Carleton College Executive and Leadership Team

Anka Raicevic, the Alzheimer's Buddies President at Carleton College, directs student-led community outreach programs focused on geriatric care and social support. Overseeing the engagement of student volunteers, the Alzheimer's Buddies President ensures that participants receive proper training to interact effectively with individuals experiencing cognitive decline. This role involves coordinating with local healthcare facilities to facilitate meaningful connections that bridge the gap between academic life and real-world service. By fostering empathy and social responsibility, Anka Raicevic strengthens the college's commitment to community impact. The Alzheimer's Buddies President manages the logistical requirements of these volunteer efforts, ensuring that all activities align with the institution's values of service and inclusivity. Through consistent leadership, the Alzheimer's Buddies President expands the reach of student-led initiatives, providing valuable support to the broader Northfield region while enhancing the practical experience of the student body.

Susan Hammel, the Careers Advisory Board President at Carleton College, architects the strategic alignment between undergraduate academic programs and post-graduate professional success. Overseeing the advisory board, the Careers Advisory Board President ensures that the college's career services remain responsive to shifting market demands and industry trends. This role involves connecting students with a robust alumni network to facilitate internships and employment opportunities. By optimizing the bridge between classroom learning and career readiness, Susan Hammel directly supports the high employment rates associated with the institution. The Careers Advisory Board President collaborates with faculty to integrate professional development into the liberal arts curriculum. Through these efforts, the Careers Advisory Board President ensures that graduates possess the skills and connections necessary to excel in diverse fields, reinforcing the college's reputation for producing highly capable and successful alumni across the United States.

Omar Alsaad, the President, Middle & African Club (East, North) at Carleton College, leads initiatives that promote cultural awareness and inclusivity for students from diverse regional backgrounds. Overseeing the club's programming, the President, Middle & African Club (East, North) ensures that the campus community engages with the rich traditions and contemporary issues of the Middle East and North Africa. This role involves organizing events that foster dialogue and cross-cultural understanding among the student body. By creating a supportive environment for international and domestic students, Omar Alsaad enhances the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere of the college. The President, Middle & African Club (East, North) coordinates with other student organizations to broaden the scope of cultural representation on campus. Through these leadership activities, the President, Middle & African Club (East, North) contributes to the college's mission of preparing students for a globalized world by encouraging exploration and mutual respect.

Clara Kappelman, the President at Carleton College, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Overseeing the executive leadership team, the President ensures that the college maintains its status as a premier liberal arts destination. This role involves managing the institution's financial health, fundraising efforts, and long-term planning to support 54 majors and minors. By championing the close-knit community and unmatched teaching standards, Clara Kappelman upholds the college's core values. The President works closely with the Board of Trustees to implement policies that ensure affordability and accessibility for students from across the country. Through consistent engagement with alumni and prospective families, the President strengthens the college's national presence. This leadership role requires balancing academic rigor with operational sustainability, ensuring that the institution continues to provide a transformative educational experience for every student enrolled in the diverse academic programs.

Steven Poskanzer, the President Emeritus and Professor of Political Science at Carleton College, provides historical context and academic guidance to the current leadership team. Overseeing specialized research projects, the President Emeritus and Professor of Political Science ensures that the institution remains grounded in its long-standing tradition of intellectual inquiry. This role involves mentoring faculty and contributing to the political science curriculum, which remains a cornerstone of the liberal arts experience. By leveraging extensive experience in higher education administration, Steven Poskanzer supports the college's strategic initiatives and long-term goals. The President Emeritus and Professor of Political Science facilitates connections between the college and the broader academic community, enhancing the institution's reputation for excellence. Through continued involvement in campus life, the President Emeritus and Professor of Political Science helps preserve the unique culture and academic standards that define the college's identity and its commitment to rigorous, student-centered learning.

Alex Vue, the Co-President - Coalition of Southeast Asians at Carleton College, manages student advocacy and cultural programming for the Southeast Asian community. Overseeing the coalition's activities, the Co-President - Coalition of Southeast Asians ensures that the voices of these students are represented in campus-wide discussions and decision-making processes. This role involves organizing events that celebrate cultural heritage while addressing the unique challenges faced by students from these backgrounds. By fostering a sense of belonging, Alex Vue contributes to the inclusive environment that the college prioritizes. The Co-President - Coalition of Southeast Asians collaborates with other student groups to promote diversity and equity across all academic and social spheres. Through these efforts, the Co-President - Coalition of Southeast Asians strengthens the support network available to students, ensuring that the college remains a welcoming space for individuals from all regions and backgrounds to thrive academically and personally.

Nkauj Yang, the MVMNT Founder and Co-President at Carleton College, directs student-led initiatives focused on creative expression and community movement. Overseeing the organization's operations, the MVMNT Founder and Co-President ensures that students have access to platforms for artistic and physical exploration outside the traditional classroom. This role involves coordinating workshops and performances that enrich the campus culture and encourage student participation in diverse activities. By fostering creativity and collaboration, Nkauj Yang enhances the vibrant student life that characterizes the college. The MVMNT Founder and Co-President manages the logistical and promotional aspects of the organization, ensuring that all initiatives align with the college's mission of encouraging exploration. Through consistent leadership, the MVMNT Founder and Co-President provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills and build lasting connections, contributing to the overall success and well-being of the student body within the close-knit community.

Kerstin Cardenas, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Carleton College, manages all internal talent acquisition and staff development initiatives. Overseeing the administrative infrastructure, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that faculty and staff recruitment aligns with the institution's commitment to academic excellence. This role involves designing comprehensive benefits packages and fostering an inclusive workplace culture that supports the college's mission. By streamlining personnel policies, Kerstin Cardenas directly impacts the operational efficiency of the campus. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with department heads to maintain high standards of professional conduct across all academic and support divisions. Through strategic workforce planning, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer secures the human capital necessary for the college to thrive in a competitive higher education landscape, ultimately strengthening the overall institutional framework.

Kerstin de Cardenas, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Carleton College, focuses exclusively on organizational compliance and labor relations. Managing the complex regulatory environment of higher education, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer implements protocols that safeguard institutional integrity and employee rights. This leadership position involves coordinating with legal counsel and the Board to address evolving workplace standards. By optimizing internal communication channels, Kerstin de Cardenas enhances transparency and trust within the faculty body. The Chief Human Resources Officer drives initiatives that promote professional growth and long-term retention among academic staff. Through rigorous oversight of compensation structures and performance evaluation systems, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the college maintains a high-performing environment. This strategic focus on operational stability allows the institution to concentrate resources on its core mission of providing unmatched liberal arts education.