Hunter College Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hunter College has 9 executives leading key functions including strategic vision, operational management, information technology, and student organization leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and urban engagement, Hunter College fosters a diverse environment where students pursue over 170 areas of study while benefiting from extensive research opportunities and global perspectives.

Leadership Roles at Hunter College

  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Michelle Smigel
  • Chief of Staff To the President and Director of Operations - Maria Camaj
  • Founder & President - Shohruz Ernazarov
  • President, Pre-Health Diaries Blog - Elisa Sambataro
  • President & Editor & Chief - Maria Ponce
  • President - Anthony Munroe
  • President, Urban Public Health Club - Gabrielle Jingool
  • President - Amy Robbins
  • Associate Provost and Chief Information Officer - Henry Saltiel
  • Michelle Smigel - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Michelle Smigel, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Hunter College, directs the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Smigel architects long-term growth initiatives that align with the academic mission of providing high-quality education to a diverse student body. By overseeing the integration of undergraduate and graduate programs, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the college maintains its status as a premier senior institution within the City University of New York system. Michelle Smigel manages high-level partnerships that expand research capabilities across the ten centers and institutes. This leadership role involves balancing fiscal responsibility with the expansion of merit-based honors programs. Through consistent focus on student outcomes and debt reduction, the Chief Executive Officer drives the institution toward greater accessibility. Ultimately, Smigel secures the academic reputation of the college while fostering an environment conducive to Nobel laureate-level achievement.

    Maria Camaj - Chief of Staff To the President and Director of Operations

    Maria Camaj, the Chief of Staff To the President and Director of Operations at Hunter College, coordinates daily administrative functions across the Manhattan campus. Camaj executes operational workflows that support the six schools and their respective academic departments. Overseeing the logistical requirements of the college, the Director of Operations ensures that faculty and students possess the necessary resources for success. Maria Camaj facilitates communication between the President and various administrative units to maintain institutional alignment. This role involves optimizing campus services and residence hall management to accommodate a global student population. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff To the President and Director of Operations enhances the efficiency of the university infrastructure. Camaj monitors the implementation of policies that support the diverse needs of students from over 156 countries, ensuring that the operational framework remains robust and responsive to evolving educational demands.

    Shohruz Ernazarov - Founder & President

    Shohruz Ernazarov, the Founder & President at Hunter College, drives the development of specialized academic initiatives and student-led programs. Ernazarov architects frameworks that encourage student participation in research and extracurricular activities. Overseeing the alignment of these programs with the college mission, the President ensures that students gain practical experience in fields like psychology and human biology. Shohruz Ernazarov fosters a culture of academic rigor and community involvement across the campus. This leadership role involves mentoring student organizations and promoting the value of the honors programs. By facilitating connections between students and professional networks, the Founder & President enhances the overall collegiate experience. Ernazarov supports the growth of the student body by championing initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. Ultimately, the President secures the long-term success of these programs by maintaining high standards of excellence and fostering a vibrant, intellectually stimulating environment for all participants.

    Elisa Sambataro - President, Pre-Health Diaries Blog

    Elisa Sambataro, the President, Pre-Health Diaries Blog at Hunter College, directs content strategy and student engagement for the pre-health community. Sambataro architects platforms that provide guidance and resources for students pursuing careers in medicine and healthcare. Overseeing the editorial direction of the blog, the President ensures that the information remains relevant to the rigorous academic requirements of the college. Elisa Sambataro facilitates peer-to-peer learning and professional development opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty advisors to provide accurate and supportive content. By highlighting student achievements and research, the President, Pre-Health Diaries Blog drives interest in the health sciences. Sambataro manages the digital presence of the organization to reach a broad audience of students. Ultimately, the President strengthens the pre-health pipeline by providing essential insights and fostering a supportive community that prepares students for the challenges of graduate and doctoral level studies.

