Brandeis University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brandeis University has 10 executives leading key functions including marketing, operations, revenue, information technology, and student organization governance.

Committed to fostering civic engagement and social justice, Brandeis University empowers emerging leaders through rigorous academic development and community-based initiatives to address complex societal challenges across global sectors.

Leadership Roles at Brandeis University

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Peter French
  • President of Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's Club - Meriah Frauwirth
  • President, Brandeis Pole Dance and Fitness - Ashleigh Levy
  • President - Isabella Chan
  • Co-President - Seth Rogers
  • President - Ria Escamilla-Gil
  • President of Women's Volleyball Club - Lola Hamilton
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Miscool Aab
  • Adjunct Professor - Chief Revenue Officer, SEM, SEO - Garrett Gillin
  • Associate Chief Information Officer, Integration Solutions & Strategy - Ian Rifkin
  • Peter French - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Peter French, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Brandeis University, manages the daily administrative and operational functions of the institution. Overseeing the infrastructure supporting the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that resources align with the strategic goals of the university. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to support the Institute for Economic and Racial Equity. By optimizing operational efficiency, Peter French directly impacts the capacity of the university to host complex leadership development programs. Ultimately, French secures the financial and physical stability required for long-term academic success. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer coordinates with the Board to implement policies that foster an inclusive environment, driving North American initiatives that promote social equity and community-based problem solving across various sectors.

    Meriah Frauwirth - President of Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's Club

    Meriah Frauwirth, the President of Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's Club at Brandeis University, leads student-driven advocacy and community outreach efforts. Overseeing the organization's engagement with local health initiatives, the President of Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's Club ensures that student volunteers contribute meaningfully to public health awareness. This leadership role involves coordinating with university administration to secure resources for research support and community education. By optimizing volunteer participation, Meriah Frauwirth directly impacts the club's ability to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's research. Ultimately, Frauwirth secures a platform for students to engage in critical social issues. The President of Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's Club fosters partnerships with regional health organizations, driving initiatives that align with the broader mission of the university to solve complex societal problems through active civic participation and dedicated community service.

    Ashleigh Levy - President, Brandeis Pole Dance and Fitness

    Ashleigh Levy, the President, Brandeis Pole Dance and Fitness at Brandeis University, manages the operations and membership growth of the student fitness organization. Overseeing the scheduling of training sessions and workshops, the President, Brandeis Pole Dance and Fitness ensures that students have access to inclusive physical wellness opportunities. This leadership role involves coordinating with the university's student life department to maintain safety standards and facility usage. By optimizing the club's programming, Ashleigh Levy directly impacts the physical well-being and community cohesion of the student body. Ultimately, Levy secures a supportive environment for personal development and fitness. The President, Brandeis Pole Dance and Fitness drives initiatives that promote body positivity and mental health, aligning with the university's commitment to holistic student development and fostering a vibrant, active campus culture that supports the diverse needs of the student population.

    Isabella Chan - President

    Isabella Chan, the President at Brandeis University, provides executive oversight for student governance and institutional representation. Overseeing the alignment of student initiatives with the university's core mission, the President ensures that the student body remains engaged in the academic and social life of the campus. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between student organizations and the university administration to address campus-wide concerns. By optimizing the governance process, Isabella Chan directly impacts the quality of student life and the effectiveness of student-led advocacy. Ultimately, Chan secures a representative voice for the student community. The President drives strategic planning for student events and policy improvements, ensuring that the university remains a hub for civic engagement and leadership development, while fostering an environment where students can actively contribute to the broader goals of the institution and the community.

    Seth Rogers - Co-President

    Seth Rogers, the Co-President at Brandeis University, shares executive responsibility for student governance and organizational strategy. Overseeing the implementation of student-led projects, the Co-President ensures that initiatives are executed in accordance with university policies and values. This leadership role involves collaborating with the other President to manage student resources and represent the student body in administrative meetings. By optimizing the collaborative efforts of the student government, Seth Rogers directly impacts the success of campus-wide programs and student advocacy. Ultimately, Rogers secures a cohesive and effective leadership structure for the student body. The Co-President drives initiatives that promote inclusivity and academic excellence, ensuring that the university continues to serve as a platform for student growth and community impact, while maintaining strong relationships with faculty and staff to support the overall mission of the institution.

