Fairfield University Executive and Leadership Team

Michael Trafecante, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Fairfield University, directs all fiscal operations and long-term capital planning. Overseeing the university budget, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer ensures the institution maintains financial health while supporting academic growth. This leadership role involves managing endowment assets and coordinating with the Board of Trustees to align resource allocation with the strategic mission. By optimizing operational efficiency across all departments, Michael Trafecante directly impacts the ability of the university to provide high-quality education to over 5,000 students. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer also monitors regional economic trends to safeguard institutional stability. Through rigorous oversight of financial reporting and treasury functions, Trafecante secures the necessary funding for campus infrastructure and student programs, ultimately driving the long-term sustainability of the entire academic enterprise.

Douglas Stone, the President at Fairfield University, architects the overarching strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Overseeing the executive leadership team, the President ensures alignment with Jesuit, Catholic values while expanding the global reach of the university. This leadership role involves engaging with alumni, donors, and academic partners to enhance the reputation of the institution. By fostering a community-oriented environment, Douglas Stone directly impacts student outcomes and career preparation across all undergraduate and graduate programs. The President also manages institutional policy and governance to maintain high standards of academic excellence. Through consistent focus on transformative learning experiences, Stone drives the growth of the university as a premier center for higher education. The President maintains a clear commitment to lifelong learning, ensuring the institution remains competitive within the broader landscape of private education while supporting the diverse needs of the student body.

Andrew Hernandez, the S Chapter Society of Hispanic Co-Founder & President (Fairfield) & Engineers Professional (Shpe) at Fairfield University, directs initiatives focused on professional development and technical skill acquisition for engineering students. Overseeing the chapter operations, the S Chapter Society of Hispanic Co-Founder & President (Fairfield) & Engineers Professional (Shpe) ensures that members gain access to industry networking and career preparation resources. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty and external engineering firms to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice. By fostering an inclusive environment for Hispanic students, Andrew Hernandez directly impacts the diversity and technical proficiency of the engineering community. The S Chapter Society of Hispanic Co-Founder & President (Fairfield) & Engineers Professional (Shpe) also organizes workshops and mentorship programs to support student success. Through these efforts, Hernandez strengthens the connection between the university and the broader engineering sector, promoting excellence in STEM fields.

Erika Strumpf, the President, German Club at Fairfield University, directs cultural programming and language immersion activities for the student body. Overseeing the club agenda, the President, German Club ensures that students engage with German history, literature, and contemporary societal issues. This leadership role involves organizing events that promote cross-cultural understanding and global awareness within the campus community. By facilitating regular meetings and collaborative projects, Erika Strumpf directly impacts the breadth of extracurricular opportunities available to students. The President, German Club also coordinates with the language department to support academic enrichment outside the classroom. Through these initiatives, Strumpf fosters a vibrant community where students explore diverse perspectives and develop global competencies. The President, German Club maintains a focus on inclusivity and intellectual curiosity, ensuring that the club remains a valuable resource for students interested in international studies and cultural exchange at the university.

Gabriella Savino, the President of Jogues Hall Residential Housing Association at Fairfield University, directs residential life initiatives and community-building activities for students living on campus. Overseeing the association board, the President of Jogues Hall Residential Housing Association ensures that the living environment remains supportive, inclusive, and conducive to personal growth. This leadership role involves acting as a liaison between residents and university administration to address housing concerns and improve student life. By organizing social events and wellness programs, Gabriella Savino directly impacts the quality of the residential experience for the student population. The President of Jogues Hall Residential Housing Association also promotes student engagement in campus governance and community service. Through these efforts, Savino fosters a sense of belonging and shared responsibility among residents. The President of Jogues Hall Residential Housing Association maintains a focus on creating a safe and vibrant home for students throughout the academic year.

Jack Casamassima, the President at Fairfield University, directs the strategic operations of student-led organizations to enhance the overall campus experience. Overseeing the coordination of various clubs, the President ensures that student groups align with the mission of the university to promote personal growth and community engagement. This leadership role involves managing organizational resources and facilitating collaboration between different student bodies. By fostering an environment of active participation, Jack Casamassima directly impacts the extracurricular landscape and student satisfaction. The President also works with university staff to ensure that all student activities adhere to institutional values and safety guidelines. Through these efforts, Casamassima supports the development of leadership skills among the student population. The President maintains a focus on creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect, learn, and contribute to the campus community, ensuring that the university remains a dynamic and inclusive environment for all.

Samantha Gondelman, the President at Fairfield University, directs the administrative and operational functions of student organizations to support the academic mission. Overseeing the planning of campus-wide events, the President ensures that student initiatives contribute to the holistic development of the student body. This leadership role involves managing budgets, scheduling activities, and representing student interests to the university administration. By promoting a culture of service and academic excellence, Samantha Gondelman directly impacts the quality of student life and community involvement. The President also facilitates communication between different student groups to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. Through these efforts, Gondelman fosters a supportive environment where students can pursue their interests and develop professional skills. The President maintains a focus on enhancing the student experience, ensuring that the university provides a well-rounded education that prepares individuals for success in their future careers and personal lives.

Andrew Brino, the Co-President & Co-Founder at Fairfield University, directs the development and launch of new student-led ventures that align with the academic goals of the institution. Overseeing the operational framework of these initiatives, the Co-President & Co-Founder ensures that projects provide tangible value to the student community. This leadership role involves recruiting team members, securing necessary resources, and establishing long-term goals for the organization. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, Andrew Brino directly impacts the ability of students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. The Co-President & Co-Founder also coordinates with faculty advisors to ensure that all activities support the educational mission of the university. Through these efforts, Brino creates opportunities for students to build leadership experience and professional networks. The Co-President & Co-Founder maintains a focus on sustainability and impact, ensuring that new ventures contribute positively to the campus culture and student success.

Madeline Donohue, the Co-Founder & President at Fairfield University, directs the strategic vision and daily operations of student-led organizations focused on community service and professional development. Overseeing the implementation of programs, the Co-Founder & President ensures that all activities promote the values of the university and support student growth. This leadership role involves managing partnerships with local organizations and coordinating with university departments to maximize the impact of student initiatives. By fostering a spirit of service and leadership, Madeline Donohue directly impacts the engagement levels of the student body. The Co-Founder & President also mentors other student leaders to ensure the continuity and success of the organization. Through these efforts, Donohue strengthens the connection between the university and the broader community. The Co-Founder & President maintains a focus on excellence and integrity, ensuring that all initiatives provide meaningful experiences that prepare students for their future professional endeavors.

Morgan Zickendrath, the President, Women In Stem Club at Fairfield University, directs initiatives aimed at increasing the representation and success of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Overseeing the club programming, the President, Women In Stem Club ensures that members have access to mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities. This leadership role involves organizing workshops, guest speaker events, and collaborative projects that highlight the contributions of women in technical fields. By fostering a supportive community, Morgan Zickendrath directly impacts the retention and academic success of female students in STEM majors. The President, Women In Stem Club also works with the university to advocate for resources that support gender equity in technical education. Through these efforts, Zickendrath empowers students to pursue ambitious career paths and overcome barriers in their chosen fields. The President, Women In Stem Club maintains a focus on building a strong, inclusive network that prepares students for leadership roles in the global economy.