Carnegie Mellon University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Carnegie Mellon University has 10 executives leading key functions including technology, information systems, financial strategy, marketing, and institutional leadership.

Committed to interdisciplinary excellence, Carnegie Mellon University advances global innovation through rigorous research and applied education across diverse fields like robotics, artificial intelligence, and the humanities.

Leadership Roles at Carnegie Mellon University

  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Angela Blanton
  • President - Trisha Samba
  • President - Korawich Kavee
  • President - Cassius Reid
  • Admin Assistant To the President - Virginia White
  • President - Jacqueline Chen
  • Chief Technology Officer - Lydia Yang
  • Chief Information Officer - Joel Smith
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Stan Waddell
  • Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Aaron Aupperlee
  • Angela Blanton - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Angela Blanton, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Carnegie Mellon University, oversees the institution's fiscal health, budget allocation, and long-term financial planning. Managing the university's endowment and operational funding, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources align with strategic priorities in research and education. This role involves working closely with the Board to maintain financial stability while funding ambitious projects in engineering and the arts. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling expenditures, Angela Blanton directly impacts the university's ability to attract top-tier talent and invest in cutting-edge facilities. Blanton also monitors economic trends to guide institutional growth and sustainability. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary foundation for the university to continue its legacy of innovation and societal impact.

    Trisha Samba - President

    Trisha Samba, the President at Carnegie Mellon University, defines the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing the university's academic mission and global reputation, the President fosters partnerships with industry leaders and government entities to address complex societal challenges. This role involves engaging with the Board to set institutional priorities that emphasize interdisciplinary research and innovation. By championing the university's values, Trisha Samba directly impacts the growth and development of all academic programs. Samba also represents the university on the national stage, advocating for policies that support higher education and scientific advancement. Through visionary leadership, the President ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of discovery, consistently pushing the boundaries of knowledge in fields ranging from computer science to the fine arts.

    Korawich Kavee - President

    Korawich Kavee, the President at Carnegie Mellon University, focuses on the expansion of international research collaborations and the diversification of the university's global footprint. Overseeing the development of new academic centers and cross-border initiatives, the President ensures that the university maintains its status as a leader in global education. This role involves cultivating relationships with international partners to facilitate knowledge exchange and joint research projects. By driving these global initiatives, Korawich Kavee directly impacts the university's ability to address worldwide challenges through collaborative innovation. Kavee also works with the faculty to promote an inclusive environment that attracts diverse talent from around the world. Through strategic international engagement, the President strengthens the university's influence and ensures that its research and educational programs have a meaningful impact on a global scale.

    Cassius Reid - President

    Cassius Reid, the President at Carnegie Mellon University, concentrates on the enhancement of student life and the integration of public policy into the university's core academic mission. Overseeing the development of campus programs that bridge the gap between technology and societal impact, the President ensures that students are prepared to lead in a complex world. This role involves working with student organizations and faculty to foster a culture of civic engagement and ethical innovation. By prioritizing these initiatives, Cassius Reid directly impacts the university's commitment to producing well-rounded graduates who contribute to the public good. Reid also oversees the university's community outreach efforts, ensuring that research benefits the local and regional population. Through this focus, the President reinforces the university's role as a vital contributor to societal progress and public policy development.

    Virginia White - Admin Assistant To the President

    Virginia White, the Admin Assistant To the President at Carnegie Mellon University, manages the executive office operations and coordinates the President's schedule and high-level communications. Overseeing the flow of information between the President and the university's leadership team, the Admin Assistant To the President ensures that critical administrative tasks are executed with precision. This role involves facilitating meetings with the Board and external stakeholders to support the university's strategic objectives. By maintaining the efficiency of the executive office, Virginia White directly impacts the President's ability to focus on long-term institutional goals. White also handles sensitive correspondence and ensures that all administrative processes align with university policies. Through meticulous organization and support, the Admin Assistant To the President enables the leadership team to function effectively and maintain the university's commitment to excellence.

