Fairleigh Dickinson University Executive and Leadership Team

Frank Barra, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Fairleigh Dickinson University, manages the institution's fiscal health and long-term financial planning. Barra oversees budgeting, endowment management, and capital investments to ensure the university maintains the resources necessary for academic growth. By directing financial strategy, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of doctoral programs and the maintenance of campus facilities. This role involves working closely with the board and executive leadership to align spending with the university's mission of global citizenship. Frank Barra monitors revenue streams and cost structures to optimize operational efficiency across all departments. Through prudent financial stewardship, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the university's ability to provide high-quality education to students. This position requires deep analytical expertise and a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the institution remains financially resilient while pursuing its ambitious academic and research objectives.

Mark Chiarello, the Chief Operating Officer (Vancouver) at Fairleigh Dickinson University, directs all administrative and operational functions for the Canadian campus. Chiarello oversees facility management, student services, and local regulatory compliance to ensure the Vancouver location aligns with the university's global standards. By managing regional resources, the Chief Operating Officer (Vancouver) supports the delivery of career-oriented education in British Columbia. This role involves coordinating with the main campus leadership to integrate the Vancouver curriculum into the broader institutional framework. Mark Chiarello drives initiatives that enhance the student experience and promote intercultural understanding within the Canadian market. Through strategic resource allocation and local partnership development, the Chief Operating Officer (Vancouver) strengthens the university's international footprint. This position requires balancing local operational demands with the overarching mission of the institution, ensuring that the Vancouver campus remains a vital component of the university's multicampus strategy.

Michael Avaltroni, the President at Fairleigh Dickinson University, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Avaltroni leads the university's efforts to expand its academic reputation and strengthen its position as a leader in global education. By engaging with the board, faculty, and external partners, the President fosters an environment of innovation and academic rigor. This role involves overseeing the university's multicampus operations and ensuring that all programs align with the core mission of intercultural understanding. Michael Avaltroni drives initiatives that enhance the university's research capabilities and community impact. Through consistent leadership, the President guides the institution toward achieving its long-term goals, including the growth of doctoral programs and the enhancement of the business school's accreditation. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the higher education landscape, enabling the university to navigate challenges while maintaining a steadfast commitment to student success and institutional excellence.

Carol Knauff, the President, Alumni Association Board of Governors at Fairleigh Dickinson University, directs engagement efforts for the university's global network of graduates. Knauff facilitates connections between alumni and current students, fostering mentorship opportunities and professional development. By leading the Board of Governors, the President, Alumni Association Board of Governors ensures that alumni perspectives inform the university's strategic initiatives and fundraising efforts. This role involves organizing events and programs that celebrate the achievements of graduates and encourage lifelong involvement with the institution. Carol Knauff drives initiatives that strengthen the university's brand and expand its influence across various industries. Through active outreach and community building, the President, Alumni Association Board of Governors supports the university's mission of global citizenship. This leadership position requires a deep commitment to the university's history and a forward-looking approach to maintaining a vibrant, supportive, and engaged alumni community that contributes to the institution's ongoing success.

Nathan Rimkus, the President at Fairleigh Dickinson University, focuses on the development and implementation of specialized academic partnerships and research initiatives. Rimkus manages the expansion of the university's clinical and professional programs, ensuring that the curriculum remains aligned with industry standards. By fostering collaborations with external organizations, the President enhances the university's capacity for high-impact research in fields such as pharmacy and clinical psychology. This role involves working with academic leadership to identify new opportunities for growth and innovation within the university's multidisciplinary framework. Nathan Rimkus drives the strategic planning process for new degree programs, ensuring that the institution meets the needs of a diverse student body. Through the cultivation of professional networks, the President strengthens the university's reputation for career-oriented education. This leadership position requires a focus on academic quality and institutional growth, ensuring that the university continues to provide exceptional value to students and the broader community.

Helen Kalamaras, the President at Fairleigh Dickinson University, oversees the university's commitment to student life and campus culture across the New Jersey locations. Kalamaras directs programs that promote intercultural understanding and global citizenship among the student population. By managing student services and extracurricular activities, the President ensures that the university provides a holistic educational experience. This role involves collaborating with faculty and staff to create an inclusive environment that supports the diverse needs of full- and part-time students. Helen Kalamaras drives initiatives that enhance student retention and satisfaction, contributing to the university's overall success. Through the development of campus-wide policies, the President fosters a sense of community and belonging that defines the university experience. This leadership position requires a focus on student-centered outcomes and a dedication to maintaining the university's reputation as a supportive, vibrant, and academically rigorous institution for all learners.

Jonathan Schiff, the Tenured Professor of Accounting, and President, Schiff Consulting Group, Ltd. at Fairleigh Dickinson University, bridges the gap between academic theory and professional practice. Schiff teaches advanced accounting courses while simultaneously leading a consulting firm, providing students with real-world insights into the business world. By integrating professional experience into the classroom, the Tenured Professor of Accounting, and President, Schiff Consulting Group, Ltd. enhances the value of the university's AACSB-accredited business school. This role involves mentoring students and preparing them for careers in finance and management. Jonathan Schiff drives the development of curriculum that reflects current industry trends and challenges. Through the application of practical knowledge, the Tenured Professor of Accounting, and President, Schiff Consulting Group, Ltd. supports the university's mission of providing career-oriented education. This leadership position requires a balance of academic dedication and professional expertise, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in the global marketplace.

Vanessa Perez, the Chief of Staff at Fairleigh Dickinson University, coordinates executive communications and aligns administrative priorities with the broader institutional mission. Perez manages the flow of information between the president and various academic departments, ensuring that strategic initiatives receive necessary support. By facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, the Chief of Staff optimizes internal processes across the multicampus network. This role involves monitoring the execution of university-wide goals and providing analytical support for high-level decision-making. Vanessa Perez maintains rigorous standards for operational efficiency, allowing the institution to focus on delivering high-quality degree programs. Through careful oversight of administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff enables the university to maintain its status as a leading private institution in New Jersey. This leadership position requires constant engagement with diverse stakeholders to ensure that the university remains responsive to the evolving needs of students and faculty members alike.

Sean Jameson, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Fairleigh Dickinson University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting academic and administrative operations. Jameson manages the university's enterprise systems, cybersecurity protocols, and network reliability across all campuses. By implementing advanced technological solutions, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer enables faculty and students to access high-quality research tools and digital learning platforms. This role involves collaborating with academic leadership to integrate technology into the multidisciplinary curriculum. Sean Jameson drives the digital transformation strategy, ensuring that the university remains competitive in the modern educational landscape. Through the modernization of data management systems, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer supports institutional efficiency and data-driven decision-making. This leadership role requires constant vigilance regarding emerging cyber threats and a commitment to providing robust, scalable technology services that empower the entire university community to achieve academic excellence.

Neal Sturm, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Fairleigh Dickinson University, focuses on the optimization of instructional technology and classroom connectivity. Sturm manages the deployment of software and hardware solutions that facilitate hybrid learning environments across the Teaneck and Madison campuses. By enhancing the digital classroom experience, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer supports the university's commitment to a multidisciplinary curriculum. This role involves coordinating with academic deans to identify and implement tools that improve student engagement and faculty productivity. Neal Sturm drives the development of user-friendly administrative portals that streamline student services and enrollment processes. Through the strategic application of educational technology, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that the university's technical resources directly contribute to student success. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of both pedagogical needs and technical capabilities, allowing the institution to maintain a modern, accessible learning environment for all students.