

    Angela Ogle - President

    Angela Ogle, the President at Barnard College, directs strategic operations and champions the institution's core values. Ogle oversees critical functions that support academic excellence and student development, ensuring the college thrives within its New York City setting. This leadership position involves guiding institutional growth, fostering innovation in educational programs, and strengthening community engagement. The President works to enhance the college's reputation and impact, promoting its mission of empowering women through a rigorous liberal arts education. Angela Ogle's administration focuses on strategic planning, resource management, and the cultivation of a dynamic campus environment. This role is essential for the continued advancement and success of Barnard College.

    Viktoriya Rutkovskaya - Co President

    Viktoriya Rutkovskaya, the Co President at Barnard College, shares executive leadership in driving institutional objectives and student welfare initiatives. Rutkovskaya collaborates closely with other leaders to advance the college's academic mission and enhance the overall student experience. This role involves coordinating strategic projects, facilitating communication between student groups and college administration, and advocating for student needs. The Co President plays a vital part in shaping campus policies and programs that support student success and community building. Viktoriya Rutkovskaya's leadership emphasizes fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment where students can achieve their full potential. This shared presidency ensures robust representation and effective management of student affairs at Barnard College.
    Viktoriya Rutkovskaya

    Laura Maloney - Chief of Staff

    Laura Maloney, the Chief of Staff at Barnard College, directs strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across key departments. This role involves coordinating high-level projects, managing internal communications, and ensuring alignment between the President's office and other administrative functions. Maloney's oversight extends to resource allocation and the implementation of institutional policies, directly supporting the college's mission of providing a premier liberal arts education. The Chief of Staff facilitates interdepartmental collaboration, driving forward institutional goals with a focus on operational excellence and strategic planning. Maloney ensures seamless execution of college-wide programs and initiatives, contributing to the overall academic and administrative success of Barnard College. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of institutional operations and a commitment to advancing the college's strategic objectives.

    Virginia Ryan - Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness

    Virginia Ryan, the Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness at Barnard College, supports the strategic direction and operational execution of health and wellness programs. Ryan coordinates initiatives aimed at promoting student well-being, mental health services, and campus health policies. This role involves managing projects, facilitating communication between the Vice President's office and various campus stakeholders, and ensuring the effective delivery of health-related services. The Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness contributes to the development and implementation of programs that enhance the overall student experience. Ryan's efforts focus on creating a supportive and healthy environment conducive to academic success. By streamlining operations and supporting strategic planning, Virginia Ryan enhances the impact of health and wellness services at Barnard College.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Barnard College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Barnard College?
    Barnard College is led by Sharon Watkins (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Kirk O'Brien (President) and Noelle Hamah-Kilik (President & Science & Public Policy Board Executive).
    Who is part of Barnard College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Barnard College includes leaders such as Sharon Watkins (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Kirk O'Brien (President), Noelle Hamah-Kilik (President & Science & Public Policy Board Executive) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Barnard College have?
    Barnard College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Barnard College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Barnard College includes roles such as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, President & Science & Public Policy Board Executive, Class President, President.