Fairleigh Dickinson University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Fairleigh Dickinson University has 8 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, operational management, information technology, and alumni relations.

Committed to fostering global citizenship, Fairleigh Dickinson University delivers a multidisciplinary curriculum across multiple international campuses to prepare students for success in a complex, interconnected world.

Leadership Roles at Fairleigh Dickinson University

  • Chief Operating Officer (Vancouver) - Mark Chiarello
  • President - Helen Kalamaras
  • President & Portfolio Manager - Adam Bazbaz
  • President - Damien Lugo
  • President, Alumni Association Board of Governors - Carol Knauff
  • President - Michael Avaltroni
  • Chief of Staff - Vanessa Perez
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Sean Jameson
  • Mark Chiarello - Chief Operating Officer (Vancouver)

    Mark Chiarello, the Chief Operating Officer (Vancouver) at Fairleigh Dickinson University, directs all operational activities for the Canadian campus. Chiarello manages facility infrastructure, student services, and regional administrative functions to ensure a seamless educational experience for the international student body. By overseeing the Vancouver campus operations, the Chief Operating Officer (Vancouver) aligns local activities with the broader institutional goals of global citizenship and intercultural understanding. Mark Chiarello optimizes resource allocation to support the delivery of multidisciplinary curricula in a competitive international market. This leadership role requires constant coordination with the main campus in New Jersey to maintain academic standards and operational consistency. Through strategic planning and execution, Chiarello fosters an environment conducive to academic excellence. The Chief Operating Officer (Vancouver) secures the long-term viability of the Canadian presence, ensuring that the university continues to provide high-quality degree programs to students in British Columbia.
    Mark Chiarello

    Helen Kalamaras - President

    Helen Kalamaras, the President at Fairleigh Dickinson University, provides executive leadership for the institution's academic and administrative vision. Kalamaras oversees the strategic direction of the university, focusing on the expansion of doctoral programs and the maintenance of AACSB-accredited business standards. By championing the university's mission of global citizenship, the President ensures that all campuses remain dedicated to intercultural understanding. Helen Kalamaras engages with the Board of Trustees to secure financial stability and promote long-term growth across the Teaneck, Madison, and Vancouver locations. This leadership role involves representing the university to external stakeholders, including government agencies and industry partners. Through the promotion of a multidisciplinary curriculum, the President fosters an environment where students gain the skills necessary for professional success. Kalamaras drives the institutional agenda, ensuring that the university continues to serve as a premier private institution in New Jersey while expanding its influence in the global education market.

    Adam Bazbaz - President & Portfolio Manager

    Adam Bazbaz, the President & Portfolio Manager at Fairleigh Dickinson University, directs the financial stewardship and investment strategies for the university's endowment and capital assets. Bazbaz manages the portfolio to ensure sustainable funding for academic programs, research initiatives, and campus infrastructure improvements. By aligning financial performance with the university's long-term mission, the President & Portfolio Manager supports the expansion of specialized degree programs in pharmacy and nursing practice. Adam Bazbaz collaborates with the finance committee to optimize asset allocation, mitigating risk while maximizing returns to support institutional growth. This role involves rigorous analysis of market trends to inform budgetary decisions that impact the entire multicampus system. Through prudent fiscal management, the President & Portfolio Manager ensures that the university maintains the resources necessary to deliver high-quality education. Bazbaz drives financial health, providing the stability required for the institution to continue its commitment to academic excellence and global citizenship.

    Damien Lugo - President

    Damien Lugo, the President at Fairleigh Dickinson University, leads the development of community partnerships and external relations to enhance the university's regional impact. Lugo focuses on strengthening ties with local industries and professional organizations to create internship and career opportunities for students. By overseeing outreach initiatives, the President ensures that the university's multidisciplinary curriculum remains relevant to current market demands. Damien Lugo collaborates with faculty and staff to promote the university's reputation as a leader in clinical psychology and school psychology programs. This leadership role involves managing public relations strategies that highlight the institution's contributions to the New Jersey community and beyond. Through active engagement with stakeholders, the President fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. Lugo drives the university's external growth, ensuring that the institution remains a vital resource for students seeking career-oriented education and professional development in a competitive global economy.

