Emerson College Executive and Leadership Team

Richard Madonna, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Emerson College, architects the financial strategy that sustains the institution's academic mission. Madonna oversees the budgeting process, endowment management, and long-term fiscal planning to ensure the college remains financially robust. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer monitors revenue streams from tuition and external partnerships to support the expansion of communication and arts programs. Richard Madonna works closely with the Board to provide transparent financial reporting and risk assessment. By implementing rigorous fiscal controls, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer protects the assets of the college while funding critical investments in state-of-the-art facilities. This leadership role involves balancing the immediate needs of the faculty with the necessity of maintaining a sustainable financial future. Through strategic financial stewardship, Madonna enables the institution to continue providing transformative educational opportunities to students worldwide.

Rebecca Catarelli, the Chief Operating Officer at Emerson College, directs the administrative infrastructure supporting academic excellence. Catarelli manages campus facilities and operational workflows to ensure the physical environment aligns with the needs of communication and arts students. By optimizing resource allocation across departments, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the efficiency of institutional services. Rebecca Catarelli also coordinates with the finance team to align capital expenditures with long-term strategic goals. This leadership role involves overseeing the integration of state-of-the-art technology into daily campus operations. Through the implementation of scalable administrative processes, Catarelli supports the broader mission of providing a world-class educational experience. The Chief Operating Officer drives initiatives that enhance operational resilience, ensuring that the college remains a leader in experiential learning while maintaining high standards of service for the entire academic community.

Chad Myers, the Interim Chief Operating Officer at Emerson College, manages the tactical execution of campus-wide operational projects. Myers focuses on the immediate stabilization of logistical frameworks to support the diverse needs of the communication and arts programs. The Interim Chief Operating Officer evaluates current service delivery models to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost efficiency. Chad Myers collaborates with department heads to ensure that operational support remains consistent during periods of institutional transition. By streamlining internal communication channels, the Interim Chief Operating Officer facilitates better coordination between faculty and administrative staff. This role requires constant monitoring of campus infrastructure to maintain the high-quality environment necessary for student success. Through diligent oversight of daily operations, Myers ensures that the college continues to function effectively while preparing for future growth and long-term strategic development within the competitive landscape of higher education.

Barry Marshall, the Union President at Emerson College, represents the interests of the collective bargaining unit to ensure fair working conditions and professional standards. Marshall negotiates labor agreements that support the faculty and staff who deliver the college's communication and arts curriculum. The Union President facilitates dialogue between the administration and the workforce to resolve grievances and improve workplace morale. Barry Marshall advocates for resources that enable educators to maintain the high quality of instruction expected at the institution. By fostering a collaborative relationship with the college leadership, the Union President ensures that the needs of the employees are integrated into the strategic planning process. This role involves constant engagement with members to address concerns regarding compensation, benefits, and professional growth. Through active representation, Marshall contributes to the stability and success of the academic community, ensuring that the workforce remains committed to the mission of the college.

Audrey Epstein, the Co-President at Emerson College, shares the responsibility of guiding the institution's strategic vision and academic direction. Epstein focuses on the expansion of experiential learning programs that connect students with global opportunities in communication and the arts. The Co-President collaborates with the other executive leaders to ensure that the college's mission remains central to all decision-making processes. Audrey Epstein oversees the development of partnerships with industry leaders to enhance the professional network of the alumni base. By championing innovative pedagogical approaches, the Co-President drives the college's reputation as a hub for creative problem-solving. This leadership role involves representing the institution to external stakeholders and donors to secure the resources necessary for future growth. Through a shared governance model, Epstein ensures that the college maintains its commitment to liberal learning while adapting to the evolving demands of the modern media and arts landscape.

Zoe Wyner, the President at Emerson College, defines the overarching strategic trajectory of the institution. Wyner leads the implementation of initiatives that solidify the college's position as a premier destination for communication and arts education. The President engages with the Board, faculty, and alumni to ensure that the mission of solving global problems through engaged leadership remains the primary focus. Zoe Wyner oversees the integration of liberal learning with practical, state-of-the-art training to prepare students for professional success. By fostering an environment of innovation, the President drives the development of new programs and global partnerships. This leadership role involves high-level advocacy for the college's values and the pursuit of philanthropic support to sustain long-term growth. Through visionary guidance, Wyner ensures that the institution continues to produce graduates who are prepared to change the world through their creative and communicative contributions.

Paige Bayliss, the President at Emerson College, focuses on the advancement of the institution's academic reputation and research capabilities. Bayliss directs the development of interdisciplinary programs that bridge the gap between communication theory and artistic practice. The President manages the college's external relations, ensuring that the brand remains influential within the global arts community. Paige Bayliss works to enhance the student experience by investing in campus resources and experiential learning opportunities. By prioritizing the recruitment of diverse and talented faculty, the President maintains the high standards of instruction that define the college. This leadership role involves navigating the complexities of higher education policy and advocating for the importance of the arts in a modern society. Through strategic planning and community engagement, Bayliss ensures that the institution remains a vibrant center for intellectual and creative growth, preparing students to lead in their respective fields.

Jamie Bernhardt, the President at Emerson College, leads the institutional efforts to expand the reach and impact of the college's communication and arts programs. Bernhardt focuses on the modernization of the curriculum to ensure that students are equipped with the skills necessary for the digital age. The President oversees the cultivation of an active alumni network that provides mentorship and career opportunities for current students. Jamie Bernhardt drives the strategic initiatives that promote the college's commitment to liberal learning and social responsibility. By fostering a culture of collaboration, the President ensures that the institution remains responsive to the needs of the creative industries. This leadership role involves managing the college's public profile and securing the financial resources required for ongoing innovation. Through dedicated leadership, Bernhardt supports the mission of empowering individuals to solve problems and change the world through their work in communication and the arts.

Samantha Switall, the President at Emerson College, directs the long-term planning and institutional development efforts. Switall focuses on the enhancement of the college's global footprint through the expansion of international experiential learning programs. The President works to ensure that the institution's facilities and technology remain at the forefront of the communication and arts sectors. Samantha Switall leads the efforts to strengthen the college's financial foundation through strategic fundraising and endowment growth. By promoting a culture of engaged leadership, the President encourages students and faculty to address pressing societal issues through their creative endeavors. This leadership role involves coordinating with the executive team to align operational activities with the core mission of the college. Through consistent and forward-thinking leadership, Switall ensures that the institution continues to provide a transformative education that prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact in the world.

James Montgomery-Hyde, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Emerson College, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Montgomery-Hyde manages the recruitment of renowned faculty and professional staff who drive the college's mission in communication and the arts. The Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer oversees employee relations, benefits administration, and professional development programs to foster a high-performance culture. James Montgomery-Hyde implements policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across all departments. By aligning human capital strategies with the broader institutional goals, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains engaged and capable of supporting student success. This role involves navigating complex labor environments and building a supportive workplace that attracts top-tier talent. Through effective leadership, Montgomery-Hyde maintains the organizational health necessary for the college to thrive in a global educational market.