Boston University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Boston University has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, strategic administration, research innovation, and academic leadership.

Committed to fostering interdisciplinary research and global academic excellence, Boston University drives innovation through a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across the international research landscape.

Leadership Roles at Boston University

  • Chief Operating Officer - Clay Torres
  • Interim Chief Operating Officer - Amy Bronson
  • Co-President - Bella Chiarieri
  • President - Hb Bielawa
  • Research, Innovation Policy Analyst & President, Office of - Evan Purdie
  • President - Alara Lane
  • President & Women In Science & Engineering Undergraduate (Uwise) - Sara Nabikoghlu
  • President - Lara Bulut
  • President of MAPS, BU Chapter - Karmyn Muhammad
  • Chief of Staff - Judith Sandonato
  • Clay Torres - Chief Operating Officer

    Clay Torres, the Chief Operating Officer at Boston University, directs all internal administrative functions and campus infrastructure projects. Overseeing the daily operational efficiency of the university, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that physical and digital resources align with the broader academic mission. This leadership role involves managing complex logistical frameworks to support faculty and student needs across the expansive campus environment. By optimizing resource allocation and streamlining institutional processes, Clay Torres directly impacts the university's ability to maintain high standards of research and education. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational stability required for long-term institutional growth and excellence in the competitive higher education sector, ensuring that all departments function in harmony to achieve the strategic goals set by the university leadership.

    Amy Bronson - Interim Chief Operating Officer

    Amy Bronson, the Interim Chief Operating Officer at Boston University, manages the transition of critical campus services and financial oversight during the current fiscal period. Overseeing the implementation of new operational protocols, the Interim Chief Operating Officer ensures that university facilities and support services maintain continuity for the student body. This leadership role involves evaluating existing infrastructure to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By stabilizing key operational workflows, Amy Bronson directly impacts the university's capacity to deliver high-quality educational experiences. Ultimately, Bronson provides the necessary administrative guidance to sustain the university's research output and academic reputation, ensuring that all operational units remain aligned with the overarching mission of excellence and innovation that defines the institution's presence in the global academic community.

    Bella Chiarieri - Co-President

    Bella Chiarieri, the Co-President at Boston University, shares responsibility for the strategic direction and long-term vision of the institution. Overseeing the expansion of interdisciplinary research initiatives, the Co-President ensures that the university maintains a competitive edge in global academic rankings. This leadership role involves engaging with external partners and donors to secure funding for innovative programs that span multiple disciplines. By championing academic excellence and fostering a culture of inquiry, Bella Chiarieri directly impacts the university's standing as a leader in higher education. Ultimately, Chiarieri drives the development of new professional programs that prepare students for success in a rapidly changing global economy, ensuring that the university continues to attract top-tier talent and resources to its diverse campus community.

    Hb Bielawa - President

    Hb Bielawa, the President at Boston University, defines the overarching strategic mission and represents the institution to the global academic community. Overseeing the university's commitment to research and innovation, the President ensures that all academic programs adhere to the highest standards of excellence. This leadership role involves setting the tone for institutional culture and guiding the university through complex challenges in the higher education landscape. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, Hb Bielawa directly impacts the university's ability to solve pressing global issues through rigorous research. Ultimately, Bielawa secures the future of the institution by fostering strong relationships with alumni, government entities, and international partners, ensuring that the university remains a beacon of knowledge and discovery for generations of students and scholars.

    Evan Purdie - Research, Innovation Policy Analyst & President, Office of

    Evan Purdie, the Research, Innovation Policy Analyst & President, Office of at Boston University, evaluates the impact of current research policies on the university's innovation ecosystem. Overseeing the development of new frameworks for academic inquiry, the Research, Innovation Policy Analyst & President, Office of ensures that all research activities align with the university's strategic goals. This leadership role involves analyzing data to optimize the allocation of grants and resources for interdisciplinary projects. By refining the policies that govern scientific and academic exploration, Evan Purdie directly impacts the university's ability to produce groundbreaking research. Ultimately, Purdie strengthens the institution's reputation for innovation by providing the analytical foundation necessary for informed decision-making, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of discovery and academic advancement.
    Evan Purdie

