Cornell University Executive and Leadership Team

Robert Min, the President & Chief Executive Officer & Organization Physician at Cornell University, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational health of the institution. Overseeing complex academic and clinical frameworks, the President & Chief Executive Officer & Organization Physician ensures alignment between research initiatives and institutional goals. This leadership role involves managing high-level stakeholder relationships and driving long-term growth across North American research sectors. By optimizing organizational structures, Robert Min directly impacts the university's ability to maintain its Ivy League status. Ultimately, Min secures the financial and academic stability required for sustained innovation within the competitive higher education landscape, ensuring that all departments function with maximum efficiency and purpose while upholding the rigorous standards expected of a premier research university.

Joanne DeStefano, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Cornell University, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic planning of the institution. Overseeing capital allocation and budgetary compliance, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources support the university's core research and educational missions. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board of Trustees to maintain fiscal transparency and operational sustainability across global research operations. By implementing robust financial controls, Joanne DeStefano directly impacts the university's capacity for infrastructure development and academic expansion. Ultimately, DeStefano secures the necessary funding streams to support diverse faculty projects and student programs, ensuring that the institution remains financially resilient while navigating the complexities of modern higher education funding models.

Tammy Dibble, the Director, Human Resources & Executive VP, Office of & Chief Financial Officer at Cornell University, manages personnel policies and administrative financial oversight. Overseeing talent acquisition and workforce development, the Director, Human Resources & Executive VP, Office of & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the university attracts and retains top-tier academic and administrative staff. This leadership role involves balancing human capital needs with strict budgetary constraints to maintain operational excellence. By streamlining internal processes, Tammy Dibble directly impacts the efficiency of the university's administrative functions. Ultimately, Dibble secures a productive work environment that supports the broader research mission, ensuring that all departments operate with the necessary human and financial resources to achieve institutional objectives while maintaining compliance with complex regulatory standards.

Alianna Wray, the Co-President, The Black Women's Support Network At Cornell at Cornell University, directs community engagement and advocacy initiatives for the student body. Overseeing support programs and networking events, the Co-President, The Black Women's Support Network At Cornell ensures that underrepresented groups receive the resources necessary for academic and professional success. This leadership role involves collaborating with university administration to foster an inclusive campus culture. By facilitating mentorship opportunities, Alianna Wray directly impacts the retention and well-being of students within the network. Ultimately, Wray secures a stronger sense of community and belonging, driving initiatives that promote equity and diversity across the university's various colleges and departments, ensuring that all students have access to the support systems required to thrive in a rigorous academic environment.

Isabel Szarfarc, the President at Cornell University, leads specific student-focused initiatives and organizational governance within the university framework. Overseeing project execution and member engagement, the President ensures that student-led organizations align with the broader mission of the institution. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty advisors and administrative offices to secure funding and logistical support for campus activities. By fostering collaboration among diverse student groups, Isabel Szarfarc directly impacts the vibrancy of the campus experience. Ultimately, Szarfarc secures the success of various extracurricular programs, driving student participation and leadership development through structured initiatives that enhance the overall educational experience, ensuring that the university remains a hub for active student engagement and community-building efforts across all academic disciplines.

Chris Cizmeciyan, the President, Weill Ithaca Network at Cornell University, directs the integration of medical research and academic collaboration between the Ithaca and clinical campuses. Overseeing cross-functional teams, the President, Weill Ithaca Network ensures that scientific discoveries translate into practical applications within the healthcare sector. This leadership role involves managing partnerships with medical professionals and academic researchers to advance clinical innovation. By optimizing communication channels between research hubs, Chris Cizmeciyan directly impacts the university's contribution to medical science. Ultimately, Cizmeciyan secures the success of collaborative projects, driving advancements in health outcomes through strategic alignment of resources and expertise, ensuring that the university maintains its position at the forefront of medical research and clinical education on a national scale.

Isabel Josephs, the Co-President of Red Key Athlete Honors Society at Cornell University, manages the recognition and development of high-achieving student-athletes. Overseeing society events and academic excellence programs, the Co-President of Red Key Athlete Honors Society ensures that student-athletes maintain a balance between rigorous athletic training and academic performance. This leadership role involves coordinating with the athletic department to promote the values of leadership and integrity. By fostering a community of high-performing individuals, Isabel Josephs directly impacts the reputation of the university's athletic programs. Ultimately, Josephs secures the continued success of the society, driving initiatives that celebrate academic and athletic achievement, ensuring that student-athletes receive the recognition and support necessary to excel in both their sporting endeavors and their academic pursuits.

Samuel Karunwi, the President at Cornell University, leads specific organizational initiatives focused on student professional development and career readiness. Overseeing workshops and industry networking events, the President ensures that students gain the skills necessary for success in the global workforce. This leadership role involves partnering with corporate recruiters and alumni to provide valuable career insights. By facilitating connections between students and industry leaders, Samuel Karunwi directly impacts the post-graduation outcomes of the student body. Ultimately, Karunwi secures the effectiveness of professional development programs, driving student engagement through targeted initiatives that bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, ensuring that the university continues to produce graduates who are well-prepared for the demands of the modern professional landscape.

Riya Mittle, the President at Cornell University, directs specific student-led research and academic advocacy groups. Overseeing project timelines and resource allocation, the President ensures that student research initiatives contribute meaningfully to the university's intellectual output. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty mentors to provide guidance and support for student-led projects. By fostering an environment of inquiry and innovation, Riya Mittle directly impacts the quality of student research contributions. Ultimately, Mittle secures the success of these academic initiatives, driving student participation in scholarly activities that enhance the university's reputation for research excellence, ensuring that students have the tools and opportunities to explore complex academic questions while developing the critical thinking skills necessary for future success in their chosen fields.

Emily Szurek, the Chief Marketing Officer, Ecornell at Cornell University, architects the digital presence and brand strategy for the online learning division. Overseeing global outreach and student acquisition campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer, Ecornell ensures that educational offerings reach a diverse international audience. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to position online programs effectively within the competitive digital education sector. By optimizing conversion funnels and brand messaging, Emily Szurek directly impacts the growth of the university's remote learning footprint. Ultimately, Szurek secures a strong market position for the institution, driving engagement through data-driven marketing initiatives that highlight the value of high-quality academic content delivered through modern, accessible platforms designed for professional development and lifelong learning.