Chapman University Executive and Leadership Team

Karen Young, the Chief Executive Officer at Chapman University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this private, non-profit institution. By aligning academic goals with long-term financial sustainability, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the university maintains its competitive edge in the higher education sector. Young oversees the integration of research initiatives and student success programs across all departments. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board of Trustees to refine institutional policies and expand the university's influence within the California academic landscape. By prioritizing innovation in curriculum development, the Chief Executive Officer drives growth and maintains high standards of excellence. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, Young secures the future of the institution, ensuring that the mission of providing a transformative education remains the primary focus of every administrative decision made at the executive level.

Harold Hewitt, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Chapman University, manages the financial and physical infrastructure of the institution. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer oversees campus facilities, budget planning, and administrative services to ensure a high-quality environment for students and faculty. Hewitt directs the allocation of capital resources, supporting the expansion of academic programs and the maintenance of campus assets. By optimizing operational efficiency, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer enables the university to invest more heavily in research and student support services. Harold Hewitt also collaborates with other senior leaders to align fiscal strategies with the broader mission of the university. This leadership role involves managing complex financial portfolios and ensuring that all operational activities support the long-term growth and stability of the institution within the competitive higher education market.

Sachi Kumar, the President of Chapman Pua'ikeana at Chapman University, leads the student organization dedicated to cultural enrichment and community building. The President of Chapman Pua'ikeana organizes events and initiatives that promote awareness of Hawaiian culture and traditions within the campus community. Kumar manages the organization's budget, membership recruitment, and outreach efforts to ensure active participation among the student body. By fostering a sense of belonging, the President of Chapman Pua'ikeana enhances the overall student experience and contributes to the university's commitment to diversity. Sachi Kumar also coordinates with university administration to secure resources and support for cultural programming. This leadership role involves developing strategic plans for student engagement and ensuring that the organization remains a vibrant part of the campus life, ultimately supporting the university's mission of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Madison Baricaua, the President, Puaikeana Co (Hawaii Club) at Chapman University, directs the activities and mission of the student organization focused on Hawaiian heritage. The President, Puaikeana Co (Hawaii Club) oversees the planning of cultural workshops, social gatherings, and educational events that celebrate the unique traditions of Hawaii. Baricaua manages the organization's internal operations, including membership development and financial oversight, to ensure the club remains active and impactful. By facilitating connections between students, the President, Puaikeana Co (Hawaii Club) strengthens the campus community and promotes cultural understanding. Madison Baricaua also works closely with student affairs to align club activities with university policies and goals. This leadership role involves building partnerships across the campus to increase the visibility of the organization and ensure that students have meaningful opportunities to engage with their heritage while pursuing their academic degrees.

Carys Nelson, the Chapman Dance Alliance Co-President at Chapman University, leads the student organization dedicated to the performing arts and dance community. The Chapman Dance Alliance Co-President coordinates rehearsals, performances, and workshops that provide students with opportunities to showcase their artistic talents. Nelson manages the organization's logistics, including venue scheduling and promotional efforts, to ensure successful events throughout the academic year. By fostering a collaborative environment, the Chapman Dance Alliance Co-President encourages creativity and professional development among student dancers. Carys Nelson also collaborates with the university's arts departments to integrate student performances into the broader cultural life of the campus. This leadership role involves managing the organization's resources and ensuring that all activities align with the university's commitment to the arts, ultimately enriching the student experience and contributing to the vibrant creative culture at the institution.

Lana Rayan, the President, International Law Society at Chapman University, directs the activities of the student organization focused on global legal issues and professional development. The President, International Law Society organizes guest lectures, networking events, and panel discussions that provide students with insights into international legal practices. Rayan manages the organization's membership and outreach, ensuring that students have access to resources that support their career aspirations in the legal field. By facilitating engagement with legal professionals, the President, International Law Society enhances the academic experience and prepares students for global careers. Lana Rayan also coordinates with the law school administration to ensure that the society's initiatives align with the university's educational mission. This leadership role involves strategic planning and the execution of programs that foster intellectual growth and professional networking, contributing to the overall success of the university's legal studies program.

Amy Rogan-Mehta, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff at Chapman University, manages the daily operations of the executive office while facilitating communication between senior leadership and faculty. The Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff coordinates complex projects that span multiple academic departments, ensuring that institutional objectives receive proper attention and resources. Rogan-Mehta optimizes administrative workflows to increase efficiency across the campus, allowing the university to focus on its core mission of student development. By managing high-level stakeholder relationships, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff supports the implementation of strategic initiatives that enhance the university's reputation. Amy Rogan-Mehta also monitors the execution of board-approved policies, ensuring total alignment with the long-term goals of the institution. This role requires constant oversight of internal processes to maintain organizational health and operational excellence throughout the entire university structure.

Daniel Leonard, the Chief Technology Officer & Associate Dean at Chapman University, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern academic research and administrative functions. The Chief Technology Officer & Associate Dean oversees the implementation of advanced software systems and cybersecurity protocols to protect institutional data. Leonard integrates technology into the classroom experience, ensuring that students and faculty have access to cutting-edge tools for learning and discovery. By managing the technical roadmap, the Chief Technology Officer & Associate Dean supports the university's goal of maintaining a technologically advanced campus environment. Daniel Leonard also collaborates with academic deans to align digital resources with specific pedagogical needs. This leadership role involves balancing the demands of technical innovation with the practical requirements of a private, non-profit university, ultimately driving efficiency and enhancing the overall educational experience for the entire campus community.

Joseph Wallace, the Executive Assistant To VP & Chief Human Resources Officer at Chapman University, coordinates the administrative functions of the human resources department. The Executive Assistant To VP & Chief Human Resources Officer manages personnel records, recruitment workflows, and employee engagement initiatives that support the university's diverse workforce. Wallace facilitates communication between the human resources leadership and various academic departments, ensuring that staffing needs align with institutional goals. By streamlining administrative processes, the Executive Assistant To VP & Chief Human Resources Officer improves the efficiency of hiring and retention efforts. Joseph Wallace also assists in the development of policies that promote a positive and inclusive work environment for all staff and faculty. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the operational needs of a private university, ensuring that human capital remains a central pillar of the institution's success.

Phillip Lyle, the Interim Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Chapman University, directs the information technology strategy for the entire institution. The Interim Vice President and Chief Information Officer oversees the maintenance of network systems, data management, and digital communication platforms that connect the campus community. Lyle ensures that all information technology services remain reliable and secure, supporting the academic and administrative needs of the university. By managing the IT budget and personnel, the Interim Vice President and Chief Information Officer drives the adoption of new technologies that enhance research capabilities and student services. Phillip Lyle also collaborates with other executive leaders to ensure that digital initiatives align with the university's mission. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of the technological landscape to provide robust solutions that support the long-term growth and operational success of the university.