Harvard University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Harvard University has 10 executives leading key functions including land development, academic administration, financial oversight, information technology, and strategic operations.

Committed to advancing global knowledge through rigorous research and education, Harvard University maintains a legacy of academic excellence while fostering innovation across diverse disciplines to address complex societal challenges.

Leadership Roles at Harvard University

  • Chief Executive Officer, Harvard Allston Land Company - Jennifer Cohen
  • Chief Financial Officer - Gladys Fung
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - Allen Aloise
  • Administration Dean & Chief Operating Officer - Thomas Miller
  • Chief of Staff & Managing Director & President, Office of - Tez Chantaruchirakorn
  • Chief Information Officer - Spencer Pruitt
  • Executive Coordinator To the Chief Technology Officer - Doris Wells
  • Chief of Staff & Vice President, Office of The of Alumni Affairs & Development - Justine Martin
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Manager, Strategic Initiatives - Rebecca Young
  • Deputy Director - Richard Benefield
  • Jennifer Cohen - Chief Executive Officer, Harvard Allston Land Company

    Jennifer Cohen, the Chief Executive Officer, Harvard Allston Land Company at Harvard University, directs large-scale real estate development and campus expansion initiatives. Overseeing the transformation of land assets into vibrant academic and research hubs, the Chief Executive Officer, Harvard Allston Land Company ensures alignment with long-term institutional growth goals. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and coordinating with municipal partners to integrate new facilities into the broader urban landscape. By optimizing land use and infrastructure investment, Jennifer Cohen directly impacts the physical capacity for scholarly advancement. Ultimately, Cohen secures the spatial foundation necessary for future research breakthroughs and interdisciplinary collaboration across the university ecosystem, ensuring that physical development supports the core mission of academic excellence and global thought leadership.

    Gladys Fung - Chief Financial Officer

    Gladys Fung, the Chief Financial Officer at Harvard University, directs the fiscal strategy and long-term financial health of the institution. Overseeing complex budgeting processes, endowment management, and capital allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources align with academic and research priorities. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board and senior leadership to maintain fiscal stability while supporting ambitious growth initiatives. By implementing rigorous financial controls and data-driven forecasting, Gladys Fung directly impacts the university's ability to fund world-class facilities and diverse academic programs. Ultimately, Fung secures the economic foundation required for sustained scholarly advancement. Through prudent management of assets and revenue streams, the Chief Financial Officer enables the institution to continue its global contributions to education and research without compromising the integrity of its financial future.

    Allen Aloise - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Allen Aloise, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Harvard University, manages the immediate fiscal operations and financial reporting requirements of the institution. Overseeing the integrity of financial data and the execution of budgetary policies, the Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures that the university maintains compliance and fiscal discipline during the transition period. This leadership role involves monitoring cash flow, managing audit processes, and providing financial guidance to department heads to support ongoing research and academic activities. By stabilizing financial operations and ensuring transparency, Allen Aloise directly impacts the university's ability to meet its immediate obligations while planning for future growth. Ultimately, Aloise secures the financial continuity necessary for the institution to maintain its global reputation. Through careful oversight of fiscal resources, the Interim Chief Financial Officer supports the university's mission of excellence in education and research.

    Thomas Miller - Administration Dean & Chief Operating Officer

    Thomas Miller, the Administration Dean & Chief Operating Officer at Harvard University, directs the operational functions and administrative services that sustain the academic mission. Overseeing facilities management, human resources, and campus services, the Administration Dean & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the physical and organizational environment supports rigorous scholarly activity. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to optimize resource utilization and improve service delivery across the campus. By implementing process improvements and operational efficiencies, Thomas Miller directly impacts the daily experience of faculty and students. Ultimately, Miller secures the operational stability required for the university to function as a world-class research institution. Through the management of complex administrative systems, the Administration Dean & Chief Operating Officer enables the institution to focus on its primary goal of fostering intellectual growth and global impact.
    Thomas Miller

    Tez Chantaruchirakorn - Chief of Staff & Managing Director & President, Office of

    Tez Chantaruchirakorn, the Chief of Staff & Managing Director & President, Office of at Harvard University, directs the strategic operations and administrative functions within the executive office. Overseeing the implementation of institutional priorities and managing high-level projects, the Chief of Staff & Managing Director & President, Office of ensures that the leadership agenda is executed effectively across all departments. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the executive team and the broader university community to ensure alignment with the core mission. By streamlining decision-making processes and managing complex organizational initiatives, Tez Chantaruchirakorn directly impacts the university's strategic trajectory. Ultimately, Chantaruchirakorn drives the operational success of the executive office, ensuring that leadership can focus on long-term goals. Through the coordination of key initiatives, the Chief of Staff & Managing Director & President, Office of supports the institution's global impact.
    Tez Chantaruchirakorn

