Cornell University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cornell University has 10 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, marketing, financial management, human resources, and alumni leadership.

Committed to rigorous academic excellence and groundbreaking research, Cornell University fosters interdisciplinary learning and public impact across a diverse global community of scholars and innovators.

Leadership Roles at Cornell University

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Christopher Cohen
  • Director, Human Resources & Executive VP, Office of & Chief Financial Officer - Tammy Dibble
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Thomas Stokes
  • Board Member, President's Council of Cornell Women. Co-Chair Development Committee - Olga Torres
  • Board Member, President's Council of Cornell Women. Co-Chair Development Committee - Margarita Rossi
  • President - Class of 2012 - Hayley Assael
  • President - Robert Julian
  • Co-President, The Black Women's Support Network At Cornell - Alianna Wray
  • Chief of Staff - Amie Prince
  • Chief Marketing Officer, Ecornell - Emily Szurek
  • Christopher Cohen - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Cohen, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Cornell University, manages the institution's multi-billion dollar endowment and annual operating budget. Overseeing fiscal planning, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources support groundbreaking research and infrastructure development. This role involves coordinating with the Board of Trustees to maintain long-term economic sustainability while funding interdisciplinary learning initiatives. Christopher Cohen directs the allocation of capital to prioritize academic excellence and campus expansion. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer mitigates institutional risk and optimizes asset performance. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of global economic trends to protect the university's financial health. Through the strategic management of fiscal assets, Cohen enables the university to pursue its mission of public impact. Ultimately, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to sustain world-class academic programs.

    Tammy Dibble - Director, Human Resources & Executive VP, Office of & Chief Financial Officer

    Tammy Dibble, the Director, Human Resources & Executive VP, Office of & Chief Financial Officer at Cornell University, oversees talent acquisition and organizational development for the university's administrative and financial divisions. By architecting comprehensive workforce strategies, the Director, Human Resources & Executive VP, Office of & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the institution attracts and retains top-tier academic and professional staff. This role involves aligning human capital management with the university's broader financial objectives and research goals. Tammy Dibble manages complex labor relations and promotes a culture of innovation across all departments. Through the implementation of efficient HR policies, the Director, Human Resources & Executive VP, Office of & Chief Financial Officer supports the operational needs of the financial office. This leadership position requires balancing administrative efficiency with the university's commitment to public impact. Ultimately, Dibble fosters a productive environment that enables the institution to maintain its status as a premier research university.

    Thomas Stokes - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Thomas Stokes, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Cornell University, directs the university's treasury operations and financial reporting systems. Overseeing the integrity of fiscal data, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with regulatory standards while supporting the institution's diverse research portfolio. This role involves managing liquidity and debt structures to provide the necessary capital for campus-wide innovation. Thomas Stokes collaborates with academic leaders to align departmental budgets with the university's strategic vision. By optimizing financial processes, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer enhances the efficiency of resource distribution across engineering, technology, and humanities departments. This leadership position requires constant vigilance regarding market volatility and institutional spending. Through the precise management of financial systems, Stokes supports the university's commitment to groundbreaking discovery. Ultimately, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal foundation required for sustained academic excellence.

    Olga Torres - Board Member, President's Council of Cornell Women. Co-Chair Development Committee

    Olga Torres, the Board Member, President's Council of Cornell Women. Co-Chair Development Committee at Cornell University, leads fundraising initiatives and donor engagement strategies to support the university's philanthropic goals. By architecting development campaigns, the Board Member, President's Council of Cornell Women. Co-Chair Development Committee ensures that the institution secures the resources necessary for interdisciplinary learning and student scholarships. This role involves cultivating relationships with alumni and corporate partners to expand the university's financial base. Olga Torres coordinates with the development team to identify key areas for investment, including research facilities and public impact programs. Through the oversight of fundraising committees, the Board Member, President's Council of Cornell Women. Co-Chair Development Committee drives the university's mission of fostering leadership and discovery. This position requires a deep understanding of the institution's academic values and long-term vision. Ultimately, Torres secures the philanthropic support essential for maintaining the university's competitive edge.

    Margarita Rossi - Board Member, President's Council of Cornell Women. Co-Chair Development Committee

    Margarita Rossi, the Board Member, President's Council of Cornell Women. Co-Chair Development Committee at Cornell University, focuses on strategic outreach and community engagement to bolster the university's development efforts. By directing initiatives that connect alumni with current academic projects, the Board Member, President's Council of Cornell Women. Co-Chair Development Committee enhances the institution's network and philanthropic reach. This role involves analyzing donor trends to optimize fundraising strategies for specific departments, such as agriculture and the arts. Margarita Rossi collaborates with university leadership to ensure that development goals align with the institution's commitment to public impact. Through the management of donor relations, the Board Member, President's Council of Cornell Women. Co-Chair Development Committee supports the growth of research and innovation programs. This leadership position requires a focus on long-term sustainability and community involvement. Ultimately, Rossi strengthens the university's financial capacity to support diverse academic pursuits.

