Fairfield University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Fairfield University has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, information technology, financial management, academic administration, and student leadership.

Dedicated to fostering a values-based, student-centric environment, Fairfield University prepares graduates for successful careers through experiential learning and mentorship while maintaining a strong global academic presence.

Leadership Roles at Fairfield University

  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - Michael Trafecante
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Christina Carrafiell
  • Co-Founder & President - Madeline Donohue
  • President of Baking Club - Kali Baumiller
  • President & Men's Ice Hockey Team Captain - Zachary Pers
  • Co-President & Co-Founder - Andrew Brino
  • President - Samantha Gondelman
  • President - Margaret Mary DeMark
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Steven Gstalder
  • Associate Vice Provost and Chief of Staff To the Provost - Michael Tortora
  • Michael Trafecante - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

    Michael Trafecante, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Fairfield University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Overseeing the allocation of capital for academic expansion and campus development, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer ensures that resources align with the university's commitment to experiential learning. This leadership role involves maintaining transparency in financial reporting while securing the endowment for future growth. By optimizing budgetary frameworks, Michael Trafecante directly impacts the ability of the university to support over 5,000 students. Trafecante coordinates with the Board to ensure that financial strategies remain sustainable and supportive of the Jesuit, Catholic identity. Through prudent fiscal management, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer secures the economic foundation necessary for the institution to continue producing graduates who achieve high rates of full-time employment.
    Michael Trafecante

    Christina Carrafiell - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Christina Carrafiell, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Fairfield University, directs all internal administrative functions and operational workflows. Overseeing the daily execution of campus services, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that infrastructure supports the Jesuit, Catholic mission of the institution. This leadership role involves coordinating across departments to optimize resource allocation for over 5,000 students. By streamlining institutional processes, Christina Carrafiell directly impacts the efficiency of the university's experiential learning programs. Carrafiell maintains rigorous standards for campus operations, facilitating a productive environment for both faculty and the student body. Through strategic oversight of physical and digital assets, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer secures the long-term operational stability required for academic excellence within the competitive higher education landscape of the United States.

    Madeline Donohue - Co-Founder & President

    Madeline Donohue, the Co-Founder & President at Fairfield University, leads specific student-driven initiatives that enhance the campus experience and foster community engagement. Overseeing the development of extracurricular programs, the Co-Founder & President ensures that student organizations align with the university's commitment to a vibrant campus life. This leadership role involves mentoring student members and facilitating partnerships with university administration to support experiential learning opportunities. By driving student-led projects, Madeline Donohue directly impacts the social and professional development of the student body. Donohue manages the organizational structure of the club, ensuring that activities remain inclusive and values-based. Through the promotion of student interests, the Co-Founder & President contributes to the rich campus environment that defines the university experience, ultimately helping students build the skills necessary for their future careers after graduation.

    Kali Baumiller - President of Baking Club

    Kali Baumiller, the President of Baking Club at Fairfield University, directs the operations and community outreach efforts of the student organization. Overseeing the planning of club events and workshops, the President of Baking Club ensures that members have access to creative outlets that complement their academic studies. This leadership role involves managing club resources and fostering a collaborative environment that reflects the university's values-based community. By organizing events that bring students together, Kali Baumiller directly impacts the quality of campus life for the student body. Baumiller coordinates with student government to ensure that the club remains a vital part of the university's extracurricular offerings. Through the facilitation of hands-on activities, the President of Baking Club supports the holistic development of students, contributing to the vibrant and supportive atmosphere that characterizes the institution's commitment to student-centric engagement.

    Zachary Pers - President & Men's Ice Hockey Team Captain

    Zachary Pers, the President & Men's Ice Hockey Team Captain at Fairfield University, leads the athletic organization with a focus on discipline, teamwork, and competitive excellence. Overseeing the training schedules and team logistics, the President & Men's Ice Hockey Team Captain ensures that the athletic program aligns with the university's standards for student-athlete success. This leadership role involves mentoring teammates and representing the university in regional athletic competitions. By driving team performance, Zachary Pers directly impacts the spirit and engagement of the campus community. Pers manages the balance between rigorous athletic training and academic responsibilities, embodying the university's commitment to experiential learning. Through the promotion of sportsmanship and leadership, the President & Men's Ice Hockey Team Captain contributes to the overall development of students, preparing them for the challenges of professional life beyond the university.

