Empire State University Executive and Leadership Team

Pamela Malone, the To The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer at Empire State University, directs all fiscal planning, budget management, and financial reporting activities. Overseeing the allocation of institutional resources, the To The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term financial sustainability and operational transparency. This leadership role involves analyzing complex economic data to support strategic decision-making by the board and executive team. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling expenditures, Pamela Malone directly impacts the financial health of the university. The To The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with department heads to align financial resources with academic priorities and growth objectives. Through rigorous audit processes and risk management, Malone secures the fiscal integrity of the institution. This oversight drives the successful execution of long-term capital projects and ensures the university maintains a robust financial foundation for future academic expansion.

Douglas Gruse, the Chief Marketing Officer at Empire State University, directs all institutional branding and public relations initiatives. Overseeing the development of comprehensive communication strategies, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across all digital and traditional media channels. This leadership role involves expanding the university's reach within the competitive higher education market by highlighting unique academic offerings. By optimizing recruitment campaigns and managing public perception, Douglas Gruse directly impacts the growth of the student body. The Chief Marketing Officer coordinates with academic departments to align promotional efforts with institutional goals. Through data-driven analysis of market trends, Gruse secures a strong competitive position for the university. This strategic oversight drives enrollment numbers and enhances the overall reputation of the institution within the broader educational sector, ensuring long-term visibility and engagement for the university community.

Cheryl Palafox-Stewart, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Data, Applications & Web Platforms at Empire State University, manages the entire digital infrastructure and application ecosystem. Overseeing the integration of complex web platforms, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Data, Applications & Web Platforms ensures seamless access to academic resources for students and faculty. This leadership role involves architecting secure data management systems that support institutional research and administrative efficiency. By modernizing legacy software and implementing scalable cloud solutions, Cheryl Palafox-Stewart directly impacts the technological capabilities of the university. The Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer, Data, Applications & Web Platforms collaborates with academic leadership to align IT investments with pedagogical requirements. Through rigorous oversight of digital security protocols, Palafox-Stewart protects sensitive institutional data while maintaining high system availability across all regional operations.

Sharon Butler, the Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer at Empire State University, directs all talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development programs. Overseeing the implementation of comprehensive workforce policies, the Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer ensures alignment with institutional values and regulatory standards. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive campus culture that attracts and retains top-tier academic and administrative talent. By optimizing performance management systems and professional development initiatives, Sharon Butler directly impacts the operational efficiency of the university. The Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with executive leadership to address staffing needs and promote employee engagement across all departments. Through strategic workforce planning, Butler secures the human capital necessary to support the university's mission. This focus on organizational health drives institutional stability and supports the long-term success of the entire faculty and staff population.