Emerson College Executive and Leadership Team

July, 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 in communication and the arts, Emerson College educates individuals who will solve problems and change the world. The institution's mission is informed by liberal learning, 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 - Paige Bayliss
  • President - Zoe Wyner
  • Class President '29 - Soham Gupta
  • Co-President - Audrey Epstein
  • Vice President, Human Resources & 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 financial stewardship and strategic fiscal planning that underpins the institution's academic and operational endeavors. This executive manages all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, treasury, and financial reporting, ensuring fiscal health and sustainability. Madonna's oversight is critical for allocating resources effectively to support state-of-the-art facilities, renowned faculty, and innovative academic programs. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in securing the financial stability necessary for Emerson College to pursue its mission of educating leaders in communication and the arts. By driving sound financial management and exploring new revenue streams, Richard Madonna ensures the college can continue its global experiential learning programs and maintain its active alumni network. This leadership ensures the long-term viability of Emerson's educational impact.

    Rebecca Catarelli - Chief Operating Officer

    Rebecca Catarelli, the Chief Operating Officer at Emerson College, directs the operational framework supporting the institution's mission of educating leaders in communication and the arts. This role involves optimizing resource allocation and ensuring the efficient functioning of all campus operations, aligning with the college's commitment to liberal learning and experiential education. Catarelli oversees the strategic implementation of campus services and infrastructure, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of students and faculty. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities extend to managing facilities, technology, and administrative departments, fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence and innovation. By driving operational efficiencies, Rebecca Catarelli directly supports the college's ability to provide state-of-the-art facilities and a renowned faculty, thereby enhancing the overall student experience and reinforcing Emerson's active alumni network.

    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 the college's operational functions. This leadership position focuses on maintaining the integrity of campus services and administrative processes that underpin Emerson's educational mission. Myers is responsible for the day-to-day management of operational departments, ensuring seamless support for students, faculty, and staff. The Interim Chief Operating Officer's role involves coordinating efforts across various units to uphold the college's standards for state-of-the-art facilities and academic support. By focusing on immediate operational needs and strategic continuity, Chad Myers contributes to the stability required for Emerson College to continue its work in educating problem-solvers and leaders in communication and the arts. This role is vital for sustaining the college's renowned faculty and its global experiential learning programs.

    Paige Bayliss - President

    Paige Bayliss, the President at Emerson College, provides overarching strategic direction and executive leadership, guiding the institution toward its mission of educating individuals who will solve problems and change the world through engaged leadership in communication and the arts. This role involves setting the vision for academic excellence, fostering innovation, and ensuring the college's continued growth and impact. Bayliss collaborates closely with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership to advance Emerson's strategic priorities, including the enhancement of state-of-the-art facilities and the support of its renowned faculty. The President's leadership is instrumental in cultivating a vibrant campus culture and strengthening the college's reputation nationally and internationally. By championing Emerson's commitment to liberal learning and experiential education, Paige Bayliss ensures the college remains at the forefront of preparing students for impactful careers in communication and the arts, leveraging its active alumni network.

    Zoe Wyner - President

    Zoe Wyner, the President at Emerson College, spearheads the strategic initiatives that advance the institution's core mission of cultivating engaged leaders in communication and the arts. This leadership position focuses on enhancing academic programs, fostering a dynamic learning environment, and ensuring the college's continued relevance in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Wyner works to strengthen Emerson's commitment to liberal learning and experiential education, supporting initiatives that provide students with real-world opportunities. The President's role involves championing the college's values and promoting its unique educational model to stakeholders, including students, faculty, alumni, and external partners. By driving forward Emerson College's vision, Zoe Wyner ensures the institution remains a leader in preparing graduates to make significant contributions to society through their creative and communicative endeavors, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a renowned faculty.

    Soham Gupta - Class President '29

    Soham Gupta, the Class President '29 at Emerson College, represents the interests and aspirations of the incoming student cohort, fostering a sense of community and engagement. This leadership role involves organizing student activities, advocating for the needs of the Class of '29, and serving as a liaison between students and college administration. Gupta's focus is on enhancing the student experience from the outset, ensuring that new students feel connected and supported as they embark on their educational journey. The Class President '29 plays a vital part in shaping the early collegiate experience, encouraging participation in campus organizations and performance groups. By championing student initiatives, Soham Gupta contributes to the vibrant campus life that is integral to Emerson College's mission of educating individuals for engaged leadership in communication and the arts. This role supports the transition into the college's renowned academic environment.

    Audrey Epstein - Co-President

    Audrey Epstein, the Co-President at Emerson College, shares leadership responsibilities in guiding student initiatives and representing the student body. This collaborative role focuses on enhancing the overall student experience and fostering a strong sense of community within the college. Epstein works to advance student-led programs and activities that align with Emerson's mission of engaged leadership in communication and the arts. The Co-President's responsibilities include advocating for student needs, promoting campus engagement, and ensuring effective communication between students and college leadership. By partnering with fellow student leaders, Audrey Epstein contributes to the dynamic environment that supports academic exploration and personal growth. This leadership role is essential for empowering students to actively participate in their education and prepare for future success in their chosen fields, leveraging the college's state-of-the-art facilities and renowned faculty.

    James Montgomery-Hyde - Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer

    James Montgomery-Hyde, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Emerson College, architects the human capital strategy essential for advancing the institution's educational objectives. This executive directs all facets of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee development, compensation, and benefits, ensuring a supportive and dynamic work environment. Montgomery-Hyde's leadership is crucial for attracting and retaining the renowned faculty and dedicated staff who are central to Emerson's mission. The Chief Human Resources Officer oversees the cultivation of a diverse and inclusive campus culture, fostering collaboration and professional growth. By aligning HR initiatives with the college's strategic goals, James Montgomery-Hyde ensures that Emerson College can effectively deliver its programs and support its students' journeys toward engaged leadership in communication and the arts. This role is fundamental to maintaining the operational strength and vibrant community that defines Emerson.

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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 8 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.