Brown University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brown University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, information technology, and academic engagement.

Committed to rigorous research and academic excellence, Brown University fosters an environment where intellectual curiosity drives global impact through its diverse undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

Leadership Roles at Brown University

  • Optometrist and Chief Executive Officer - George Brown
  • Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations - Sandra Seibel
  • Vice President, Clinical Affairs Strategy & Chief Operating Officer - Kimberly Galligan
  • Member, President's Advisory Council On the Arts - Robert Smith
  • President - Barnaby Keeney
  • Co-President - Molly Woodfin
  • Co-Chair, President's Staff Advisory Council - Liisa Laine
  • President, Write Information Technology Brown - Maxwell Xu
  • Chief of Staff & Director, Strategic Operations & Engagement At The Watson Institute - Kathryn Dunkelman
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Linnea Wolfe
  • George Brown - Optometrist and Chief Executive Officer

    George Brown, the Optometrist and Chief Executive Officer at Brown University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this Ivy League institution. Overseeing the integration of clinical expertise with academic administration, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the Alpert Medical School maintains high standards in research and patient care. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board of Trustees to align institutional goals with long-term financial sustainability. By prioritizing interdisciplinary collaboration, George Brown advances the university's mission to solve complex global challenges through education. The Chief Executive Officer manages high-level partnerships across North American research networks, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of medical innovation. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for faculty and student success, ultimately strengthening the university's reputation as a premier center for higher learning and scientific discovery.

    Sandra Seibel - Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations

    Sandra Seibel, the Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations at Brown University, manages the financial infrastructure and operational integrity of the university's endowment and investment activities. Overseeing the complex reporting and compliance frameworks, the Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations ensures that all fiscal operations align with the institution's long-term financial health. This role involves coordinating with external financial partners and internal stakeholders to optimize asset management processes. By implementing rigorous risk management strategies, Sandra Seibel protects the university's capital, which funds critical research and student scholarships. The Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations drives efficiency in back-office functions, allowing the investment team to focus on market performance and strategic growth. Through precise oversight of financial data and operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations supports the university's ability to sustain its academic mission and infrastructure investments for future generations of scholars.

    Kimberly Galligan - Vice President, Clinical Affairs Strategy & Chief Operating Officer

    Kimberly Galligan, the Vice President, Clinical Affairs Strategy & Chief Operating Officer at Brown University, directs the operational strategy for clinical programs and medical education initiatives. Overseeing the alignment of clinical practice with academic research, the Vice President, Clinical Affairs Strategy & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the Alpert Medical School delivers high-quality training and patient care. This leadership role involves managing complex partnerships with regional healthcare providers to expand the university's clinical footprint. By optimizing operational workflows within the medical school, Kimberly Galligan enhances the efficiency of clinical research and educational delivery. The Vice President, Clinical Affairs Strategy & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with faculty and administrative leaders to drive growth in medical programs, ensuring that the institution meets the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. Through strategic resource allocation, the Vice President, Clinical Affairs Strategy & Chief Operating Officer supports the university's commitment to excellence in medical education and clinical innovation.

    Robert Smith - Member, President's Advisory Council On the Arts

    Robert Smith, the Member, President's Advisory Council On the Arts at Brown University, provides strategic guidance on the integration of arts and humanities into the broader academic curriculum. Overseeing the development of cultural initiatives, the Member, President's Advisory Council On the Arts ensures that the university maintains a vibrant creative environment that complements its research-focused mission. This role involves advising the university leadership on the acquisition of artistic resources and the expansion of public engagement programs. By fostering connections between the arts and other disciplines, Robert Smith promotes interdisciplinary innovation across the campus. The Member, President's Advisory Council On the Arts drives efforts to increase the visibility of the university's artistic contributions within the regional and national cultural landscape. Through thoughtful advocacy and strategic planning, the Member, President's Advisory Council On the Arts strengthens the university's commitment to a holistic education that values both scientific inquiry and creative expression.

    Barnaby Keeney - President

    Barnaby Keeney, the President at Brown University, serves as the primary executive leader responsible for the overall academic and administrative direction of the institution. Overseeing the university's strategic planning and long-term development, the President ensures that the institution remains a leader in higher education and research. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Trustees, faculty, and alumni to advance the university's mission and secure its financial future. By championing academic freedom and intellectual rigor, Barnaby Keeney fosters a culture of excellence that attracts top-tier scholars and students from around the world. The President drives institutional growth through the expansion of research facilities and the enhancement of student support services. Through consistent communication and visionary leadership, the President maintains the university's reputation as a premier Ivy League institution, ensuring that the university continues to make significant contributions to global knowledge and societal progress.

