Brown University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brown University has 10 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, administrative operations, academic advancement, and student engagement.

Committed to rigorous inquiry and academic excellence, Brown University fosters a transformative environment for undergraduate and graduate scholars while advancing global research initiatives through its diverse schools and programs.

Leadership Roles at Brown University

  • Optometrist and Chief Executive Officer - George Brown
  • President of Philanthropic Photography Club - Kenneth Daici
  • President - Teah Simon
  • Co-Chair, President's Staff Advisory Council - Liisa Laine
  • President of Scientists for A Sustainable World, Brown U Chapter - Zoe Florida
  • Co President - Joshua Bala
  • Trustee Emerita President's Leadership Council - Chichi Anyoku
  • Chief of Staff - Jai-Me Potter-Rutledge
  • Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Office of The For Advancement - Donna Lisker
  • 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 for this Ivy League research institution. Overseeing the integration of clinical health standards with academic research, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the Alpert Medical School maintains top-tier educational outcomes. George Brown manages high-level institutional partnerships, driving growth across the School of Engineering and various graduate programs. By aligning administrative priorities with the core mission of academic inquiry, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term financial and intellectual health of the university. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board of Trustees to refine the institutional roadmap. Through meticulous oversight of campus-wide initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation to support faculty research and student success. Ultimately, Brown maintains the university's reputation as a premier center for higher education and innovation within the competitive North American academic landscape.

    Kenneth Daici - President of Philanthropic Photography Club

    Kenneth Daici, the President of Philanthropic Photography Club at Brown University, leads student-driven initiatives focused on visual storytelling and charitable outreach. Overseeing the club's operations, the President ensures that artistic projects contribute to the university's broader mission of community engagement and social responsibility. Kenneth Daici architects collaborative events that leverage photography to raise awareness for various philanthropic causes supported by the student body. By managing the club's resources and membership, the President drives participation in campus-wide cultural activities. This leadership role involves coordinating with university administration to secure funding and event space for exhibitions. Through the promotion of creative expression, the President fosters a vibrant campus culture that values both artistic excellence and social impact. Ultimately, Daici strengthens the connection between the student community and the university's commitment to public service, ensuring that the club remains a meaningful contributor to the institution's diverse extracurricular landscape.

    Teah Simon - President

    Teah Simon, the President at Brown University, serves as the primary representative for the student body and oversees the governance of student organizations. Managing the interactions between student leaders and the university administration, the President ensures that student interests remain central to institutional decision-making. Teah Simon architects initiatives that promote inclusivity and academic excellence across all undergraduate and graduate programs. By facilitating dialogue between diverse student groups, the President drives a cohesive campus experience that reflects the university's core values. This leadership role involves participating in high-level committee meetings to advocate for student needs and policy improvements. Through the implementation of transparent governance practices, the President enhances the effectiveness of student representation. Ultimately, Simon maintains a strong link between the student population and the university's leadership, ensuring that the institution continues to provide a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for all scholars.

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

    Liisa Laine, the Co-Chair, President's Staff Advisory Council at Brown University, directs the efforts of the council to represent staff interests and improve workplace culture. Overseeing the communication between staff members and the university administration, the Co-Chair ensures that operational feedback informs institutional policy. Liisa Laine architects programs that foster professional development and staff engagement across the university's various departments. By coordinating with the President's office, the Co-Chair drives initiatives that enhance the overall efficiency and morale of the workforce. This leadership role involves facilitating regular meetings to address staff concerns and propose actionable solutions. Through the promotion of collaborative practices, the Co-Chair strengthens the internal support systems that enable the university to function effectively. Ultimately, Laine maintains a productive and inclusive work environment, ensuring that the staff remains aligned with the university's mission of academic and research excellence.

    Zoe Florida - President of Scientists for A Sustainable World, Brown U Chapter

    Zoe Florida, the President of Scientists for A Sustainable World, Brown U Chapter at Brown University, leads student efforts to promote environmental sustainability through scientific research and advocacy. Overseeing the chapter's projects, the President ensures that student-led initiatives align with the university's broader goals for climate action and ecological responsibility. Zoe Florida architects educational campaigns that translate complex scientific data into actionable sustainability practices for the campus community. By managing partnerships with faculty researchers, the President drives the integration of sustainable solutions into university operations. This leadership role involves coordinating with other student organizations to maximize the impact of environmental advocacy. Through the promotion of evidence-based policy, the President fosters a culture of sustainability that extends beyond the classroom. Ultimately, Florida secures the chapter's role as a key contributor to the university's commitment to environmental stewardship and scientific innovation.

