Leadership Overview
Fairfield University has 10 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, information technology, academic administration, operational management, and institutional leadership.
Rooted in Jesuit traditions, Fairfield University advances academic excellence through a values-based curriculum that prepares students for global professional success and lifelong personal development.
Rooted in Jesuit traditions, Fairfield University advances academic excellence through a values-based curriculum that prepares students for global professional success and lifelong personal development.
Leadership Roles at Fairfield University
Michael Trafecante - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
Michael Trafecante, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Fairfield University, manages the entire fiscal health of the institution. Overseeing long-term capital planning and annual budgeting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures resources align with academic priorities. This leadership role involves monitoring endowment performance and optimizing operational expenditures to support the university's Jesuit mission. By directing financial reporting and treasury functions, Michael Trafecante maintains the stability required for campus expansion and infrastructure investment. The Treasurer collaborates with the Board of Trustees to mitigate fiscal risk while promoting sustainable growth across all departments. Through rigorous oversight of institutional assets, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer secures the necessary funding to sustain high-quality educational programs for the diverse student body, ultimately reinforcing the long-term economic viability of the university within the competitive higher education landscape.
Christina Carrafiell - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Christina Carrafiell, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Fairfield University, directs the daily operational functions of the institution. Overseeing campus facilities, auxiliary services, and administrative support, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the physical and logistical environment supports the university's mission. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation to improve service delivery for over 5,000 students. By managing cross-departmental projects, Christina Carrafiell enhances operational efficiency and promotes a cohesive campus culture. The Executive Vice President works with the leadership team to implement strategic plans that advance the university's market position. Through the oversight of campus infrastructure and support services, Carrafiell creates a foundation for academic success and personal growth. This focus on operational excellence ensures that the university remains a premier destination for students seeking a values-based education, while simultaneously driving the long-term sustainability of the institution's diverse academic and extracurricular programs.
Jack Casamassima - President
Jack Casamassima, the President at Fairfield University, defines the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Overseeing institutional advancement and external relations, the President drives the university's commitment to Jesuit values and academic excellence. This leadership role involves engaging with alumni, donors, and community partners to secure the resources necessary for growth. By setting the tone for the university's mission, Jack Casamassima fosters an environment that prioritizes student outcomes and career preparation. The President collaborates with the Board of Trustees to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education, ensuring the university remains competitive and relevant. Through the promotion of transformative experiences, Casamassima guides the institution toward its long-term goals. This focus on leadership and community engagement ensures that the university continues to serve its diverse student body effectively, maintaining its reputation as a leader in values-based education while expanding its influence across regional and national academic sectors.
Douglas Stone - President
Douglas Stone, the President at Fairfield University, manages the implementation of academic policies and institutional growth strategies. Overseeing the expansion of graduate and undergraduate programs, the President ensures that the university meets the needs of a global student population. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with industry leaders to enhance career preparation initiatives. By directing the university's outreach efforts, Douglas Stone strengthens the institution's presence in the broader educational market. The President works with faculty and staff to maintain the high standards of a Jesuit, Catholic education. Through the development of new academic majors and minors, Stone drives innovation in the curriculum. This focus on academic expansion and student success allows the university to remain at the forefront of higher education, providing transformative experiences that prepare graduates for professional challenges while upholding the core values of the institution.
Madeline Donohue - Co-Founder & President
Madeline Donohue, the Co-Founder & President at Fairfield University, leads specialized initiatives focused on student entrepreneurship and innovation. Overseeing the development of new programs that bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, the President drives the university's commitment to career preparation. This leadership role involves mentoring student organizations and facilitating connections with industry mentors. By fostering a culture of creativity, Madeline Donohue empowers students to pursue personal growth and lifelong learning. The Co-Founder & President works with academic departments to integrate experiential learning opportunities into the existing curriculum. Through the management of these unique programs, Donohue enhances the university's reputation for transformative education. This focus on student-led innovation ensures that the institution remains responsive to the changing demands of the professional world, providing students with the tools necessary to succeed in their chosen fields while contributing to the vibrant campus community.