    Andrew Brino - Co-President & Co-Founder

    Andrew Brino, the Co-President & Co-Founder at Fairfield University, directs the strategic vision and operational growth of the student-led organization. Overseeing the recruitment of new members and the execution of organizational goals, the Co-President & Co-Founder ensures that the group remains a cornerstone of the university's extracurricular landscape. This leadership role involves collaborating with other student leaders to enhance the student-centric environment. By fostering innovation within the organization, Andrew Brino directly impacts the professional development of the participants. Brino manages the administrative tasks and event planning required to maintain a high level of engagement across the campus. Through the creation of meaningful opportunities for student involvement, the Co-President & Co-Founder supports the university's mission of preparing graduates for successful careers by providing a platform for experiential learning and leadership development.

    Samantha Gondelman - President

    Samantha Gondelman, the President at Fairfield University, leads the student organization in its mission to provide valuable extracurricular experiences for the university community. Overseeing the strategic direction and daily operations, the President ensures that all activities support the institution's values-based environment. This leadership role involves managing member relations and coordinating with university departments to facilitate successful events. By driving the organization's growth, Samantha Gondelman directly impacts the quality of campus life for students. Gondelman fosters a collaborative atmosphere that encourages mentorship and personal development among members. Through the effective management of organizational resources, the President contributes to the vibrant community that defines the university experience, ensuring that students have access to diverse opportunities that complement their academic programs and prepare them for future professional success.

    Margaret Mary DeMark - President

    Margaret Mary DeMark, the President at Fairfield University, directs the activities and initiatives of the student organization to enhance the overall campus experience. Overseeing the planning and execution of programs, the President ensures that the organization remains aligned with the university's commitment to a student-centric environment. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between members and the broader university community to promote experiential learning. By leading the organization's efforts, Margaret Mary DeMark directly impacts the engagement levels of the student body. DeMark manages the logistical requirements of events, ensuring that all activities contribute to a supportive and values-based campus life. Through the promotion of student interests and leadership, the President plays a vital role in the university's mission to prepare graduates for successful careers, fostering a community where students can thrive 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, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern academic research and student engagement. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning technologies, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures that the campus network remains robust and secure for the entire university community. This leadership role involves aligning technological investments with the broader mission of providing a values-based education. By implementing scalable software solutions, Steven Gstalder directly impacts the accessibility of academic resources for students and faculty. Gstalder manages complex data systems that track student success metrics, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of educational innovation. Through the deployment of cutting-edge digital tools, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer drives the technological transformation necessary to support the diverse academic programs offered at the institution.
    Steven Gstalder

    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 initiatives and facilitates communication between the Provost and faculty leadership. Overseeing the implementation of academic policies, the Associate Vice Provost and Chief of Staff To the Provost ensures that the curriculum remains aligned with the university's mission of mentorship and experiential learning. This leadership role involves managing complex administrative projects that support the diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. By streamlining academic governance, Michael Tortora directly impacts the quality of the student-centric environment. Tortora works closely with department heads to foster a culture of academic rigor and values-based inquiry. Through the management of strategic academic priorities, the Associate Vice Provost and Chief of Staff To the Provost supports the institution's goal of preparing graduates for successful careers in a global market.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fairfield University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Fairfield University?
    Fairfield University is led by Michael Trafecante (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), along with executives such as Christina Carrafiell (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and Madeline Donohue (Co-Founder & President).
    Who is part of Fairfield University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Fairfield University includes leaders such as Michael Trafecante (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), Christina Carrafiell (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer), Madeline Donohue (Co-Founder & President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Fairfield University have?
    Fairfield University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Fairfield University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Fairfield University includes roles such as Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Co-Founder & President, President of Baking Club, President & Men's Ice Hockey Team Captain.