Hunter College Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hunter College has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, information technology, and academic affairs.

Driven by academic excellence, Hunter College is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering intellectual curiosity within a diverse and dynamic urban environment, impacting thousands of students annually.

Leadership Roles at Hunter College

  • Chief Executive Officer - Charles Cumello
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Michelle Smigel
  • President - Amy Robbins
  • Founder & President - Shohruz Ernazarov
  • President, Pre-Health Diaries Blog - Elisa Sambataro
  • President - Anthony Munroe
  • President & Editor & Chief - Maria Ponce
  • Associate Provost and Chief Information Officer - Henry Saltiel
  • Charles Cumello - Chief Executive Officer

    Charles Cumello, the Chief Executive Officer at Hunter College, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the institution. Cumello oversees all major academic and administrative departments, ensuring alignment with the college's mission to provide accessible, high-quality education. This leadership role involves fostering key relationships with external stakeholders, including governmental bodies and industry partners, to enhance the college's resources and opportunities. By driving innovation in educational delivery and student support services, Charles Cumello ensures Hunter College remains a leader in urban higher education. The Chief Executive Officer's focus extends to financial oversight and resource allocation, guaranteeing the sustainability and growth of the college's diverse programs. Cumello's strategic direction impacts curriculum development and the expansion of research initiatives, particularly in areas like psychology and computer science, reflecting the college's commitment to academic excellence and student success.

    Michelle Smigel - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Michelle Smigel, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Hunter College, established the foundational principles and initial strategic direction for the institution. Smigel's role involves guiding the college's long-term vision, focusing on innovation in higher education and student accessibility. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of the educational landscape and a commitment to fostering a vibrant academic community. By championing new programs and initiatives, Michelle Smigel ensures Hunter College adapts to evolving societal needs and student aspirations. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer's influence extends to shaping the college's culture and its impact on New York City. Smigel's strategic oversight supports the development of interdisciplinary studies and research centers, such as those focused on sustainable cities and healthy aging, reinforcing the college's commitment to impactful scholarship and community engagement.

    Amy Robbins - President

    Amy Robbins, the President at Hunter College, leads the institution with a focus on academic excellence and student success. Robbins oversees the strategic direction of the college, ensuring that its programs and initiatives align with the evolving needs of students and the broader community. This leadership role involves fostering a collaborative environment among faculty and staff, promoting research, and enhancing the overall student experience. By championing innovative educational approaches, Amy Robbins supports the college's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education. The President's responsibilities include managing institutional relationships, advocating for the college's interests, and driving initiatives that strengthen its position within the City University of New York system. Robbins's leadership impacts curriculum development, student support services, and the college's engagement with its diverse student body.

    Shohruz Ernazarov - Founder & President

    Shohruz Ernazarov, the Founder & President at Hunter College, established the core vision and initial operational framework for the institution. Ernazarov's foundational role involved setting the strategic direction and fostering the early development of academic programs and student services. This leadership position required a commitment to creating an accessible and enriching educational environment. By initiating key programs and partnerships, Shohruz Ernazarov laid the groundwork for Hunter College's growth and its impact on the New York City educational landscape. The Founder & President's influence extends to shaping the college's culture and its dedication to academic rigor. Ernazarov's foresight supported the establishment of diverse study areas, ensuring the college could meet the varied needs of its student population.

    Elisa Sambataro - President, Pre-Health Diaries Blog

    Elisa Sambataro, the President, Pre-Health Diaries Blog at Hunter College, directs the editorial vision and operational management of the influential pre-health student publication. Sambataro oversees content creation, team leadership, and strategic partnerships to ensure the blog effectively serves aspiring health professionals. This role involves guiding the development of resources and articles that address the unique challenges and opportunities within pre-health education. By fostering a supportive community, Elisa Sambataro enhances the learning journey for students pursuing careers in medicine and related fields. The President, Pre-Health Diaries Blog's responsibilities include managing editorial staff, coordinating publication schedules, and expanding the blog's reach to benefit a wider student audience. Sambataro's leadership ensures the blog remains a vital resource for academic and professional development.

    Anthony Munroe - President

    Anthony Munroe, the President at Hunter College, drives the strategic direction and operational excellence of the institution. Munroe oversees all facets of college administration, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education and comprehensive student support services. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in academic programs and enhancing the college's research capabilities. By championing initiatives that promote student success and faculty development, Anthony Munroe reinforces Hunter College's commitment to its mission. The President's responsibilities include managing institutional resources, cultivating external partnerships, and advocating for the college's role within the broader educational ecosystem. Munroe's strategic guidance impacts curriculum innovation and the expansion of interdisciplinary centers, supporting the college's reputation for academic rigor and community impact.

    Maria Ponce - President & Editor & Chief

    Maria Ponce, the President & Editor & Chief at Hunter College, leads the strategic direction and editorial content for a key institutional publication. Ponce oversees the development and execution of editorial policies, ensuring the publication uphns high standards of academic and journalistic integrity. This leadership role involves managing a team of contributors and stakeholders to produce impactful content that resonates with the college community and beyond. By driving editorial innovation, Maria Ponce enhances the publication's reach and influence. The President & Editor & Chief's responsibilities include strategic planning for content dissemination, fostering collaborations, and ensuring the publication effectively communicates the college's achievements and initiatives. Ponce's leadership supports the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of intellectual discourse within the academic sphere.

    Henry Saltiel - Associate Provost and Chief Information Officer

    Henry Saltiel, the Associate Provost and Chief Information Officer at Hunter College, directs the strategic implementation and management of all information technology infrastructure and academic technology services. Saltiel oversees the digital learning environment, ensuring robust and secure systems that support over 170 areas of study across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. This critical role involves integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance student learning experiences, faculty research, and administrative efficiency. By leading technological advancements, Henry Saltiel supports the college's mission to provide accessible and innovative educational opportunities. The Associate Provost and Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include managing IT budgets, cybersecurity protocols, and the development of digital resources that empower students in fields like human biology and computer science. Saltiel's vision ensures Hunter College maintains a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hunter College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hunter College?
    Hunter College is led by Charles Cumello (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michelle Smigel (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Amy Robbins (President).
    Who is part of Hunter College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hunter College includes leaders such as Charles Cumello (Chief Executive Officer), Michelle Smigel (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Amy Robbins (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hunter College have?
    Hunter College has 8 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 Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, President, Founder & President, President, Pre-Health Diaries Blog.