    Ria Escamilla-Gil - President

    Ria Escamilla-Gil, the President at Brandeis University, leads strategic initiatives focused on student empowerment and academic community building. Overseeing the development of programs that support student research and civic engagement, the President ensures that the student experience aligns with the university's commitment to social justice. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to provide students with mentorship and professional development opportunities. By optimizing the impact of student-led research projects, Ria Escamilla-Gil directly impacts the university's reputation for academic excellence. Ultimately, Escamilla-Gil secures a vibrant intellectual environment for all students. The President drives efforts to integrate student perspectives into institutional decision-making, ensuring that the university remains responsive to the needs of its diverse student body while fostering a culture of leadership and community service that extends beyond the campus boundaries.

    Lola Hamilton - President of Women's Volleyball Club

    Lola Hamilton, the President of Women's Volleyball Club at Brandeis University, manages the competitive and operational aspects of the student athletic organization. Overseeing the recruitment of players and the scheduling of regional matches, the President of Women's Volleyball Club ensures that the team maintains high standards of performance and sportsmanship. This leadership role involves coordinating with the university's athletic department to secure funding and facility access. By optimizing the team's training and competitive schedule, Lola Hamilton directly impacts the success and visibility of the club. Ultimately, Hamilton secures a platform for student athletes to develop leadership skills and teamwork. The President of Women's Volleyball Club drives initiatives that promote athletic excellence and community engagement, aligning with the university's broader mission to foster a well-rounded student experience that emphasizes both physical health and collaborative achievement.

    Miscool Aab - Chief Marketing Officer

    Miscool Aab, the Chief Marketing Officer at Brandeis University, directs all institutional branding and communication strategies. Overseeing the promotion of the Eli J. & Phyllis N. Segal Citizen Leadership Program, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across national service alumni networks. This leadership role involves expanding the visibility of academic initiatives through targeted digital campaigns and strategic partnerships. By optimizing outreach channels, Miscool Aab directly impacts the recruitment of emerging leaders dedicated to racial and environmental justice. Ultimately, Aab secures the long-term reputation of the university by aligning marketing efforts with the core mission of creating equitable systems. The Chief Marketing Officer maintains close collaboration with academic departments to highlight research achievements and community impact, ensuring that the institutional narrative resonates with diverse stakeholders across the United States and beyond.

    Garrett Gillin - Adjunct Professor - Chief Revenue Officer, SEM, SEO

    Garrett Gillin, the Adjunct Professor - Chief Revenue Officer, SEM, SEO at Brandeis University, architects the digital revenue strategies and search engine optimization frameworks for the institution. Overseeing the technical integration of marketing data, the Adjunct Professor - Chief Revenue Officer, SEM, SEO ensures that academic programs reach target audiences effectively. This leadership role involves analyzing search trends to improve the visibility of the Segal Citizen Leadership Program. By optimizing digital conversion funnels, Garrett Gillin directly impacts the growth of enrollment and program participation. Ultimately, Gillin secures sustainable funding streams through data-driven decision-making. The Adjunct Professor - Chief Revenue Officer, SEM, SEO collaborates with faculty to translate complex research into accessible digital content, driving global awareness of the university's commitment to education and social justice while maintaining a competitive edge in the higher education landscape.

    Ian Rifkin - Associate Chief Information Officer, Integration Solutions & Strategy

    Ian Rifkin, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Integration Solutions & Strategy at Brandeis University, drives the technological architecture and data integration strategies for the campus. Overseeing the digital systems that support the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Integration Solutions & Strategy ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty. This leadership role involves architecting scalable cloud infrastructure to support the Institute for Economic and Racial Equity. By optimizing information flow, Ian Rifkin directly impacts the efficiency of research and administrative operations. Ultimately, Rifkin secures the integrity of institutional data systems. The Associate Chief Information Officer, Integration Solutions & Strategy coordinates with other C-suite leaders to implement secure, innovative solutions that facilitate collaboration across regional and national networks, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of technological advancement in higher education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Brandeis University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Brandeis University?
    Brandeis University is led by Peter French (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Meriah Frauwirth (President of Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's Club) and Ashleigh Levy (President, Brandeis Pole Dance and Fitness).
    Who is part of Brandeis University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Brandeis University includes leaders such as Peter French (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer), Meriah Frauwirth (President of Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's Club), Ashleigh Levy (President, Brandeis Pole Dance and Fitness) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Brandeis University have?
    Brandeis University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Brandeis University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Brandeis University includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, President of Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's Club, President, Brandeis Pole Dance and Fitness, President, Co-President.