    Molly Woodfin - Co-President

    Molly Woodfin, the Co-President at Brown University, shares executive responsibility for the university's administrative operations and strategic initiatives. Overseeing the implementation of campus-wide policies, the Co-President ensures that the institution's daily functions support its core academic and research goals. This leadership role involves collaborating with the other President to manage institutional priorities and address the needs of the diverse university community. By focusing on operational efficiency and organizational culture, Molly Woodfin promotes a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and excellence. The Co-President drives initiatives that enhance student life and faculty engagement, ensuring that the university remains a vibrant and inclusive community. Through active participation in governance and strategic planning, the Co-President supports the university's long-term success and its ability to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education, ultimately strengthening the institution's impact on both local and global scales.

    Liisa Laine - Co-Chair, President's Staff Advisory Council

    Liisa Laine, the Co-Chair, President's Staff Advisory Council at Brown University, leads the efforts to represent staff interests and facilitate communication between the workforce and university leadership. Overseeing the council's activities, the Co-Chair, President's Staff Advisory Council ensures that staff perspectives are integrated into the decision-making processes that shape the university's operational environment. This role involves organizing forums and initiatives that promote professional development and workplace satisfaction across all departments. By fostering a culture of transparency and inclusion, Liisa Laine helps align staff contributions with the university's broader mission of academic excellence. The Co-Chair, President's Staff Advisory Council drives improvements in administrative policies, ensuring that the university remains an employer of choice for talented professionals. Through consistent advocacy and collaborative engagement, the Co-Chair, President's Staff Advisory Council supports the operational stability and morale of the institution, which are essential for the university's continued success and growth.

    Maxwell Xu - President, Write Information Technology Brown

    Maxwell Xu, the President, Write Information Technology Brown at Brown University, leads the specialized division focused on information technology solutions and digital literacy initiatives. Overseeing the development of technical resources, the President, Write Information Technology Brown ensures that the university's digital infrastructure supports the evolving needs of researchers and students. This leadership role involves managing the implementation of new software and hardware systems that enhance academic productivity and data management. By prioritizing technological innovation, Maxwell Xu facilitates the integration of advanced computing into the university's research and educational programs. The President, Write Information Technology Brown drives projects that improve digital accessibility and security across the campus, ensuring that the institution remains at the cutting edge of technological advancement. Through strategic oversight of IT operations, the President, Write Information Technology Brown supports the university's mission to provide a world-class educational experience in an increasingly digital and interconnected global environment.

    Kathryn Dunkelman - Chief of Staff & Director, Strategic Operations & Engagement At The Watson Institute

    Kathryn Dunkelman, the Chief of Staff & Director, Strategic Operations & Engagement At The Watson Institute at Brown University, manages the daily operational flow and strategic initiatives within the Watson Institute. Overseeing complex engagement projects, the Chief of Staff & Director, Strategic Operations & Engagement At The Watson Institute ensures that academic research translates into actionable policy insights. This role requires constant coordination with faculty leadership to streamline administrative processes and enhance the visibility of the institute's global research output. By optimizing internal workflows, Kathryn Dunkelman facilitates cross-departmental collaboration that supports the university's broader educational objectives. The Chief of Staff & Director, Strategic Operations & Engagement At The Watson Institute drives initiatives that connect scholars with international stakeholders, expanding the reach of the institution's intellectual contributions. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief of Staff & Director, Strategic Operations & Engagement At The Watson Institute maintains the operational excellence required for sustained academic growth.

    Linnea Wolfe - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Linnea Wolfe, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Brown University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the university's expansive research and educational mission. Overseeing the deployment of advanced computing resources, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that faculty and students possess the tools necessary for data-intensive academic inquiry. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and digital transformation projects that enhance institutional efficiency across all departments. By aligning technology investments with the university's long-term goals, Linnea Wolfe supports the seamless integration of digital platforms into the classroom and laboratory environments. The Deputy Chief Information Officer collaborates with administrative leaders to modernize legacy systems, thereby improving data accessibility and operational agility. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, the Deputy Chief Information Officer drives the technological advancement of the institution, ensuring that the university remains competitive in an increasingly digital global landscape of higher education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Brown University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Brown University?
    Brown University is led by George Brown (Optometrist and Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sandra Seibel (Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations) and Kimberly Galligan (Vice President, Clinical Affairs Strategy & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Brown University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Brown University includes leaders such as George Brown (Optometrist and Chief Executive Officer), Sandra Seibel (Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations), Kimberly Galligan (Vice President, Clinical Affairs Strategy & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Brown University have?
    Brown University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Brown University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Brown University includes roles such as Optometrist and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations, Vice President, Clinical Affairs Strategy & Chief Operating Officer, Member, President's Advisory Council On the Arts, President.