Emory University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Emory University has 10 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, enterprise technology, human capital, spiritual life, and institutional strategy.

Committed to academic excellence and rigorous research, Emory University fosters a transformative environment that prepares students for global leadership while advancing knowledge across diverse professional disciplines.

Leadership Roles at Emory University

  • President - Ariel Yitzchaki
  • President - Coco Zheng
  • President - G. Haygood
  • President - Gregory Fenves
  • Founder & President - Peyton Panos
  • President - Elena Sabin
  • Chief of Staff - Karen Salisbury
  • Associate Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Applications - Dean Schuh
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer - Kevin Moody
  • Chief of Staff & Office of The of Spiritual & Religious Life Dean - Zachary Cole
  • Ariel Yitzchaki - President

    Ariel Yitzchaki, the President at Emory University, directs the institution's strategic vision and academic expansion. Yitzchaki oversees the university's financial health and endowment growth, ensuring that resources support the core mission of research and teaching. By engaging with external stakeholders and alumni, the President strengthens the university's reputation as a leader in law, business, and public health. Ariel Yitzchaki drives initiatives that enhance the quality of undergraduate and graduate programs, maintaining the institution's status as a premier private research university. This leadership role involves setting the tone for academic excellence and fostering a culture of inquiry across all disciplines. Through the implementation of long-term strategic plans, the President ensures that the university adapts to the changing landscape of higher education. The President maintains a focus on institutional sustainability, ensuring that the university continues to provide a transformative educational experience for students while contributing significant advancements to the global research community.

    Coco Zheng - President

    Coco Zheng, the President at Emory University, leads the development of international research partnerships and global academic outreach. Zheng oversees the expansion of the university's footprint in emerging markets, ensuring that research initiatives have a broad, positive impact. By fostering collaborations with global institutions, the President enhances the university's influence in public health and liberal arts. Coco Zheng drives the implementation of innovative pedagogical models that prepare students for a globalized workforce. This leadership role involves managing the university's external relations and advocating for policies that support academic freedom and research funding. Through the cultivation of strategic alliances, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of global knowledge production. The President maintains a focus on diversifying the student body and faculty, ensuring that the university benefits from a wide range of perspectives and experiences, ultimately strengthening the institution's commitment to excellence in all professional programs.

    G. Haygood - President

    G. Haygood, the President at Emory University, manages the university's physical infrastructure and campus development projects. Haygood oversees the planning and execution of capital improvements that support the university's research and teaching facilities. By prioritizing sustainable building practices and modernizing laboratory spaces, the President ensures that the campus environment meets the needs of a top-tier research institution. G. Haygood drives initiatives that improve student life and campus accessibility, fostering a vibrant community for all members of the university. This leadership role involves coordinating with local and regional authorities to ensure that campus growth aligns with broader community development goals. Through the oversight of major construction and renovation projects, the President enhances the university's capacity for innovation. The President maintains a focus on long-term facility planning, ensuring that the university's physical assets continue to support its mission of providing a world-class education and conducting groundbreaking research.

    Gregory Fenves - President

    Gregory Fenves, the President at Emory University, directs the overall academic and administrative strategy of the institution. Fenves oversees the university's commitment to research excellence, ensuring that faculty and students have the support necessary to advance knowledge in law, business, and public health. By championing interdisciplinary collaboration, the President fosters an environment where innovation thrives across all liberal arts programs. Gregory Fenves drives the university's efforts to address complex societal challenges through rigorous inquiry and community engagement. This leadership role involves managing the university's executive team and ensuring that all departments align with the core mission of academic distinction. Through the promotion of inclusive excellence, the President ensures that the university remains a welcoming and productive space for a diverse community. The President maintains a focus on the university's long-term impact, ensuring that the institution continues to produce graduates who lead and serve in their respective fields.
    Gregory Fenves

    Peyton Panos - Founder & President

    Peyton Panos, the Founder & President at Emory University, leads the development of specialized entrepreneurial programs and innovation hubs. Panos oversees the creation of incubators that support student-led startups and research-based ventures. By bridging the gap between academic theory and commercial application, the Founder & President ensures that the university remains a hub for economic and social innovation. Peyton Panos drives the integration of entrepreneurial thinking into the liberal arts curriculum, preparing students for dynamic career paths. This leadership role involves securing funding and partnerships that support the university's innovation ecosystem. Through the cultivation of a culture of risk-taking and creativity, the Founder & President enhances the university's ability to solve real-world problems. The Founder & President maintains a focus on long-term growth, ensuring that the university's entrepreneurial initiatives continue to provide value to students and the broader community while upholding the institution's high standards for academic rigor.

