Brown University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brown University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, campus operations, academic administration, and investment management.

Committed to fostering independent learning and interdisciplinary research, Brown University advances academic innovation through a flexible, student-centered approach that prepares scholars for global engagement across diverse professional fields.

Leadership Roles at Brown University

  • Optometrist and Chief Executive Officer - George Brown
  • Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations - Sandra Seibel
  • President - Vidya Iyengar
  • Co President - Joshua Bala
  • President, Partnership For Adult Learning (Pal) - Lucy Negatu
  • Co-President - Molly Woodfin
  • Chief of Staff - Jamie Tyrol
  • Chief of Staff for Campus Life - Susan Layden
  • Chief of Staff To the Provost and Associate Provost of Strategy - James Rowan
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Francie Emlen
  • George Brown - Optometrist and Chief Executive Officer

    George Brown, the Optometrist and Chief Executive Officer at Brown University, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional growth of the university. By aligning academic research initiatives with long-term financial sustainability, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the institution maintains its status as a premier Ivy League research center. George Brown oversees the integration of interdisciplinary programs across the humanities and sciences, fostering an environment where independent learning thrives. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the Open Curriculum and expand global research partnerships. Through rigorous oversight of university-wide policies, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence and academic integrity. By prioritizing student-centered outcomes, Brown secures the university's position as a leader in higher education, consistently advancing the mission of academic innovation and intellectual discovery within the competitive global landscape.

    Sandra Seibel - Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations

    Sandra Seibel, the Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations at Brown University, directs the financial infrastructure and operational workflows of the university's investment portfolio. By overseeing the management of endowment assets, the Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations ensures that financial resources are available to support the university's research and academic programs. Sandra Seibel implements rigorous risk management protocols and operational efficiencies that protect the institution's long-term financial health. This leadership role involves coordinating with the investment committee to execute strategies that align with the university's mission of academic innovation. By optimizing the operational performance of the investment office, the Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations drives the financial stability necessary for the university to pursue its interdisciplinary research goals. Seibel ensures that all investment operations adhere to the highest standards of transparency and fiscal responsibility, supporting the university's global impact.

    Vidya Iyengar - President

    Vidya Iyengar, the President at Brown University, serves as the primary representative and leader of the institution, driving the overall mission of academic excellence and research innovation. By setting the strategic direction for the university, the President ensures that the institution remains a leader in higher education. Vidya Iyengar oversees the development of interdisciplinary programs and the promotion of the Open Curriculum, fostering an environment of independent learning. This leadership role involves engaging with global stakeholders to expand the university's reach and influence. By championing academic freedom and intellectual discovery, the President drives the university's commitment to public policy and scientific advancement. Iyengar facilitates collaboration across all levels of the institution, ensuring that the university's core values are reflected in every aspect of its operations, from undergraduate education to professional research programs, ultimately securing the university's legacy as a premier research institution.

    Joshua Bala - Co President

    Joshua Bala, the Co President at Brown University, shares the responsibility of leading the institution's strategic initiatives and academic growth. By focusing on the expansion of engineering and public policy programs, the Co President ensures that the university addresses contemporary global challenges. Joshua Bala oversees the integration of interdisciplinary research into the undergraduate experience, promoting the university's unique approach to education. This leadership role involves managing partnerships with external organizations to enhance the university's research capabilities. By driving innovation in academic delivery, the Co President supports the institution's commitment to independent learning. Bala collaborates with the other leadership team members to ensure that the university's resources are effectively utilized to support its mission. Through strategic oversight of academic departments, the Co President contributes to the university's reputation as a hub for intellectual discovery and academic excellence in the global research community.

    Lucy Negatu - President, Partnership For Adult Learning (Pal)

    Lucy Negatu, the President, Partnership For Adult Learning (Pal) at Brown University, directs the expansion of educational opportunities for non-traditional students. By overseeing the development of specialized programs, the President, Partnership For Adult Learning (Pal) ensures that the university's commitment to lifelong learning reaches a broader audience. Lucy Negatu manages the curriculum design and delivery for adult learners, aligning these programs with the university's high standards for academic rigor. This leadership role involves building partnerships with industry leaders to create pathways for professional development and public policy engagement. By driving the growth of the Pal initiative, the President, Partnership For Adult Learning (Pal) supports the university's mission of academic innovation and global engagement. Negatu ensures that adult learners benefit from the same interdisciplinary approach that defines the university, fostering a culture of continuous intellectual growth and professional advancement for all participants.