    Jacqueline Chen - President

    Jacqueline Chen, the President at Carnegie Mellon University, leads the university's efforts in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across all academic disciplines. Overseeing the incubation of new research ventures and the commercialization of university-developed technologies, the President ensures that academic discoveries translate into real-world solutions. This role involves building strong ties with the venture capital community and industry leaders to support the university's startup ecosystem. By driving these entrepreneurial initiatives, Jacqueline Chen directly impacts the university's role as a catalyst for economic growth and technological advancement. Chen also works with faculty to encourage a culture of innovation that permeates the entire campus. Through this strategic focus, the President ensures that the university remains a hub for creative problem-solving and continues to produce groundbreaking technologies that shape the future of various industries.

    Lydia Yang - Chief Technology Officer

    Lydia Yang, the Chief Technology Officer at Carnegie Mellon University, directs the development of advanced research infrastructure and digital platforms. Overseeing the integration of emerging technologies into academic workflows, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that faculty and students possess the tools necessary for high-level computational research. This role involves managing large-scale technical partnerships with government agencies and private industry to accelerate breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and robotics. By optimizing the university's technical ecosystem, Lydia Yang directly impacts the institution's capacity for interdisciplinary discovery. Furthermore, the Chief Technology Officer coordinates with the Board to align long-term infrastructure investments with the university's mission of global innovation. Through these efforts, Yang maintains the university's competitive edge in the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education technology.

    Joel Smith - Chief Information Officer

    Joel Smith, the Chief Information Officer at Carnegie Mellon University, manages the enterprise data architecture and cybersecurity frameworks supporting the entire campus community. Overseeing the security of sensitive research data, the Chief Information Officer implements robust protocols to protect intellectual property across all departments. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative systems to improve operational efficiency and data accessibility for faculty and staff. By modernizing the digital environment, Joel Smith directly supports the university's commitment to academic excellence and collaborative research. Smith also collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that information systems remain scalable and resilient against emerging digital threats. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer secures the integrity of the university's digital assets while fostering an environment conducive to high-impact scholarly work and administrative productivity.

    Stan Waddell - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Stan Waddell, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Carnegie Mellon University, leads the strategic deployment of campus-wide network infrastructure and digital services. Overseeing the expansion of high-performance computing capabilities, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures that the university maintains a world-class digital environment for complex research. This role involves coordinating with academic departments to integrate advanced software solutions into the curriculum. By driving digital transformation initiatives, Stan Waddell directly enhances the university's operational scale and research output. Waddell also manages the alignment of IT resources with the broader institutional goals of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Through these efforts, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer supports the university's mission by providing a reliable, secure, and innovative technological foundation for all students and faculty members.
    Stan Waddell

    Aaron Aupperlee - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    Aaron Aupperlee, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Carnegie Mellon University, directs the institution's brand strategy and public relations efforts. Overseeing the communication of research breakthroughs and academic achievements, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer ensures that the university's impact is clearly articulated to global audiences. This role involves managing media relations and digital content strategies to enhance the university's reputation among prospective students, donors, and industry partners. By crafting compelling narratives about the university's innovations, Aaron Aupperlee directly impacts the institution's ability to attract top-tier talent and funding. Aupperlee also coordinates with other departments to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms. Through strategic communication, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer strengthens the university's brand and ensures that its contributions to science, technology, and the arts are recognized worldwide.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Carnegie Mellon University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Carnegie Mellon University?
    Carnegie Mellon University is led by Angela Blanton (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Trisha Samba (President) and Korawich Kavee (President).
    Who is part of Carnegie Mellon University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Carnegie Mellon University includes leaders such as Angela Blanton (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Trisha Samba (President), Korawich Kavee (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Carnegie Mellon University have?
    Carnegie Mellon University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Carnegie Mellon University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Carnegie Mellon University includes roles such as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President, Admin Assistant To the President.