NYU Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

NYU has 10 executives leading key functions including labor representation, institutional operations, health strategy, student services, and executive administration.

Committed to academic excellence and global research, NYU fosters innovation through a diverse community and extensive international academic centers, serving as a premier engine for social mobility and professional development.

Leadership Roles at NYU

  • President & Chief Executive Officer, Union of Clerical and Technical Staff at NYU - Kate Conroy
  • Deputy Chief of Staff To the President - Dylaney Bouwman
  • Deputy Chief of Staff To the President - Gabriel Mahl
  • President - Christian Howze
  • Proud President - Tim Novikoff
  • President - Ellen Ryoo
  • Office of the President - Stephanie Pelski
  • Chief of Staff - Kendra Contreras
  • Chief of Staff & Vice President, Health & Wellbeing - Jayson Valcik
  • Student Affairs Chief of Staff - Elizabeth Kuzina
  • Kate Conroy - President & Chief Executive Officer, Union of Clerical and Technical Staff at NYU

    Kate Conroy, the President & Chief Executive Officer, Union of Clerical and Technical Staff at NYU, manages labor relations and advocacy for the university's essential workforce. Conroy directs negotiations regarding employment conditions, ensuring that the clerical and technical staff receive equitable support within the complex institutional framework of the university. By maintaining open communication channels with university leadership, Conroy secures operational stability across various administrative departments. This role involves balancing the needs of a diverse workforce with the broader mission of the institution. Kate Conroy actively monitors workplace policies to ensure compliance and fairness, directly impacting the daily efficiency of campus operations. Through consistent engagement with union members, Conroy drives initiatives that improve professional development and job security. Ultimately, Conroy strengthens the internal culture by aligning staff interests with the long-term goals of the university, ensuring that the administrative backbone remains robust and highly motivated.

    Dylaney Bouwman - Deputy Chief of Staff To the President

    Dylaney Bouwman, the Deputy Chief of Staff To the President at NYU, supports the executive office by managing special projects and facilitating cross-departmental collaboration. Bouwman assists in the execution of strategic priorities, ensuring that the president's vision translates into actionable plans across the university's various schools. By coordinating meetings and briefings, the Deputy Chief of Staff To the President maintains the efficiency of the executive leadership team. Dylaney Bouwman monitors progress on key institutional goals, providing data-driven insights that inform decision-making. This role involves working closely with senior leadership to address complex administrative issues and enhance organizational performance. By managing sensitive communications and high-priority tasks, Bouwman ensures that the president remains focused on long-term strategic objectives. Through meticulous attention to detail and effective project management, Bouwman contributes to the overall success and stability of the university's administrative operations.

    Gabriel Mahl - Deputy Chief of Staff To the President

    Gabriel Mahl, the Deputy Chief of Staff To the President at NYU, focuses on external relations and institutional partnerships to advance the university's global reach. Mahl manages high-level engagements with industry leaders and academic partners, ensuring that the university maintains its competitive edge in research and innovation. By facilitating strategic alliances, the Deputy Chief of Staff To the President expands internship and career pathways for students across diverse fields. Gabriel Mahl oversees the development of communication strategies that highlight the university's contributions to social mobility and academic excellence. This role involves collaborating with the president to represent the institution at major forums and conferences. By analyzing market trends and institutional needs, Mahl provides critical support for the university's growth initiatives. Through effective relationship management, Mahl strengthens the university's reputation and ensures that the institution remains a leader in global education.

    Christian Howze - President

    Christian Howze, the President at NYU, provides overarching leadership for the university's academic and research mission. Howze directs the institution's strategic vision, ensuring that the university continues to excel as a premier private research institution. By overseeing the diverse schools and colleges, the President maintains high standards for undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Christian Howze fosters an environment of innovation and academic freedom, supporting faculty members who receive prestigious honors and awards. This role involves engaging with the board of trustees and external stakeholders to secure the university's financial and academic future. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, Howze ensures that the student body remains representative of a global community. Through decisive leadership, Howze drives the university's commitment to social mobility and excellence, ensuring that the institution remains a major engine of innovation in New York City and beyond.

    Tim Novikoff - Proud President

    Tim Novikoff, the Proud President at NYU, champions the university's cultural and community-building initiatives. Novikoff directs efforts to enhance the sense of belonging among students, faculty, and staff, ensuring that the university's values remain central to daily operations. By promoting the institution's history and achievements, the Proud President strengthens the connection between the university and its alumni network. Tim Novikoff oversees programs that celebrate academic success and community service, fostering a spirit of pride across all campuses. This role involves representing the university at public events and building relationships with community leaders. By highlighting the impact of the university's research and educational programs, Novikoff enhances the institution's public profile. Through dedicated leadership, Novikoff ensures that the university remains a vibrant and welcoming environment that inspires students to achieve their full potential while contributing to the broader society.