    Carol Knauff - President, Alumni Association Board of Governors

    Carol Knauff, the President, Alumni Association Board of Governors at Fairleigh Dickinson University, directs the engagement efforts for the global network of university graduates. Knauff manages initiatives that connect alumni with current students, facilitating mentorship and professional networking opportunities. By fostering a strong sense of community, the President, Alumni Association Board of Governors supports the university's mission of lifelong learning and global citizenship. Carol Knauff coordinates events and fundraising campaigns that contribute to the institution's financial health and academic prestige. This leadership role involves working closely with the university administration to ensure that alumni perspectives inform institutional development. Through the cultivation of relationships with graduates, Knauff strengthens the university's influence across various industries. The President, Alumni Association Board of Governors drives alumni participation, ensuring that the institution maintains a vibrant and supportive network that benefits students and graduates alike in their professional pursuits.

    Michael Avaltroni - President

    Michael Avaltroni, the President at Fairleigh Dickinson University, oversees the academic integrity and research output of the entire institution. Avaltroni directs the implementation of new degree programs and ensures that all academic departments meet rigorous accreditation standards. By focusing on the expansion of doctoral programs in pharmacy and clinical psychology, the President enhances the university's reputation for scholarly excellence. Michael Avaltroni collaborates with deans and faculty to refine the multidisciplinary curriculum, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education focused on global citizenship. This leadership role involves setting the academic agenda and promoting a culture of inquiry across the Teaneck, Madison, and Vancouver campuses. Through the oversight of academic policies, the President maintains the quality of instruction and research. Avaltroni drives the university's academic mission, ensuring that the institution continues to provide high-impact education that prepares students for success in a complex and evolving global landscape.
    Michael Avaltroni

    Vanessa Perez - Chief of Staff

    Vanessa Perez, the Chief of Staff at Fairleigh Dickinson University, coordinates high-level administrative initiatives to ensure alignment with the institutional mission. Perez manages complex workflows between the executive office and academic departments, facilitating efficient communication across the multicampus network. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff supports the university's commitment to providing career-oriented education. Vanessa Perez monitors key performance indicators to track progress on strategic goals, ensuring that resources remain focused on student success and faculty development. This role involves collaborating with senior leadership to refine operational policies that govern the institution's diverse degree programs. Through rigorous oversight of administrative projects, the Chief of Staff maintains the organizational integrity required for a large private university. Perez drives initiatives that enhance institutional effectiveness, ultimately strengthening the university's position as a leader in higher education across New Jersey and beyond.

    Sean Jameson - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Sean Jameson, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Fairleigh Dickinson University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the institution's academic and administrative functions. Jameson manages enterprise-wide technology systems, cybersecurity protocols, and data analytics platforms that serve students and faculty across all campuses. By modernizing the university's technological framework, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that digital resources effectively support the delivery of over 100 degree programs. Sean Jameson collaborates with academic leadership to integrate innovative learning technologies into the classroom, enhancing the multidisciplinary curriculum. This role involves overseeing large-scale IT projects that improve operational efficiency and data security. Through the implementation of robust network solutions, Jameson facilitates seamless communication and research capabilities for the entire university community. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation strategy, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of educational technology in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
    Sean Jameson

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fairleigh Dickinson University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Fairleigh Dickinson University?
    Fairleigh Dickinson University is led by Mark Chiarello (Chief Operating Officer (Vancouver)), along with executives such as Helen Kalamaras (President) and Adam Bazbaz (President & Portfolio Manager).
    Who is part of Fairleigh Dickinson University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Fairleigh Dickinson University includes leaders such as Mark Chiarello (Chief Operating Officer (Vancouver)), Helen Kalamaras (President), Adam Bazbaz (President & Portfolio Manager) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Fairleigh Dickinson University have?
    Fairleigh Dickinson University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Fairleigh Dickinson University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Fairleigh Dickinson University includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer (Vancouver), President, President & Portfolio Manager, President, President, Alumni Association Board of Governors.