    Joshua Bala - Co President

    Joshua Bala, the Co President at Brown University, shares the responsibility of leading student governance and representing the interests of the undergraduate population. Overseeing the execution of student-led programs, the Co President ensures that campus activities support the university's mission of fostering a vibrant intellectual community. Joshua Bala architects collaborative strategies that address student concerns regarding academic resources and campus life. By working closely with the other Co President, the leader drives the implementation of policies that enhance student well-being and engagement. This leadership role involves regular interaction with university administrators to advocate for improvements in student services. Through the management of student organization budgets and event planning, the Co President ensures that resources are utilized effectively to benefit the entire student body. Ultimately, Bala maintains a strong and active student government, ensuring that the university remains responsive to the evolving needs of its scholars.

    Chichi Anyoku - Trustee Emerita President's Leadership Council

    Chichi Anyoku, the Trustee Emerita President's Leadership Council at Brown University, provides strategic guidance and long-term perspective to the university's leadership team. Overseeing the council's advisory functions, the Trustee Emerita ensures that institutional decisions remain consistent with the university's historical values and future aspirations. Chichi Anyoku architects high-level discussions that shape the university's approach to global education and research expansion. By leveraging extensive experience, the Trustee Emerita drives the development of long-term strategies that support the Alpert Medical School and the School of Engineering. This leadership role involves mentoring current administrators and facilitating connections with key external stakeholders. Through the provision of expert counsel, the Trustee Emerita enhances the quality of decision-making at the highest levels of the institution. Ultimately, Anyoku secures the university's legacy as a premier research and educational institution, ensuring that its strategic direction remains robust and forward-thinking.

    Jai-Me Potter-Rutledge - Chief of Staff

    Jai-Me Potter-Rutledge, the Chief of Staff at Brown University, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across the senior leadership team. Managing the daily workflow of the President's office, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional goals remain aligned with the broader academic mission. Jai-Me Potter-Rutledge architects internal processes that streamline decision-making for the university's diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. By bridging the gap between administrative departments and academic units, the Chief of Staff drives operational efficiency throughout the Providence campus. This role requires constant engagement with faculty committees and external stakeholders to advance the university's strategic priorities. Through the implementation of robust project management frameworks, the Chief of Staff supports the execution of complex institutional initiatives. Ultimately, Potter-Rutledge maintains organizational stability, allowing the university to focus on its primary objective of delivering world-class education and fostering groundbreaking research across all disciplines.

    Donna Lisker - Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Office of The For Advancement

    Donna Lisker, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Office of The For Advancement at Brown University, directs the strategic fundraising and institutional development efforts. Overseeing the expansion of donor relations, the Senior VP ensures that the university secures the necessary capital to support its research and educational programs. Donna Lisker architects comprehensive advancement campaigns that engage alumni and philanthropic partners on a global scale. By aligning the Office of The For Advancement with the university's long-term academic goals, the Senior VP drives sustainable growth for the Alpert Medical School and the School of Engineering. This leadership role involves close coordination with the Board of Trustees to maximize endowment performance. Through the cultivation of high-impact relationships, the Senior VP strengthens the university's financial foundation. Ultimately, Lisker secures the resources required to maintain the institution's status as a leader in higher education and research excellence.

    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 operational infrastructure and public engagement strategies for the institute. Overseeing the integration of research output with public policy initiatives, the Director ensures that the Watson Institute maintains a significant impact on global discourse. Kathryn Dunkelman architects engagement programs that connect academic experts with international stakeholders, driving the university's influence in the global arena. By streamlining the internal operations of the institute, the Director supports faculty research and student participation in critical policy discussions. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite leaders to ensure that the institute's activities align with the university's broader strategic objectives. Through the optimization of operational workflows, the Director enhances the efficiency of research dissemination. Ultimately, Dunkelman secures the institute's position as a vital hub for international policy and academic engagement.

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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 Kenneth Daici (President of Philanthropic Photography Club) and Teah Simon (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), Kenneth Daici (President of Philanthropic Photography Club), Teah Simon (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, President of Philanthropic Photography Club, President, Co-Chair, President's Staff Advisory Council, President of Scientists for A Sustainable World, Brown U Chapter.