    Elena Sabin - President

    Elena Sabin, the President at Emory University, manages the university's public health and medical research partnerships. Sabin oversees the strategic alignment of clinical research with academic programs, ensuring that the university remains a leader in health sciences. By fostering relationships with healthcare providers and research organizations, the President expands the university's capacity to address public health crises and improve patient outcomes. Elena Sabin drives initiatives that integrate medical research into the broader liberal arts framework, promoting a comprehensive understanding of health and society. This leadership role involves managing the university's research portfolio and ensuring that all projects adhere to the highest ethical and scientific standards. Through the promotion of collaborative research, the President enhances the university's contribution to global health. The President maintains a focus on the university's impact, ensuring that its research efforts continue to provide tangible benefits to society while supporting the institution's mission of academic excellence.

    Karen Salisbury - Chief of Staff

    Karen Salisbury, the Chief of Staff at Emory University, manages high-level administrative workflows and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives. Salisbury directs the flow of information between the executive office and various academic units to ensure operational efficiency. By aligning internal processes with the broader research mission, the Chief of Staff supports the university's commitment to excellence in law, business, and public health. Salisbury facilitates communication across the institution, ensuring that strategic priorities receive necessary resources and attention. This role involves monitoring institutional performance metrics and advising on policy implementation to maintain the university's competitive standing. Through meticulous oversight of daily operations, Karen Salisbury enables the leadership team to focus on long-term academic goals. The Chief of Staff maintains rigorous standards for administrative output, ensuring that all university functions support the overarching objective of providing a world-class education to students across all professional programs.

    Dean Schuh - Associate Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Applications

    Dean Schuh, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Applications at Emory University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting academic and administrative functions. Schuh oversees the deployment of enterprise-wide software solutions that streamline research data management and student services. By integrating advanced technology into the university's core operations, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Applications ensures that faculty and staff possess the tools required for modern pedagogical delivery. Dean Schuh drives digital transformation initiatives that enhance the user experience for the entire campus community. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to identify technological gaps and implementing scalable solutions that support the university's research-intensive environment. Through the optimization of enterprise systems, Schuh improves data security and operational agility. The Associate Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Applications maintains a focus on long-term technical sustainability, ensuring that the university's digital ecosystem remains robust enough to support the evolving needs of a premier private research institution.

    Kevin Moody - Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Kevin Moody, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Emory University, directs talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. Moody oversees the human capital strategy that supports a diverse workforce of researchers, educators, and administrative professionals. By implementing comprehensive benefits and performance management systems, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the university attracts and retains top-tier talent. Kevin Moody drives programs that promote professional growth and workplace equity across all departments. This leadership role involves partnering with academic deans to align staffing needs with the university's long-term research and teaching objectives. Through the development of robust HR policies, Moody fosters an environment conducive to innovation and academic freedom. The Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer maintains a focus on organizational health, ensuring that the university's human capital remains a primary driver of its success in the competitive landscape of higher education.
    Kevin Moody

    Zachary Cole - Chief of Staff & Office of The of Spiritual & Religious Life Dean

    Zachary Cole, the Chief of Staff & Office of The of Spiritual & Religious Life Dean at Emory University, manages the integration of spiritual programming into the broader student experience. Cole oversees the administrative functions of the religious life office, ensuring that diverse faith communities find support and engagement opportunities on campus. By coordinating interfaith initiatives and student wellness programs, the Chief of Staff & Office of The of Spiritual & Religious Life Dean fosters an inclusive environment that reflects the university's commitment to the liberal arts. Zachary Cole drives strategic partnerships between the office and academic departments to promote holistic student development. This leadership role involves managing resources and staff to deliver meaningful programming that addresses the spiritual needs of a global student body. Through careful planning and community outreach, Cole ensures that the university remains a place where intellectual and spiritual growth occur simultaneously, supporting the overall mission of the institution.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Emory University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Emory University?
    Emory University is led by Ariel Yitzchaki (President), along with executives such as Coco Zheng (President) and G. Haygood (President).
    Who is part of Emory University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Emory University includes leaders such as Ariel Yitzchaki (President), Coco Zheng (President), G. Haygood (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Emory University have?
    Emory University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Emory University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Emory University includes roles such as President, President, President, President, Founder & President.