    Maria Ponce - President & Editor & Chief

    Maria Ponce, the President & Editor & Chief at Hunter College, manages the publication and dissemination of academic and student-focused content. Ponce architects editorial standards that reflect the intellectual diversity of the institution. Overseeing the production of journals and newsletters, the Editor & Chief ensures that the college community remains informed about research developments and campus events. Maria Ponce coordinates with student contributors to highlight the achievements of the various departments and institutes. This leadership role involves maintaining the quality and accuracy of all published materials. By promoting a culture of clear communication, the President & Editor & Chief drives engagement across the student body. Ponce manages the editorial workflow to ensure timely delivery of information to the diverse population of students and faculty. Ultimately, the Editor & Chief secures the reputation of the college by showcasing the academic excellence and vibrant student life that define the institution.

    Anthony Munroe - President

    Anthony Munroe, the President at Hunter College, directs the overall strategic direction and administrative governance of the institution. Munroe architects policies that enhance the academic standing and community impact of the college. Overseeing the six schools and their respective faculties, the President ensures that the institution meets the needs of a diverse student population. Anthony Munroe manages relationships with external stakeholders and the broader City University of New York system to secure funding and support for research. This leadership role involves fostering an environment of inclusivity and academic achievement. By prioritizing student success and graduation rates, the President drives the college toward its goal of providing accessible, high-quality education. Munroe monitors the performance of the various centers and institutes to ensure they contribute effectively to the mission. Ultimately, the President secures the future of the institution by maintaining a focus on innovation, excellence, and community engagement.

    Gabrielle Jingool - President, Urban Public Health Club

    Gabrielle Jingool, the President, Urban Public Health Club at Hunter College, directs initiatives focused on community health and wellness. Jingool architects programs that address the specific health challenges faced by urban populations. Overseeing the activities of the club, the President ensures that students engage in meaningful service and research projects. Gabrielle Jingool facilitates collaborations with local health organizations to provide practical experience for members. This leadership role involves organizing workshops and seminars that promote awareness of public health issues. By fostering a sense of social responsibility, the President, Urban Public Health Club drives student participation in community-based initiatives. Jingool manages the club budget and membership to ensure the sustainability of these efforts. Ultimately, the President strengthens the connection between the college and the surrounding community by promoting health equity and providing students with the tools to make a positive impact on public health outcomes.

    Amy Robbins - President

    Amy Robbins, the President at Hunter College, directs specific student-led initiatives that enhance the campus experience. Robbins architects programs that support the diverse interests of the student body, ranging from academic clubs to athletic organizations. Overseeing the coordination of these groups, the President ensures that students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and build professional networks. Amy Robbins facilitates the scheduling of meetings and events to maximize student participation. This leadership role involves working with the administration to secure resources and support for student organizations. By promoting a vibrant campus culture, the President drives student engagement and retention. Robbins manages the logistical aspects of club operations to ensure compliance with college policies. Ultimately, the President secures the success of these student-led initiatives by fostering an environment where students can pursue their passions, develop their talents, and contribute to the overall academic and social life of the college.

    Henry Saltiel - Associate Provost and Chief Information Officer

    Henry Saltiel, the Associate Provost and Chief Information Officer at Hunter College, manages the digital infrastructure and academic technology initiatives. Saltiel architects scalable systems that support computer science curricula and interdisciplinary research projects. Overseeing the integration of advanced computing tools, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty access cutting-edge resources for data analysis and scientific inquiry. Henry Saltiel collaborates with the Provost to align technological investments with the broader educational goals of the institution. This leadership role involves securing campus networks and enhancing digital accessibility for the entire student body. By modernizing the technological landscape, the Associate Provost and Chief Information Officer drives innovation in teaching and learning environments. Saltiel maintains the integrity of academic data while supporting the expansion of online and hybrid learning models, ensuring that the college remains at the forefront of educational technology within the competitive New York landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hunter College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hunter College?
    Hunter College is led by Michelle Smigel (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Maria Camaj (Chief of Staff To the President and Director of Operations) and Shohruz Ernazarov (Founder & President).
    Who is part of Hunter College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hunter College includes leaders such as Michelle Smigel (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Maria Camaj (Chief of Staff To the President and Director of Operations), Shohruz Ernazarov (Founder & President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hunter College have?
    Hunter College has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Hunter College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Hunter College includes roles such as Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff To the President and Director of Operations, Founder & President, President, Pre-Health Diaries Blog, President & Editor & Chief.