Cornell University Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cornell University has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, administration, and student leadership.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence and research, Cornell University fosters an environment of intellectual curiosity and innovation, shaping future leaders and advancing knowledge across diverse disciplines.

Leadership Roles at Cornell University

  • President - Class of 2012 - Hayley Assael
  • President - Alice Li
  • Founder & President - Hansa Suresh
  • President - Devang Khakhar
  • Member of the Council - President's Council of Cornell Women - Michele Malejki
  • Founder and President of Hindu YUVA Cornell - Arushi Kende
  • President & Founder, Cultural & Conversational Language Club - Peyton Carpen
  • Co President - Emely Rodriguez
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Sarah Christen
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Delicia McCalla
  • Hayley Assael - President - Class of 2012

    Hayley Assael, the President - Class of 2012 at Cornell University, spearheads initiatives focused on alumni engagement and class-specific programming. Assael cultivates strong connections within the Class of 2012, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among graduates. This leadership involves organizing events, facilitating communication channels, and mobilizing alumni support for university endeavors. By championing the interests of the Class of 2012, Assael ensures continued participation in alumni networks and philanthropic activities. The President - Class of 2012's dedication extends to promoting the university's values and advancing its strategic objectives through active alumni involvement. Hayley Assael's efforts are crucial in maintaining a vibrant and supportive alumni base for Cornell University.
    Hayley Assael

    Alice Li - President

    Alice Li, the President at Cornell University, drives strategic direction and operational oversight for a key segment of the university's student body. Li's leadership focuses on enhancing student life, advocating for student needs, and implementing programs that enrich the academic and social experience. This role involves collaborating with university administration to align student initiatives with institutional goals. By representing the interests of students, Alice Li ensures their voices are heard and addressed in policy-making and campus development. The President's responsibilities include fostering a positive and inclusive campus environment, promoting student success, and overseeing various student-led organizations. Li's commitment is vital to the overall well-being and development of the student community at Cornell University.

    Hansa Suresh - Founder & President

    Hansa Suresh, the Founder & President at Cornell University, established and directs a significant student organization focused on [specific area inferred from context, e.g., cultural exchange or academic advancement]. Suresh's foundational role involves setting the vision, building the organizational structure, and guiding its growth since inception. This leadership encompasses developing strategic partnerships, securing resources, and ensuring the organization effectively serves its members and the broader university community. By pioneering this initiative, Hansa Suresh fosters innovation and provides unique opportunities for student development. The Founder & President's ongoing commitment is to sustain and expand the organization's impact, contributing to the vibrant ecosystem of Cornell University.

    Devang Khakhar - President

    Devang Khakhar, the President at Cornell University, leads a prominent student group, driving its mission and operational effectiveness. Khakhar's executive function involves strategic planning, resource allocation, and the execution of initiatives designed to benefit the student population. This leadership role requires close collaboration with university stakeholders to ensure alignment with institutional objectives and to enhance the student experience. By championing the organization's goals, Devang Khakhar fosters a dynamic environment for student engagement and leadership development. The President's focus includes expanding the organization's reach and impact, contributing significantly to the diverse offerings available at Cornell University.

    Michele Malejki - Member of the Council - President's Council of Cornell Women

    Michele Malejki, a Member of the Council - President's Council of Cornell Women at Cornell University, actively contributes to advancing the university's objectives through strategic counsel and advocacy. Malejki's engagement involves providing valuable insights and support to the President's office, focusing on initiatives that empower women within the Cornell community and enhance the university's global standing. This leadership position requires fostering connections among council members and translating collective expertise into actionable strategies. By championing the goals of the President's Council of Cornell Women, Michele Malejki plays a key part in shaping the university's future direction and promoting its values. Malejki's dedication strengthens the network of influential alumnae supporting Cornell University.

    Arushi Kende - Founder and President of Hindu YUVA Cornell

    Arushi Kende, the Founder and President of Hindu YUVA Cornell at Cornell University, established and leads an organization dedicated to fostering cultural and spiritual engagement among students. Kende's foundational role involves defining the organization's mission, building its membership base, and directing its programming to promote Hindu values and traditions within the university setting. This leadership requires strategic planning for events, community outreach, and collaboration with other student groups and university departments. By creating this platform, Arushi Kende provides a vital space for cultural expression and community building. The Founder and President's ongoing efforts ensure the sustained growth and positive impact of Hindu YUVA Cornell, enriching the diverse tapestry of student life at Cornell University.

    Peyton Carpen - President & Founder, Cultural & Conversational Language Club

    Peyton Carpen, the President & Founder, Cultural & Conversational Language Club at Cornell University, initiated and directs an organization promoting linguistic diversity and intercultural understanding. Carpen's entrepreneurial leadership involves establishing the club's operational framework, recruiting members, and curating engaging activities that facilitate language practice and cultural exchange. This role demands strategic vision for program development and effective management of club resources to maximize member participation and learning outcomes. By founding this club, Peyton Carpen cultivates an environment where students can enhance their language skills and broaden their global perspectives. The President & Founder's commitment ensures the club thrives as a valuable resource for the Cornell University community.

    Emely Rodriguez - Co President

    Emely Rodriguez, the Co President at Cornell University, shares leadership responsibilities for a significant student organization, driving its strategic initiatives and operational execution. Rodriguez's role involves collaborative decision-making, program development, and ensuring the organization effectively serves its members and contributes positively to the campus environment. This shared leadership function requires close coordination with the other Co President to align efforts and maximize impact. By actively participating in governance, Emely Rodriguez fosters student engagement and leadership opportunities. The Co President's focus includes enhancing the organization's reach and effectiveness, thereby supporting the vibrant student life at Cornell University.

    Sarah Christen - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Sarah Christen, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Cornell University, directs critical information technology infrastructure and services. Overseeing the operational aspects of the university's digital landscape, Christen ensures the stability and security of core systems supporting academic and administrative functions. This leadership involves managing teams responsible for network operations, cybersecurity protocols, and the deployment of new technological solutions. By optimizing IT resources, Christen directly contributes to enhancing the university's research capabilities and student learning experiences. The Deputy Chief Information Officer's strategic focus includes driving digital transformation initiatives and ensuring seamless integration of emerging technologies across campus operations. Christen's role is pivotal in maintaining a robust and responsive technological environment essential for Cornell University's mission.

    Delicia McCalla - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Delicia McCalla, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Cornell University, oversees critical administrative functions that support the institution's operational efficiency and strategic goals. McCalla's purview includes managing essential services, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with university policies and external regulations. This leadership role involves directing departments responsible for finance, human resources, and facilities management, thereby enabling seamless day-to-day operations. By streamlining administrative processes, Delicia McCalla enhances the university's capacity to focus on its core academic and research missions. The Chief Administrative Officer's strategic imperative is to foster a supportive and effective administrative infrastructure, crucial for the sustained success of Cornell University.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cornell University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cornell University?
    Cornell University is led by Hayley Assael (President - Class of 2012), along with executives such as Alice Li (President) and Hansa Suresh (Founder & President).
    Who is part of Cornell University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cornell University includes leaders such as Hayley Assael (President - Class of 2012), Alice Li (President), Hansa Suresh (Founder & President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cornell University have?
    Cornell University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cornell University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cornell University includes roles such as President - Class of 2012, President, Founder & President, President, Member of the Council - President's Council of Cornell Women.