    Ellen Ryoo - President

    Ellen Ryoo, the President at NYU, manages the university's international expansion and global academic centers. Ryoo directs the strategic development of degree-granting campuses and research programs across more than 25 countries, ensuring that the university maintains its status as a leader in international education. By overseeing the integration of global academic standards, the President ensures that students receive a consistent and high-quality education regardless of their location. Ellen Ryoo collaborates with international partners to foster cross-cultural research and innovation. This role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and managing the logistics of a global institution. By prioritizing global engagement, Ryoo expands the university's influence and provides students with unparalleled opportunities for international study. Through visionary leadership, Ryoo ensures that the university remains at the forefront of global education, preparing students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

    Stephanie Pelski - Office of the President

    Stephanie Pelski, the Office of the President at NYU, coordinates administrative support and operational oversight for the university's executive leadership. Pelski manages the scheduling, correspondence, and logistical requirements of the president's office, ensuring that all executive functions operate smoothly. By serving as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, the Office of the President facilitates efficient communication and decision-making. Stephanie Pelski monitors the progress of key institutional initiatives, providing administrative support that allows the leadership team to focus on strategic goals. This role involves organizing high-level meetings and preparing briefings that inform the president's policy decisions. By maintaining the integrity of the executive office's records and processes, Pelski ensures that the university's leadership remains organized and effective. Through diligent management, Pelski supports the overall mission of the university, contributing to the success of its academic and research programs.

    Kendra Contreras - Chief of Staff

    Kendra Contreras, the Chief of Staff at NYU, coordinates high-level strategic initiatives and facilitates communication across the university's executive leadership team. Contreras manages the flow of information to the president, ensuring that critical institutional priorities receive immediate attention. By overseeing complex projects that span multiple schools and colleges, the Chief of Staff aligns departmental goals with the overarching vision of the university. Kendra Contreras optimizes administrative workflows to enhance decision-making speed and accuracy. This position requires constant collaboration with senior administrators to address challenges related to academic growth and operational efficiency. By streamlining internal processes, Contreras supports the university's mission to maintain its status as a leader in global education. The Chief of Staff also monitors the implementation of strategic plans, ensuring that all divisions remain focused on achieving measurable outcomes. Through rigorous oversight, Contreras maintains the integrity and effectiveness of the executive office.

    Jayson Valcik - Chief of Staff & Vice President, Health & Wellbeing

    Jayson Valcik, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Health & Wellbeing at NYU, architects comprehensive wellness strategies for the university's vast student and faculty population. Valcik directs the integration of health services across all campuses, ensuring that mental and physical wellbeing resources remain accessible and effective. By collaborating with medical and dental schools, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Health & Wellbeing aligns clinical research with practical student support programs. Jayson Valcik oversees the development of campus-wide health initiatives that address the needs of a diverse community spanning 133 countries. This leadership role involves managing large-scale health infrastructure and responding to emerging public health challenges. By prioritizing preventative care and wellness education, Valcik enhances the overall student experience and academic performance. Through strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, Valcik ensures that the university remains a safe and supportive environment for all members of the community.

    Elizabeth Kuzina - Student Affairs Chief of Staff

    Elizabeth Kuzina, the Student Affairs Chief of Staff at NYU, manages the operational logistics and strategic planning for the division of student affairs. Kuzina coordinates efforts to enhance student life, housing, and extracurricular engagement across the university's global footprint. By aligning student-facing services with the institution's academic mission, the Student Affairs Chief of Staff ensures a cohesive experience for the student body. Elizabeth Kuzina facilitates communication between student organizations and university administration, fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus culture. This role involves analyzing student feedback to drive improvements in support services and campus facilities. By overseeing resource allocation for student programs, Kuzina supports the university's commitment to social mobility and personal growth. Through proactive management of student affairs initiatives, Kuzina ensures that the university provides a holistic environment that prepares students for success in their professional and personal lives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NYU Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NYU?
    NYU is led by Kate Conroy (President & Chief Executive Officer, Union of Clerical and Technical Staff at NYU), along with executives such as Dylaney Bouwman (Deputy Chief of Staff To the President) and Gabriel Mahl (Deputy Chief of Staff To the President).
    Who is part of NYU’s executive team?
    The executive team of NYU includes leaders such as Kate Conroy (President & Chief Executive Officer, Union of Clerical and Technical Staff at NYU), Dylaney Bouwman (Deputy Chief of Staff To the President), Gabriel Mahl (Deputy Chief of Staff To the President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NYU have?
    NYU has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NYU’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NYU includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Union of Clerical and Technical Staff at NYU, Deputy Chief of Staff To the President, Deputy Chief of Staff To the President, President, Proud President.