    Spencer Pruitt - Chief Information Officer

    Spencer Pruitt, the Chief Information Officer at Harvard University, architects the digital infrastructure and technology strategy supporting global research and academic operations. Overseeing cybersecurity, data management, and enterprise software systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the university maintains a secure and high-performance digital environment. This leadership role involves modernizing legacy systems to facilitate seamless collaboration among faculty, students, and researchers across international borders. By deploying scalable cloud solutions and advanced analytics, Spencer Pruitt directly impacts the efficiency of scholarly data processing and administrative workflows. Ultimately, Pruitt drives the digital transformation necessary for maintaining a competitive edge in higher education. Through the integration of cutting-edge technology, the Chief Information Officer empowers the entire university community to pursue innovation and excellence in an increasingly interconnected and data-driven global landscape.

    Doris Wells - Executive Coordinator To the Chief Technology Officer

    Doris Wells, the Executive Coordinator To the Chief Technology Officer at Harvard University, manages the strategic communications and operational priorities for the technology leadership office. Overseeing the scheduling of high-level initiatives and facilitating coordination between technical teams and university stakeholders, the Executive Coordinator To the Chief Technology Officer ensures that technology projects remain aligned with institutional goals. This leadership role involves synthesizing complex information to support decision-making processes and maintaining the flow of critical data across departments. By organizing executive workflows and managing project timelines, Doris Wells directly impacts the speed and effectiveness of technological implementation. Ultimately, Wells drives the operational success of the technology office, ensuring that the Chief Technology Officer can focus on long-term innovation and digital strategy. Through meticulous coordination, the Executive Coordinator To the Chief Technology Officer supports the university's commitment to technological advancement.

    Justine Martin - Chief of Staff & Vice President, Office of The of Alumni Affairs & Development

    Justine Martin, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Office of The of Alumni Affairs & Development at Harvard University, directs the engagement strategies and fundraising initiatives that support the university's financial and academic goals. Overseeing alumni relations and development campaigns, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Office of The of Alumni Affairs & Development ensures that the institution maintains strong connections with its global network of graduates. This leadership role involves coordinating with donors and alumni to secure the resources necessary for research, scholarships, and campus development. By fostering a culture of philanthropy and engagement, Justine Martin directly impacts the university's ability to fund innovation and scholarly advancement. Ultimately, Martin drives the success of development efforts, ensuring that the institution remains well-resourced to pursue its mission. Through strategic outreach, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Office of The of Alumni Affairs & Development strengthens the university's global community.

    Rebecca Young - Deputy Chief of Staff & Manager, Strategic Initiatives

    Rebecca Young, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Manager, Strategic Initiatives at Harvard University, manages the execution of cross-functional projects and supports the development of long-term institutional goals. Overseeing the tracking of strategic milestones and facilitating collaboration between departments, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Manager, Strategic Initiatives ensures that key initiatives remain on schedule and aligned with the university's mission. This leadership role involves analyzing operational data to identify opportunities for improvement and supporting the executive team in the implementation of new policies. By coordinating complex projects and managing stakeholder expectations, Rebecca Young directly impacts the efficiency of strategic planning. Ultimately, Young drives the successful delivery of initiatives that support the university's commitment to academic excellence. Through the management of strategic priorities, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Manager, Strategic Initiatives enables the institution to adapt to the evolving needs of the global educational landscape.

    Richard Benefield - Deputy Director

    Richard Benefield, the Deputy Director at Harvard University, manages operational workflows and supports the execution of institutional research priorities. Overseeing daily administrative functions, the Deputy Director ensures that research centers maintain high standards of scholarly output and operational efficiency. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental projects and facilitating communication between faculty researchers and administrative staff. By streamlining resource allocation and project management processes, Richard Benefield directly impacts the productivity of academic initiatives. Ultimately, Benefield drives the successful implementation of strategic research goals, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of global education and discovery. Through meticulous oversight of operational details, the Deputy Director enables faculty and staff to focus on the core mission of advancing knowledge and fostering innovation within the competitive landscape of higher education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Harvard University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Harvard University?
    Harvard University is led by Jennifer Cohen (Chief Executive Officer, Harvard Allston Land Company), along with executives such as Gladys Fung (Chief Financial Officer) and Allen Aloise (Interim Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Harvard University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Harvard University includes leaders such as Jennifer Cohen (Chief Executive Officer, Harvard Allston Land Company), Gladys Fung (Chief Financial Officer), Allen Aloise (Interim Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Harvard University have?
    Harvard University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Harvard University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Harvard University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Harvard Allston Land Company, Chief Financial Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Administration Dean & Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff & Managing Director & President, Office of.