Emerson College Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Emerson College has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, human resources, finance, and student leadership.

Driven by a commitment to engaged leadership, Emerson College educates individuals who will solve problems and change the world through communication and the arts, a mission informed by liberal learning and supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a renowned faculty.

Leadership Roles at Emerson College

  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Richard Madonna
  • Chief Operating Officer - Rebecca Catarelli
  • Interim Chief Operating Officer - Chad Myers
  • President - Zoe Wyner
  • President - Paige Bayliss
  • Co President - Olivia Bortolon
  • President - Samantha Switall
  • Co-President - Audrey Epstein
  • Union President - Barry Marshall
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - James Montgomery-Hyde
  • Richard Madonna - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Richard Madonna, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Emerson College, directs the fiscal strategy and financial health of the institution. This critical leadership position involves overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, treasury, and financial planning, ensuring robust support for Emerson's mission. Madonna's expertise is vital for managing the financial resources that sustain state-of-the-art facilities and renowned faculty, enabling the college's commitment to experiential learning. The financial stewardship ensures the long-term viability and growth of Emerson College, allowing it to continue educating individuals who will solve problems and change the world. Through strategic financial management, Richard Madonna underpins the college's capacity to deliver exceptional programs and maintain its active network of alumni in leadership positions.

    Rebecca Catarelli - Chief Operating Officer

    Rebecca Catarelli, the Chief Operating Officer at Emerson College, directs the operational infrastructure supporting the institution's mission. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation and ensuring the efficient functioning of all campus services, from facilities management to administrative support. Catarelli's oversight extends to strategic planning for operational scalability, aligning campus resources with academic and student life objectives. By managing day-to-day operations, Rebecca Catarelli ensures a seamless environment conducive to learning and creative expression, directly contributing to the college's ability to foster engaged leadership in communication and the arts. This executive function is critical for maintaining the high standards of Emerson's renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, enabling students to thrive in their academic pursuits and experiential learning programs.

    Chad Myers - Interim Chief Operating Officer

    Chad Myers, the Interim Chief Operating Officer at Emerson College, provides critical oversight during a transitional period, ensuring continuity in essential operational functions. This role focuses on maintaining the integrity of campus operations, managing immediate needs, and supporting the strategic direction set by the college leadership. Myers' responsibilities include overseeing the effective deployment of resources and ensuring that all departments function cohesively to support Emerson's educational mission. The interim leadership ensures that day-to-day activities proceed without disruption, allowing the college to continue its work in educating individuals for engaged leadership in communication and the arts. Chad Myers' focus is on stabilizing and optimizing current operations while contributing to the long-term vision for Emerson College's infrastructure and service delivery.

    Zoe Wyner - President

    Zoe Wyner, the President at Emerson College, provides overarching strategic direction and leadership for the institution's mission. This executive role involves guiding the college's vision for educating individuals to become problem-solvers and change-makers in communication and the arts. Wyner's leadership ensures that Emerson College continues to foster engaged learning, supported by its renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. The focus is on advancing the college's reputation and impact, cultivating an environment where students can excel through experiential programs. By championing the college's core values, Zoe Wyner drives initiatives that enhance academic excellence and prepare graduates for leadership roles in their respective fields, reinforcing Emerson's position in higher education.

    Paige Bayliss - President

    Paige Bayliss, the President at Emerson College, spearheads the strategic initiatives that advance the institution's educational mission. This leadership position focuses on enhancing the college's capacity to educate individuals for engaged leadership in communication and the arts. Bayliss oversees the development and implementation of programs that leverage state-of-the-art facilities and a renowned faculty, ensuring students receive a world-class education. The role is instrumental in fostering a culture of innovation and academic rigor, preparing graduates to make significant contributions to society. Through dedicated leadership, Paige Bayliss ensures Emerson College remains at the forefront of higher education, empowering students to solve problems and drive change globally.

    Olivia Bortolon - Co President

    Olivia Bortolon, the Co President at Emerson College, collaborates to guide the institution's strategic direction and operational excellence. This leadership role involves shared responsibility for advancing Emerson's mission of educating individuals for engaged leadership in communication and the arts. Bortolon contributes to fostering an environment that supports renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring students benefit from exceptional experiential learning opportunities. The co-presidency ensures a dynamic approach to institutional development, focusing on preparing graduates to tackle complex challenges and effect positive change. Olivia Bortolon's involvement is key to maintaining Emerson College's commitment to academic rigor and its active network of influential alumni.

    Samantha Switall - President

    Samantha Switall, the President at Emerson College, directs the strategic vision and operational execution that define the institution's impact. This executive role is dedicated to advancing Emerson's mission of cultivating problem-solvers and leaders in communication and the arts. Switall ensures that the college's resources, including its state-of-the-art facilities and renowned faculty, are optimally utilized to deliver unparalleled educational experiences. The leadership focuses on enhancing student success through robust academic programs and global experiential learning opportunities. By championing innovation and excellence, Samantha Switall reinforces Emerson College's commitment to preparing graduates for influential roles in their chosen fields and for contributing meaningfully to society.

    Audrey Epstein - Co-President

    Audrey Epstein, the Co-President at Emerson College, shares leadership responsibilities in steering the institution toward its educational objectives. This role focuses on enhancing the college's capacity to empower students for engaged leadership in communication and the arts. Epstein collaborates to ensure that Emerson College's renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities provide an optimal learning environment for all students. The co-presidency fosters a collaborative approach to institutional growth, emphasizing the development of critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Audrey Epstein's contribution is vital in upholding Emerson College's commitment to academic distinction and preparing graduates to excel in diverse professional landscapes.

    Barry Marshall - Union President

    Barry Marshall, the Union President at Emerson College, represents the collective interests of union members, advocating for their rights and working conditions. This leadership position involves negotiating with college administration to ensure fair labor practices and a supportive work environment for staff. Marshall's role is crucial in fostering constructive dialogue between the union and the college leadership, aiming to align employee well-being with Emerson's broader mission. The focus is on maintaining positive labor relations and ensuring that the contributions of unionized staff are recognized and valued. Through dedicated advocacy, Barry Marshall works to uphold the principles of fairness and equity within the Emerson College community, supporting the institution's overall operational stability.

    James Montgomery-Hyde - Chief Human Resources Officer

    James Montgomery-Hyde, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Emerson College, architects the human capital strategy essential for advancing the institution's mission. This executive function encompasses talent acquisition, development, and retention for faculty and staff, ensuring a high-caliber team dedicated to Emerson's educational goals. Montgomery-Hyde oversees the implementation of comprehensive HR policies that support a diverse and inclusive campus environment, fostering professional growth and well-being. The role is pivotal in aligning HR initiatives with the college's commitment to engaged leadership and innovation in communication and the arts. By cultivating a supportive and dynamic workplace, James Montgomery-Hyde directly contributes to the renowned faculty and the overall success of Emerson College's students and programs.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Emerson College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Emerson College?
    Emerson College is led by Richard Madonna (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Rebecca Catarelli (Chief Operating Officer) and Chad Myers (Interim Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Emerson College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Emerson College includes leaders such as Richard Madonna (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Rebecca Catarelli (Chief Operating Officer), Chad Myers (Interim Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Emerson College have?
    Emerson College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Emerson College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Emerson College includes roles such as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Interim Chief Operating Officer, President, President.