Emerson College Executive and Leadership Team

Richard Madonna, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Emerson College, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic strategy of the institution. Overseeing financial planning, endowment management, and budgetary compliance, Madonna ensures that the college possesses the necessary capital to fund innovative communication and arts programs. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Board of Trustees to balance immediate operational needs with future growth objectives. By implementing robust financial controls, Richard Madonna secures the resources required for faculty research and student performance groups. Madonna drives fiscal transparency and accountability across all departments, ensuring that every dollar supports the core mission of liberal learning. Through strategic investment in campus infrastructure and global experiential programs, Madonna strengthens the financial foundation of the college. This disciplined approach to fiscal management allows the institution to remain competitive while providing students with unparalleled opportunities in the creative arts.

Rebecca Catarelli, the Chief Operating Officer at Emerson College, directs the daily administrative functions and infrastructure requirements necessary to support a premier communication and arts institution. Overseeing campus facilities and operational efficiency, Catarelli ensures that state-of-the-art learning environments remain optimized for student engagement. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to align physical resources with the evolving needs of the faculty and student body. By streamlining internal processes, Rebecca Catarelli directly impacts the institutional capacity to deliver high-quality experiential education. Catarelli manages complex logistical frameworks that sustain the college's reputation for excellence in the arts. Through rigorous oversight of operational budgets and resource allocation, Catarelli maintains the structural integrity of the campus. This commitment to operational excellence supports the broader mission of preparing students for leadership roles in communication and creative industries across the globe.

Chad Myers, the Interim Chief Operating Officer at Emerson College, executes critical operational transitions and maintains continuity across campus services. Overseeing the immediate maintenance of facilities and the logistical support for student organizations, Myers ensures that the daily life of the college remains uninterrupted. This leadership role involves managing vendor relationships and optimizing service delivery to support the unique needs of communication and arts students. By stabilizing key operational workflows, Chad Myers provides the necessary foundation for academic success during this interim period. Myers coordinates with department heads to address urgent infrastructure challenges and improve campus safety protocols. Through diligent oversight of service contracts and facility upgrades, Myers supports the broader institutional goal of providing a world-class educational experience. This focus on operational stability allows the faculty and students to remain fully engaged in their creative projects and academic pursuits without disruption to the campus environment.

Barry Marshall, the Union President at Emerson College, represents the collective interests of the staff and faculty to ensure fair labor practices and professional growth. Overseeing negotiations and policy advocacy, Marshall ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the institutional mission of communication and arts excellence. This leadership role involves mediating between administrative goals and the needs of the employees to foster a collaborative environment. By championing equitable compensation and workplace standards, Barry Marshall drives morale and retention across the campus. Marshall manages the dialogue between the union and the college leadership to resolve grievances and improve working conditions. Through active participation in governance committees, Marshall influences the strategic direction of the institution. This commitment to labor advocacy ensures that the faculty and staff possess the support required to deliver high-quality education and mentorship to students preparing for careers in the global communication and arts sectors.

Audrey Epstein, the Co-President at Emerson College, shares the responsibility of guiding the institution toward its strategic goals in communication and the arts. Overseeing collaborative initiatives and external partnerships, Epstein ensures that the college maintains its status as a leader in experiential learning. This leadership role involves working closely with the other Co-President to harmonize academic vision with administrative execution. By fostering relationships with alumni and industry leaders, Audrey Epstein expands the professional network available to students. Epstein drives the development of new programs that integrate liberal learning with practical, real-world problem solving. Through strategic oversight of institutional outreach, Epstein enhances the global footprint of the college. This shared leadership model allows for a comprehensive approach to managing the complexities of a modern university. By focusing on innovation and student outcomes, Epstein ensures that the institution continues to prepare graduates for impactful careers in the creative and communication fields.

Paige Bayliss, the President at Emerson College, defines the overarching vision and strategic direction for the institution. Overseeing the academic mission and institutional growth, Bayliss ensures that the college remains at the forefront of communication and arts education. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Trustees, faculty, and alumni to advance the college's reputation for excellence. By championing the integration of liberal learning with professional practice, Paige Bayliss drives the development of innovative curricula. Bayliss manages the long-term sustainability of the college through strategic fundraising and global partnerships. Through a commitment to engaged leadership, Bayliss inspires students to solve problems and change the world. This focus on institutional advancement ensures that the college provides state-of-the-art facilities and renowned faculty support. By leading with a clear vision, Bayliss secures the future of the institution as a premier destination for students seeking to make a significant impact in the communication and arts industries.

Zoe Wyner, the President at Emerson College, directs the strategic initiatives that enhance the college's influence in the communication and arts sectors. Overseeing the implementation of academic policies and institutional priorities, Wyner ensures that the college remains dedicated to its mission of engaged learning. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation that encourages students to explore new frontiers in media and performance. By cultivating relationships with global partners, Zoe Wyner expands the reach of the college's experiential learning programs. Wyner manages the alignment of institutional resources with the evolving needs of the creative economy. Through a focus on academic rigor and student success, Wyner supports the development of future leaders in communication. This commitment to excellence ensures that the college continues to attract top-tier talent and maintain its status as a hub for creative problem solving. By leading with purpose, Wyner drives the institution toward continued growth and societal impact.

Soham Gupta, the Class President '29 at Emerson College, represents the student body and facilitates communication between students and the administration. Overseeing student-led initiatives and campus events, Gupta ensures that the undergraduate experience reflects the college's commitment to engaged leadership. This leadership role involves organizing forums and activities that promote collaboration among students in communication and the arts. By advocating for student needs and interests, Soham Gupta drives improvements in campus life and academic support services. Gupta manages the student council budget and coordinates with various performance groups to enhance the vibrancy of the college community. Through active engagement with the student body, Gupta fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. This commitment to student representation ensures that the voices of the class of 2029 are heard and integrated into the broader institutional mission of preparing students to solve problems and change the world through their creative endeavors.

Jamie Bernhardt, the President at Emerson College, oversees the strategic execution of the college's mission to educate individuals in communication and the arts. Directing the administrative and academic leadership teams, Bernhardt ensures that the institution remains a leader in experiential learning. This leadership role involves managing the college's reputation and fostering an environment where liberal learning informs professional practice. By prioritizing the development of state-of-the-art facilities, Jamie Bernhardt supports the faculty and students in their creative pursuits. Bernhardt drives the expansion of global programs that provide students with real-world experience in diverse markets. Through strategic oversight of institutional goals, Bernhardt ensures that the college continues to produce graduates who solve problems and change the world. This commitment to excellence in education and leadership allows the institution to maintain its competitive edge. By focusing on student outcomes and institutional growth, Bernhardt secures the long-term success of the college in the communication and arts industries.

James Montgomery-Hyde, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Emerson College, architects the talent strategy and organizational culture for the entire faculty and staff. Overseeing recruitment, professional development, and employee relations, Montgomery-Hyde ensures that the institution attracts world-class educators who excel in communication and the arts. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive environment that supports the diverse needs of the academic community. By implementing comprehensive training programs, James Montgomery-Hyde drives excellence in teaching and administrative performance. Montgomery-Hyde manages the complex human capital requirements that sustain the college's reputation for engaged leadership. Through strategic workforce planning, Montgomery-Hyde aligns personnel capabilities with the evolving demands of the communication industry. This focus on human resources ensures that the college maintains a vibrant, high-performing workforce capable of preparing students to solve problems and change the world through their creative and professional endeavors.