Emerson College Executive and Leadership Team

Richard Madonna, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Emerson College, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Madonna oversees the budgeting process, endowment management, and financial reporting to ensure that the college maintains the resources required for its renowned communication and arts programs. By analyzing market trends and institutional spending, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data-driven insights necessary for strategic decision-making. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite members to fund new academic initiatives and facility upgrades. Richard Madonna also monitors compliance with regulatory standards, safeguarding the financial integrity of the college. Through prudent fiscal planning, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of experiential learning opportunities across global markets. Ultimately, Madonna secures the capital foundation that enables the college to continue its legacy of excellence in higher education.

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. Catarelli manages the physical campus environment and technological resources, ensuring that state-of-the-art facilities remain available for student performance groups and academic research. By optimizing operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer facilitates seamless collaboration between faculty and administrative departments. This leadership role involves overseeing large-scale resource allocation to maintain the institution's competitive edge in the higher education sector. Rebecca Catarelli also coordinates with the Board to align operational capacity with long-term strategic goals. Through rigorous oversight of campus services, the Chief Operating Officer sustains an environment conducive to experiential learning. Ultimately, Catarelli drives institutional efficiency, allowing the college to focus resources on the core mission of educating future leaders in communication and the arts.

Chad Myers, the Interim Chief Operating Officer at Emerson College, executes critical administrative transitions and maintains continuity in campus operations during periods of organizational change. Myers focuses on streamlining internal processes and enhancing the efficiency of support services that underpin the college's communication and arts curriculum. By evaluating current operational protocols, the Interim Chief Operating Officer identifies opportunities for cost reduction and service improvement. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to ensure that academic and performance groups receive the necessary logistical support. Chad Myers also manages vendor relationships and facility maintenance projects to uphold the quality of the campus environment. Through proactive problem-solving, the Interim Chief Operating Officer stabilizes institutional functions while supporting the broader strategic objectives of the college. Ultimately, Myers ensures that the daily operations remain aligned with the mission of providing a transformative education to students preparing for careers in the arts.

Jamie Bernhardt, the President at Emerson College, defines the overarching vision and strategic direction for the institution, focusing on its reputation as a leader in communication and the arts. Bernhardt drives the college's mission by fostering partnerships with industry leaders and expanding the reach of experiential learning programs. By engaging with the alumni network, the President secures the support necessary to advance the college's academic and creative initiatives. This leadership role involves representing the institution to external stakeholders and ensuring that the liberal arts foundation remains central to the student experience. Jamie Bernhardt also oversees the implementation of long-term growth strategies that enhance the college's global presence. Through visionary leadership, the President aligns the efforts of the faculty and administration to solve complex problems in the modern media landscape. Ultimately, Bernhardt guides the institution toward a future defined by innovation, creative excellence, and significant societal impact.

Samantha Switall, the President at Emerson College, leads the institutional efforts to integrate communication and arts education with real-world problem-solving. Switall directs the development of new academic programs that respond to the rapidly changing demands of the global media industry. By championing the importance of liberal learning, the President ensures that students graduate with the critical thinking skills required to lead in diverse professional environments. This leadership role involves managing the college's external relations and promoting its unique experiential learning model to prospective students and donors. Samantha Switall also collaborates with the Board to set institutional priorities that enhance the college's competitive standing. Through a focus on academic rigor and creative exploration, the President cultivates an environment where students can thrive. Ultimately, Switall drives the strategic initiatives that solidify the college's position as a premier destination for those seeking to change the world through communication.

Audrey Epstein, the Co-President at Emerson College, shares the responsibility for institutional governance and the advancement of the college's mission in communication and the arts. Epstein focuses on the internal alignment of academic departments and the enhancement of student support services to ensure a cohesive educational experience. By facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, the Co-President promotes an interdisciplinary approach to learning that prepares students for complex professional challenges. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of campus-wide initiatives that foster a culture of engagement and creative inquiry. Audrey Epstein also works closely with the faculty to refine the curriculum and integrate new technologies into the classroom. Through a commitment to shared governance, the Co-President ensures that the college remains responsive to the needs of its community. Ultimately, Epstein drives the operational and academic synergy required to maintain the institution's status as a leader in higher education.

Soham Gupta, the Class President '29 at Emerson College, represents the student body and advocates for initiatives that enhance the undergraduate experience within the communication and arts programs. Gupta organizes student-led events and forums that encourage dialogue on campus issues, ensuring that the student voice remains central to institutional decision-making. By facilitating communication between students and the administration, the Class President '29 promotes a collaborative environment that supports the college's mission. This leadership role involves coordinating with student organizations to foster a vibrant community that values creative expression and academic excellence. Soham Gupta also leads efforts to improve student resources and campus facilities, reflecting the needs of the current student population. Through active engagement, the Class President '29 contributes to the development of a supportive and inclusive campus culture. Ultimately, Gupta empowers students to take ownership of their educational journey and prepare for future leadership roles.

Barry Marshall, the Union President at Emerson College, represents the interests of the labor force and ensures that the rights and working conditions of staff members remain a priority for the institution. Marshall negotiates collective bargaining agreements and addresses workplace concerns to maintain a productive and equitable environment for all employees. By advocating for fair compensation and professional development opportunities, the Union President supports the staff members who facilitate the college's communication and arts programs. This leadership role involves maintaining open lines of communication with the administration to resolve disputes and foster a culture of mutual respect. Barry Marshall also works to ensure that the staff remains aligned with the college's broader mission of academic excellence and experiential learning. Through consistent advocacy, the Union President contributes to the stability and morale of the workforce. Ultimately, Marshall secures the conditions necessary for the staff to support the college's educational goals.

Zoe Wyner, the President at Emerson College, oversees the strategic expansion of the college's influence in the fields of communication and the arts. Wyner focuses on strengthening the institution's global partnerships and increasing the visibility of its experiential learning programs. By promoting the college's unique approach to liberal learning, the President attracts top-tier talent and fosters a community of innovators. This leadership role involves managing the college's endowment and fundraising efforts to support new research and creative projects. Zoe Wyner also engages with alumni to build a network that provides students with mentorship and career opportunities. Through a commitment to academic excellence, the President ensures that the college remains at the forefront of industry trends. Ultimately, Wyner drives the strategic vision that enables the institution to prepare students for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving world, ensuring that the college continues to change the world through communication.

James Montgomery-Hyde, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Emerson College, architects the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies that sustain a world-class faculty and staff. Montgomery-Hyde directs recruitment efforts to attract experts in communication and the arts, ensuring that the institution retains a diverse and highly skilled workforce. By implementing comprehensive professional development programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a culture of engaged leadership and continuous learning. This leadership role involves managing labor relations and employee benefits to maintain high levels of institutional morale. James Montgomery-Hyde also collaborates with academic leadership to align staffing levels with the evolving needs of the student body. Through strategic workforce planning, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer supports the college's mission of solving problems through communication. Ultimately, Montgomery-Hyde cultivates the human capital necessary for the institution to thrive in a competitive global landscape.