    Hayley Assael - President - Class of 2012

    Hayley Assael, the President - Class of 2012 at Cornell University, leads alumni engagement efforts and fosters connections among graduates to support the university's ongoing mission. By architecting programs that encourage alumni participation in campus life, the President - Class of 2012 ensures that the institution maintains a strong, active community. This role involves coordinating events and networking opportunities that highlight the achievements of the class of 2012. Hayley Assael collaborates with university administration to promote initiatives that benefit current students and recent graduates. Through the oversight of class-specific outreach, the President - Class of 2012 drives the university's commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. This leadership position requires a focus on building a cohesive community that contributes to the university's reputation. Ultimately, Assael strengthens the bond between the institution and its alumni, ensuring continued support for the university's academic and research goals.
    Hayley Assael

    Robert Julian - President

    Robert Julian, the President at Cornell University, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Overseeing all university operations, the President ensures that the institution remains a leader in rigorous academics and groundbreaking research. This role involves setting institutional priorities that span engineering, technology, business, and the humanities. Robert Julian collaborates with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership to advance the university's commitment to public impact and interdisciplinary learning. By fostering an environment of innovation, the President drives the university's efforts to address complex global challenges. This leadership position requires constant engagement with faculty, students, and alumni to maintain the university's status as a premier Ivy League institution. Through the strategic management of resources and talent, Julian secures the university's future growth. Ultimately, the President maintains the academic integrity and excellence that define the institution's global reputation.

    Alianna Wray - Co-President, The Black Women's Support Network At Cornell

    Alianna Wray, the Co-President, The Black Women's Support Network At Cornell at Cornell University, leads initiatives focused on community building and advocacy for underrepresented groups within the university. By architecting support programs, the Co-President, The Black Women's Support Network At Cornell ensures that students have access to resources that promote academic and personal success. This role involves coordinating with university departments to foster an inclusive environment that aligns with the institution's commitment to diversity. Alianna Wray facilitates workshops and networking events that empower members of the network to excel in their respective fields. Through the oversight of advocacy efforts, the Co-President, The Black Women's Support Network At Cornell drives the university's mission of fostering leadership and discovery. This leadership position requires a focus on creating a supportive community that enhances the overall student experience. Ultimately, Wray contributes to the university's goal of maintaining a diverse and innovative academic community.

    Amie Prince - Chief of Staff

    Amie Prince, the Chief of Staff at Cornell University, coordinates high-level institutional initiatives and facilitates communication across the university leadership team. By managing complex administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between the president's office and various academic departments. This role involves synthesizing data from diverse research sectors to support informed decision-making processes. Amie Prince maintains operational efficiency by streamlining internal protocols and fostering collaboration among senior administrators. Through the oversight of strategic projects, the Chief of Staff drives the university's mission of interdisciplinary excellence. This position requires constant engagement with the Board of Trustees to maintain institutional stability. By prioritizing key academic goals, the Chief of Staff enables the university to sustain its status as a premier Ivy League institution. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the operational integrity necessary for long-term growth and academic success.

    Emily Szurek - Chief Marketing Officer, Ecornell

    Emily Szurek, the Chief Marketing Officer, Ecornell at Cornell University, directs all digital outreach and brand positioning for the university's professional education arm. Overseeing global market expansion, the Chief Marketing Officer, Ecornell ensures that online learning programs reach diverse professional audiences across international borders. This leadership role involves architecting data-driven campaigns that highlight the institution's rigorous academic standards and innovative research capabilities. By optimizing the digital enrollment funnel, Emily Szurek directly impacts the growth of professional certificate programs. The Chief Marketing Officer, Ecornell collaborates with faculty to translate complex academic content into accessible, high-impact marketing narratives. Through the implementation of advanced analytics, the Chief Marketing Officer, Ecornell monitors engagement metrics to refine outreach strategies. Ultimately, Szurek strengthens the university's reputation as a leader in accessible, high-quality education for working professionals worldwide.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cornell University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cornell University?
    Cornell University is led by Christopher Cohen (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Tammy Dibble (Director, Human Resources & Executive VP, Office of & Chief Financial Officer) and Thomas Stokes (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Cornell University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cornell University includes leaders such as Christopher Cohen (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Tammy Dibble (Director, Human Resources & Executive VP, Office of & Chief Financial Officer), Thomas Stokes (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) 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 Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Director, Human Resources & Executive VP, Office of & Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Board Member, President's Council of Cornell Women. Co-Chair Development Committee, Board Member, President's Council of Cornell Women. Co-Chair Development Committee.