    Alara Lane - President

    Alara Lane, the President at Boston University, leads the university's efforts to enhance student engagement and academic success across all undergraduate programs. Overseeing the implementation of student-centered initiatives, the President ensures that the university provides a supportive environment for intellectual growth. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty to develop curricula that meet the demands of modern professional fields. By prioritizing the student experience, Alara Lane directly impacts the university's retention and graduation rates. Ultimately, Lane drives the university's mission to prepare students for leadership roles in their respective disciplines, ensuring that the institution continues to attract a diverse and talented student body while maintaining its status as a premier research university dedicated to academic excellence and global engagement.

    Sara Nabikoghlu - President & Women In Science & Engineering Undergraduate (Uwise)

    Sara Nabikoghlu, the President & Women In Science & Engineering Undergraduate (Uwise) at Boston University, directs programs aimed at increasing the participation of women in STEM fields. Overseeing the mentorship and professional development of undergraduate students, the President & Women In Science & Engineering Undergraduate (Uwise) ensures that the university fosters an inclusive environment for scientific inquiry. This leadership role involves creating opportunities for research and networking that empower students to pursue careers in science and engineering. By championing diversity in academic disciplines, Sara Nabikoghlu directly impacts the university's commitment to innovation and excellence. Ultimately, Nabikoghlu strengthens the university's pipeline of future scientists and engineers, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in promoting equity and advancement within the global scientific community.

    Lara Bulut - President

    Lara Bulut, the President at Boston University, focuses on the expansion of graduate and professional programs to meet the needs of a global workforce. Overseeing the integration of industry-relevant skills into the academic curriculum, the President ensures that the university remains a top choice for advanced studies. This leadership role involves building partnerships with corporate and research organizations to provide students with practical experience. By aligning academic programs with market demands, Lara Bulut directly impacts the career outcomes of the university's graduate students. Ultimately, Bulut enhances the university's reputation for producing highly skilled professionals who contribute to the advancement of their fields, ensuring that the institution continues to thrive as a center for high-level research and professional development.

    Karmyn Muhammad - President of MAPS, BU Chapter

    Karmyn Muhammad, the President of MAPS, BU Chapter at Boston University, leads initiatives that support underrepresented students in the medical and health professions. Overseeing the organization's outreach and educational programs, the President of MAPS, BU Chapter ensures that students have access to the resources necessary for success in competitive health-related fields. This leadership role involves coordinating workshops and networking events that connect students with mentors and professional opportunities. By fostering a supportive community, Karmyn Muhammad directly impacts the university's goal of promoting diversity in healthcare. Ultimately, Muhammad strengthens the university's commitment to social responsibility and academic equity, ensuring that all students have the tools to excel in their chosen medical paths while contributing to the broader mission of the university.

    Judith Sandonato - Chief of Staff

    Judith Sandonato, the Chief of Staff at Boston University, coordinates executive communications and facilitates strategic alignment across all academic departments. Overseeing the flow of information to the senior leadership team, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional priorities receive consistent attention and resources. This role involves managing high-level projects that bridge the gap between administrative policy and faculty execution. By fostering collaboration among diverse university stakeholders, Judith Sandonato directly impacts the effectiveness of the university's governance structure. Ultimately, Sandonato maintains the focus of the executive office on core research and educational objectives, ensuring that the university remains agile in responding to evolving global academic trends while upholding the rigorous standards expected of a premier private research institution in the United States.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Boston University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Boston University?
    Boston University is led by Clay Torres (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Amy Bronson (Interim Chief Operating Officer) and Bella Chiarieri (Co-President).
    Who is part of Boston University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Boston University includes leaders such as Clay Torres (Chief Operating Officer), Amy Bronson (Interim Chief Operating Officer), Bella Chiarieri (Co-President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Boston University have?
    Boston University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Boston University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Boston University includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Co-President, President, Research, Innovation Policy Analyst & President, Office of.