Montclair State University Executive and Leadership Team

Benjamin Durant, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration at Montclair State University, directs the fiscal health and operational infrastructure of the institution. Overseeing budget allocation, facility management, and administrative services, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration ensures that resources support the university's diverse certificate and degree programs. This leadership role involves managing large-scale financial planning to maintain long-term institutional stability. Benjamin Durant optimizes operational workflows to improve service delivery across the campus. By balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for modern educational facilities, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration enables the university to expand its academic reach. Through disciplined financial oversight, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration secures the necessary capital to sustain growth and innovation within the public higher education sector.

Keith Barrack, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of at Montclair State University, manages the executive office operations to ensure seamless institutional governance. Coordinating daily activities for the president, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of facilitates critical decision-making processes that impact the entire university. This role involves bridging communication gaps between the executive leadership and academic departments to maintain organizational cohesion. Keith Barrack oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives designed to enhance the university's public profile. By managing the flow of information and policy directives, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of ensures that all administrative actions align with the core mission of providing high-quality education. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of supports the university's commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.

Leila Jones, the President at Montclair State University, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing academic growth, community partnerships, and institutional advancement, the President ensures that the university remains a leader in public higher education. This role involves engaging with stakeholders to secure the resources necessary for expanding degree programs and research initiatives. Leila Jones drives the university's commitment to student success and public service. By setting the tone for institutional culture, the President fosters an environment of innovation and academic rigor. Through effective leadership, the President guides the university toward achieving its long-term goals of accessibility and excellence. The President maintains a focus on the university's impact within the region, ensuring that all academic and administrative efforts align with the core mission of providing high-quality education.

Dina Leotsakas, the President, Alpha Epsilon Lambda , Alpha Kappa Chapter (Ael) at Montclair State University, leads the student organization to promote academic achievement and professional development. Overseeing chapter activities, member engagement, and community outreach, the President, Alpha Epsilon Lambda , Alpha Kappa Chapter (Ael) ensures that the organization provides value to the student body. This role involves coordinating events that align with the university's mission of fostering a vibrant campus life. Dina Leotsakas manages the chapter's resources to support student success and networking opportunities. By facilitating collaboration among members, the President, Alpha Epsilon Lambda , Alpha Kappa Chapter (Ael) strengthens the university's academic community. Through active leadership, the President, Alpha Epsilon Lambda , Alpha Kappa Chapter (Ael) contributes to the overall student experience, ensuring that the organization remains a vital part of the university's extracurricular landscape.

Kelly Meagher, the President at Montclair State University, leads specific institutional initiatives focused on enhancing academic quality and student outcomes. Overseeing targeted programs and departmental goals, the President ensures that the university meets its objectives for educational excellence. This role involves collaborating with faculty and staff to implement strategies that improve the student experience. Kelly Meagher manages the execution of key projects that support the university's mission of providing accessible and high-quality education. By focusing on operational improvements and academic innovation, the President drives progress across the institution. Through dedicated leadership, the President supports the university's commitment to public service and community engagement. The President maintains a clear vision for the university's future, ensuring that all efforts contribute to the long-term success of the institution and its diverse student population.

José Acevedo, the Executive Chapter President at Montclair State University, directs the operations and strategic initiatives of the chapter to foster student leadership and academic growth. Overseeing member development, event planning, and organizational outreach, the Executive Chapter President ensures that the chapter remains aligned with the university's values. This role involves managing the chapter's activities to enhance the student experience and promote professional networking. José Acevedo coordinates with university leadership to ensure that chapter goals support the broader institutional mission. By driving engagement and fostering a collaborative environment, the Executive Chapter President contributes to the university's vibrant campus culture. Through effective management of chapter resources, the Executive Chapter President supports the success of students, ensuring that the organization remains a key contributor to the university's commitment to academic and personal development.

David Jocelyn, the Chief of Staff at Montclair State University, coordinates high-level administrative initiatives to ensure institutional alignment with academic goals. Managing complex workflows, the Chief of Staff facilitates communication between the president and various university departments. This role involves overseeing strategic projects that enhance the public higher education experience for students. By streamlining internal processes, David Jocelyn directly supports the university's mission to provide accessible degree programs. The Chief of Staff maintains rigorous standards for operational efficiency, ensuring that administrative functions remain responsive to the evolving needs of the campus community. Through careful oversight of cross-departmental collaboration, the Chief of Staff drives progress on key institutional priorities, ultimately strengthening the university's reputation as a premier public institution in the Northeast.

Meredith Gatzke, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Montclair State University, architects the talent strategy and workforce development programs for the institution. Overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and professional development, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the university attracts and retains top-tier faculty and staff. This role involves fostering an inclusive workplace culture that supports the delivery of diverse academic programs. Meredith Gatzke implements policies that promote operational efficiency and employee engagement across all departments. By aligning human capital initiatives with the university's long-term goals, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational performance. Through strategic workforce planning, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the institutional capacity to serve students effectively within the competitive higher education landscape.

Silvio Balzano, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Montclair State University, directs the technological infrastructure and digital transformation efforts for the campus. Overseeing network security, data management, and academic software systems, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty have access to robust digital tools. This role involves modernizing IT services to support the university's extensive range of certificate and degree programs. Silvio Balzano manages complex technical projects that enhance the overall learning environment. By implementing scalable cloud solutions and secure data protocols, the Deputy Chief Information Officer improves operational efficiency across the institution. Through proactive technology planning, the Deputy Chief Information Officer supports the university's mission to provide a cutting-edge educational experience. This leadership role remains essential for maintaining the digital connectivity required for modern higher education success.

Anthony Knowles, the Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer at Montclair State University, coordinates administrative support for the human resources department to ensure smooth operational flow. Managing scheduling, documentation, and internal communications, the Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer facilitates the execution of talent management strategies. This role involves assisting with the implementation of HR policies that support the university's diverse workforce. Anthony Knowles maintains organized records and ensures that departmental objectives remain on track. By providing essential support to the leadership team, the Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer enables the effective delivery of human resources services. Through diligent administrative oversight, the Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer contributes to the overall efficiency of the university's human capital operations, supporting the broader mission of academic excellence.