Brown University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brown University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and academic affairs.

Dedicated to advancing knowledge and educating future leaders, Brown University fosters a vibrant academic community committed to research and scholarly excellence across diverse disciplines.

Leadership Roles at Brown University

  • Optometrist and Chief Executive Officer - George Brown
  • Vice President, Clinical Affairs Strategy & Chief Operating Officer - Kimberly Galligan
  • Founder & President - Max Gelber
  • President - Emilio Peveri
  • President of Residence Hall Council 1 - Demetrius Davis
  • President - Vidya Iyengar
  • Co-President - Henry Wang
  • President - Christina Paxson
  • President - Barnaby Keeney
  • Chief of Staff & Director, Strategic Operations & Engagement At The Watson Institute - Kathryn Dunkelman
  • George Brown - Optometrist and Chief Executive Officer

    George Brown, the Optometrist and Chief Executive Officer at Brown University, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the institution. This leadership role involves guiding all academic and administrative departments, ensuring alignment with Brown University's mission of research and education. George Brown oversees the integration of clinical services with academic programs, particularly within the Alpert Medical School, driving innovation in healthcare delivery and medical training. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering key relationships with stakeholders, including faculty, students, alumni, and external partners, to advance the university's standing as an Ivy League institution. This executive ensures the efficient allocation of resources and champions initiatives that promote academic rigor and student success across all programs, including the School of Engineering.

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

    Kimberly Galligan, the Vice President, Clinical Affairs Strategy & Chief Operating Officer at Brown University, spearheads the strategic development and operational execution of clinical affairs. This executive role is pivotal in aligning the Alpert Medical School's clinical activities with its educational and research mandates. Kimberly Galligan oversees the operational infrastructure supporting medical training and patient care, ensuring high standards of quality and efficiency. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing budgets, optimizing resource deployment, and driving process improvements across clinical departments. Galligan also formulates strategies to enhance the integration of research findings into clinical practice, thereby advancing medical knowledge and patient outcomes. This leadership position is crucial for maintaining the operational integrity and strategic growth of Brown University's medical enterprise.

    Max Gelber - Founder & President

    Max Gelber, the Founder & President at Brown University, established and now leads a significant initiative within the university's academic structure. This foundational role involves setting the strategic direction and operational priorities for the entity Gelber founded, ensuring its growth and impact align with Brown University's core mission. The President's responsibilities encompass fostering innovation, securing resources, and building key partnerships to advance the entity's objectives. Max Gelber oversees the development of new programs and research endeavors, driving forward the unique contributions of this founding initiative to the broader academic landscape. This leadership position is critical for nurturing a culture of discovery and academic excellence, solidifying the entity's role within Brown University's esteemed educational and research framework.

    Emilio Peveri - President

    Emilio Peveri, the President at Brown University, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for a key division or initiative within the institution. This leadership role involves guiding academic programs, research endeavors, and administrative functions to ensure alignment with Brown University's overall mission. Emilio Peveri oversees the development and implementation of strategic plans, focusing on enhancing educational quality and research impact. The President's responsibilities include managing resources, fostering collaborations, and promoting a culture of academic excellence and innovation. Peveri plays a crucial part in advancing the institution's goals, ensuring that the division operates efficiently and effectively to support Brown University's standing as a premier research university. This executive leadership drives forward key institutional objectives.

    Demetrius Davis - President of Residence Hall Council 1

    Demetrius Davis, the President of Residence Hall Council 1 at Brown University, leads student governance and community development within a specific residential area. This role involves advocating for student needs, managing council operations, and fostering a positive living and learning environment. Demetrius Davis oversees initiatives aimed at enhancing student engagement, organizing events, and addressing concerns related to residential life. The President of Residence Hall Council 1 works closely with university housing officials to ensure the smooth functioning of the residence hall, promoting a sense of community and belonging among students. Davis's leadership contributes to the overall student experience, supporting academic success and personal growth through effective residential programming and advocacy.

    Vidya Iyengar - President

    Vidya Iyengar, the President at Brown University, guides the strategic direction and operational management of a significant academic or administrative unit. This executive leadership role focuses on advancing the unit's mission within the broader context of Brown University's commitment to research and education. Vidya Iyengar oversees the development and implementation of key initiatives, ensuring academic rigor and fostering an environment conducive to scholarly pursuits. The President's responsibilities include managing resources, cultivating strategic partnerships, and promoting innovation across departments. Iyengar plays a vital role in enhancing the unit's impact and contribution to Brown University's reputation as a leading Ivy League institution, driving forward academic excellence and institutional growth.

    Henry Wang - Co-President

    Henry Wang, the Co-President at Brown University, shares leadership responsibilities for a specific organization or initiative, driving its strategic objectives and operational activities. This role involves collaborative decision-making and joint oversight of key functions to ensure the entity's success within the university framework. Henry Wang contributes to setting the direction for academic programs, research projects, or student-focused activities, aligning efforts with Brown University's educational mission. The Co-President's duties include fostering engagement among members, managing resources effectively, and promoting a culture of collaboration and achievement. Wang's leadership ensures the coordinated advancement of the entity's goals, supporting Brown University's commitment to innovation and scholarly excellence.

    Christina Paxson - President

    Christina Paxson, the President at Brown University, directs the comprehensive strategic vision and operational leadership for the entire institution. This paramount role involves guiding all academic, research, and administrative functions, ensuring Brown University upholds its status as a leading Ivy League research university. Christina Paxson oversees significant institutional initiatives, including curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and campus expansion, driving forward advancements in education and discovery. The President's responsibilities encompass financial stewardship, fostering philanthropic support, and cultivating strong relationships with alumni, government bodies, and the broader community. Paxson's leadership is instrumental in shaping the university's future, promoting a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and societal impact across all disciplines, from the Alpert Medical School to the School of Engineering.
    Christina Paxson

    Barnaby Keeney - President

    Barnaby Keeney, the President at Brown University, provided foundational leadership and strategic direction during a significant period of the institution's development. This historical leadership role involved guiding academic programs, fostering research initiatives, and overseeing the operational framework of the university. Barnaby Keeney's tenure focused on strengthening Brown University's academic standing and expanding its influence within the higher education landscape. The President's responsibilities included managing institutional resources, promoting scholarly inquiry, and cultivating a vibrant campus environment. Keeney's contributions were critical in advancing the university's mission and solidifying its reputation for academic excellence and innovation during that era.

    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, orchestrates critical strategic initiatives and operational efficiencies. This role involves managing key projects that enhance the institute's research output and educational impact, ensuring seamless integration with Brown University's broader objectives. Kathryn Dunkelman oversees engagement strategies, cultivating relationships with academic leaders, research fellows, and external collaborators to foster a dynamic intellectual environment. The Director, Strategic Operations & Engagement's focus includes streamlining operational processes within The Watson Institute, optimizing resource allocation, and driving forward new programs that support Brown University's commitment to interdisciplinary study. By coordinating efforts across various departments, Dunkelman ensures that strategic goals are met with precision and effectiveness, contributing significantly to the institute's mission.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    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 Kimberly Galligan (Vice President, Clinical Affairs Strategy & Chief Operating Officer) and Max Gelber (Founder & President).
    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), Kimberly Galligan (Vice President, Clinical Affairs Strategy & Chief Operating Officer), Max Gelber (Founder & President) 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, Vice President, Clinical Affairs Strategy & Chief Operating Officer, Founder & President, President, President of Residence Hall Council 1.