    Molly Woodfin - Co-President

    Molly Woodfin, the Co-President at Brown University, directs the operational and strategic efforts focused on the humanities and social sciences. By overseeing the integration of these disciplines into the broader research framework, the Co-President ensures that the university maintains its commitment to a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education. Molly Woodfin manages the allocation of resources to support faculty research and student-centered learning initiatives. This leadership role involves collaborating with the other Co-President to align institutional goals with the university's mission of academic innovation. By driving the development of new academic programs, the Co-President supports the university's reputation for excellence in the humanities and social sciences. Woodfin facilitates cross-departmental cooperation, ensuring that the university's research output remains impactful and relevant. Through strategic leadership, the Co-President contributes to the university's ongoing success in fostering independent learning and global engagement across all academic fields.

    Jamie Tyrol - Chief of Staff

    Jamie Tyrol, the Chief of Staff at Brown University, manages the executive office operations and facilitates communication between senior leadership and the broader university community. Overseeing the coordination of high-level administrative projects, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional goals align with the core mission of academic excellence. Jamie Tyrol streamlines decision-making processes, allowing the university to respond effectively to evolving challenges in higher education. This role involves managing complex cross-departmental initiatives that support the Open Curriculum and interdisciplinary research efforts. By maintaining rigorous standards for administrative efficiency, the Chief of Staff supports the university's commitment to independent learning. Tyrol facilitates strategic planning sessions that define the future trajectory of the institution, ensuring that all administrative functions contribute to the overarching success of the university's research and teaching objectives on a global scale.

    Susan Layden - Chief of Staff for Campus Life

    Susan Layden, the Chief of Staff for Campus Life at Brown University, directs the operational strategies that enhance the student experience and residential environment. By coordinating with various departments, the Chief of Staff for Campus Life ensures that campus services support the university's commitment to a student-centered approach. Susan Layden oversees the implementation of programs that foster community engagement and independent learning outside the classroom. This leadership role involves managing the logistical aspects of campus life to ensure alignment with the broader academic mission. By optimizing resource allocation for student support services, the Chief of Staff for Campus Life drives improvements in student well-being and institutional culture. Layden facilitates collaboration between faculty and administrative staff to create a cohesive environment that reflects the university's dedication to academic innovation and holistic development for all students.

    James Rowan - Chief of Staff To the Provost and Associate Provost of Strategy

    James Rowan, the Chief of Staff To the Provost and Associate Provost of Strategy at Brown University, architects the strategic framework for academic planning and faculty development. By managing the Provost's office, the Chief of Staff To the Provost and Associate Provost of Strategy ensures that academic initiatives remain consistent with the university's research goals. James Rowan oversees the execution of long-term academic strategies, including the expansion of interdisciplinary programs and the refinement of the Open Curriculum. This role involves analyzing institutional data to inform policy decisions that enhance the quality of undergraduate and graduate education. By facilitating communication between the Provost and various academic departments, the Chief of Staff To the Provost and Associate Provost of Strategy drives alignment across the university. Rowan supports the advancement of academic innovation, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of global research and scholarly excellence.

    Francie Emlen - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Francie Emlen, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Brown University, directs the administrative functions that support the university's daily operations and long-term strategic goals. By overseeing human resources, facilities management, and administrative services, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) ensures that the university provides a robust environment for research and learning. Francie Emlen implements policies that enhance operational efficiency and support the university's commitment to a student-centered approach. This leadership role involves managing the logistical complexities of a large research institution to ensure that all departments have the necessary support to succeed. By driving improvements in administrative processes, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) supports the university's mission of academic innovation and global engagement. Emlen facilitates collaboration across the university, ensuring that administrative functions are aligned with the academic mission, ultimately contributing to the university's status as a premier Ivy League research institution.

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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 Vidya Iyengar (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), Sandra Seibel (Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations), Vidya Iyengar (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, Chief Operating Officer, Investment Office Operations, President, Co President, President, Partnership For Adult Learning (Pal).