Maeve Vernon - Inter-Residential Housing Association - President
Maeve Vernon, the Inter-Residential Housing Association - President at Fairfield University, directs the student-led efforts to improve residential life and campus community engagement. Overseeing the coordination of over 100 clubs and organizations, the President ensures that students have access to diverse extracurricular opportunities. This leadership role involves advocating for student needs and facilitating communication between the student body and university administration. By organizing community-building events, Maeve Vernon fosters a supportive environment that promotes personal growth. The Inter-Residential Housing Association - President works with residential life staff to enhance the living experience for all students. Through the management of student-led initiatives, Vernon drives the university's mission of creating a community-oriented environment. This focus on student engagement and residential satisfaction ensures that the university remains a welcoming and inclusive space, supporting the holistic development of students throughout their academic journey.
Andrew Brino - Co-President & Co-Founder
Andrew Brino, the Co-President & Co-Founder at Fairfield University, leads efforts to expand the university's reach through specialized student-led ventures. Overseeing the strategic development of new campus organizations, the Co-President drives the university's commitment to fostering personal growth and lifelong learning. This leadership role involves managing the operational aspects of student-led projects and ensuring alignment with the university's Jesuit values. By facilitating collaboration between students and faculty, Andrew Brino enhances the overall academic experience. The Co-President & Co-Founder works to create opportunities for students to engage in meaningful service and professional development. Through the management of these initiatives, Brino contributes to the university's goal of providing transformative experiences. This focus on student leadership and community involvement ensures that the institution remains a dynamic and engaging environment, preparing students for success while upholding the core mission of the university.
Samantha Gondelman - President
Samantha Gondelman, the President at Fairfield University, manages student-led advocacy and campus-wide initiatives that promote the university's values. Overseeing the coordination of student government activities, the President ensures that the student voice is represented in institutional decision-making. This leadership role involves organizing events that highlight the university's commitment to community service and academic excellence. By fostering a culture of leadership among the student body, Samantha Gondelman supports the university's mission of preparing students for global citizenship. The President works with various student organizations to promote personal growth and lifelong learning. Through the management of these advocacy efforts, Gondelman drives the university's goal of creating a transformative student experience. This focus on student leadership and community engagement ensures that the institution remains a vibrant and inclusive environment, providing students with the opportunities they need to succeed both academically and personally.
Steven Gstalder - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer
Steven Gstalder, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Fairfield University, directs the digital transformation of the campus environment. Overseeing enterprise systems and cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty. This leadership role involves architecting scalable cloud infrastructure to support modern pedagogical tools and research initiatives. By managing the university's data architecture, Steven Gstalder facilitates efficient administrative workflows and enhances the overall student experience. The Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer coordinates with academic leadership to integrate emerging technologies into the classroom, fostering an environment of innovation. Through the implementation of robust network security and advanced software solutions, Gstalder protects institutional data while driving technological advancement. This strategic focus on digital infrastructure empowers the university to maintain its commitment to transformative education in an increasingly connected global market.
Michael Tortora - Associate Vice Provost and Chief of Staff To the Provost
Michael Tortora, the Associate Vice Provost and Chief of Staff To the Provost at Fairfield University, coordinates academic operations and strategic initiatives across all colleges. Overseeing faculty affairs and curriculum development, the Chief of Staff To the Provost ensures alignment with the university's Jesuit identity. This leadership role involves managing complex administrative projects and facilitating communication between the Provost and various academic departments. By streamlining internal processes, Michael Tortora supports the execution of institutional goals related to student outcomes and career preparation. The Associate Vice Provost works closely with academic deans to implement policies that enhance the quality of undergraduate and graduate education. Through the management of academic resources and personnel, Tortora drives efficiency within the provost's office. This focus on operational excellence allows the university to maintain its high standards for transformative learning experiences while fostering a community-oriented environment for the entire student population.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fairfield University Top Executives and Leadership Team
