Northeastern University Executive and Leadership Team

Thomas Nedell, the Chief Financial Officer at Northeastern University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning required to sustain world-class research and education. Overseeing the allocation of capital for R1 facilities and the Institute for NanoSystems Innovation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that budgetary decisions support the university's strategic focus on AI and public health research. Nedell directs financial reporting and risk management strategies, providing the stability needed for continuous investment in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure. Thomas Nedell evaluates the economic impact of new academic programs, ensuring that investments in biotechnology and computer science yield significant returns for students and industry partners. By maintaining fiscal transparency and accountability, the Chief Financial Officer enables the institution to expand its footprint within the innovation economy. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Board to align financial resources with the university's mission, ultimately securing the financial foundation for future growth and academic innovation.

Andrew Klaey, the Chief Operating Officer at Northeastern University, directs the daily administrative functions and infrastructure requirements necessary for maintaining high-level academic environments. Overseeing the integration of R1 research facilities and campus-wide operational efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that physical and digital resources align with the university's commitment to experiential learning. Klaey manages complex logistical frameworks that support biotechnology and computer science programs, facilitating seamless collaboration between faculty and industry partners. By optimizing resource allocation across the San Francisco Bay Area innovation ecosystem, the Chief Operating Officer strengthens the institution's capacity for large-scale research initiatives. Andrew Klaey maintains rigorous standards for facility management, ensuring that Makerspaces and specialized labs remain at the forefront of technological advancement. This leadership role involves constant coordination with academic departments to refine operational workflows, ultimately supporting the university's mission to provide students with unparalleled professional opportunities through co-ops and experiential treks.

Leo Shimmura, the President at Northeastern University, defines the overarching vision and strategic direction for the institution's academic and research endeavors. Leading the university's engagement with the San Francisco Bay Area innovation economy, the President champions the integration of experiential learning into every facet of the curriculum. Shimmura oversees the development of industry-aligned degrees, ensuring that programs in fields like biotechnology and business analytics remain relevant to evolving market demands. Leo Shimmura fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging faculty and students to push the boundaries of research in AI and nanosystems. By building strong partnerships with corporate leaders and regional stakeholders, the President expands the reach of the university's co-op programs and professional opportunities. This leadership role involves setting the tone for institutional excellence, driving the university toward its goal of becoming a global leader in research-driven education while maintaining a steadfast commitment to student success and community impact.

Bhakti Save, the President & Product Manager at Northeastern University, leads the development and lifecycle management of academic products and specialized educational offerings. Focusing on the intersection of technology and pedagogy, the President & Product Manager architects the design of digital media and business analytics curricula to meet the specific needs of the modern workforce. Save oversees the product roadmap for new degree programs, ensuring that each offering incorporates experiential learning components and industry-relevant skills. Bhakti Save manages the cross-functional teams responsible for launching these programs, coordinating between academic departments and external industry partners to ensure market alignment. By applying product management principles to the university's educational portfolio, the President & Product Manager enhances the value proposition for students and employers alike. This role involves continuous iteration of academic offerings based on data-driven insights, ensuring that the university remains a leader in providing high-impact, career-ready education within the competitive landscape of higher learning.

Darshika Srivastava, the Co President at Northeastern University, shares responsibility for the strategic oversight and operational success of the university's diverse academic programs. Focusing on the expansion of research initiatives, the Co President drives the growth of the Institute for NanoSystems Innovation and other R1 facilities. Srivastava manages the collaborative efforts between faculty and students, ensuring that research in AI and public health translates into tangible societal benefits. Darshika Srivastava cultivates relationships with regional innovation hubs, facilitating the growth of experiential treks and professional development opportunities for the student body. By balancing academic rigor with practical application, the Co President ensures that the university's educational model remains responsive to the needs of the global economy. This leadership role involves navigating complex institutional challenges and identifying new avenues for growth, ultimately strengthening the university's position as a premier destination for students seeking a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

Rkia Salnave, the President at Northeastern University, guides the institution's commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives that support student success, the President ensures that the university's focus on experiential learning remains central to the student experience. Salnave directs the development of partnerships with industry leaders, creating pathways for students to engage in meaningful co-ops and professional treks. Rkia Salnave fosters an inclusive environment where faculty and students collaborate on groundbreaking research in fields such as biotechnology and computer science. By championing the university's mission to provide industry-aligned education, the President drives the institution's growth and influence within the San Francisco Bay Area. This leadership role involves representing the university to external stakeholders and ensuring that the institution's values are reflected in every academic and research program, ultimately preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.

Sherri Wilcauskas, the President Emeritus at Northeastern University, provides historical perspective and strategic counsel to the current leadership team. Drawing upon years of experience in higher education, the President Emeritus supports the university's long-term mission and helps maintain continuity in institutional values. Wilcauskas advises on the development of academic programs and the expansion of research facilities, ensuring that new initiatives align with the university's established reputation for excellence. Sherri Wilcauskas serves as a mentor to emerging leaders, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation across the campus. By participating in key strategic discussions, the President Emeritus helps navigate the complexities of the modern education landscape, ensuring that the university remains true to its core commitment to experiential learning. This role involves providing guidance on high-level decisions that impact the institution's future, ultimately contributing to the sustained success and growth of the university as it continues to evolve within the innovation economy.

Alexandra Vergara-Anglim, the President at Northeastern University, oversees the strategic development of academic programs and the expansion of the university's research capabilities. Focusing on the integration of technology into the curriculum, the President drives the growth of programs in digital media and computer science. Vergara-Anglim manages the university's relationships with industry partners, ensuring that students have access to cutting-edge co-op opportunities and professional treks. Alexandra Vergara-Anglim leads the effort to enhance the university's R1 research facilities, including the XR Lab, to support faculty and student innovation in AI and nanosystems. By prioritizing experiential learning, the President ensures that the university's graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce. This leadership role involves setting the strategic agenda for the institution, fostering a culture of academic rigor, and ensuring that the university remains a vital contributor to the innovation economy through its commitment to research and professional development.

Lawrence Ajayi, the President at Northeastern University, directs the institution's efforts to advance research and education in the fields of biotechnology and public health. Leading the university's engagement with the innovation economy, the President oversees the development of programs that connect students with industry-leading organizations. Ajayi manages the strategic growth of the university's research facilities, ensuring that faculty and students have the resources needed to conduct impactful work in AI and nanosystems. Lawrence Ajayi fosters a collaborative environment that encourages interdisciplinary research and experiential learning, preparing students for successful careers in a competitive global market. By building strong ties with regional partners, the President expands the university's influence and creates new opportunities for professional growth. This leadership role involves setting the vision for the institution's future, driving innovation in academic programming, and ensuring that the university continues to deliver high-quality education that meets the needs of students and industry alike.

Sophie Sawyers, the Chief of Staff at Northeastern University, coordinates strategic initiatives and facilitates communication across the executive leadership team to ensure institutional alignment. Managing the flow of information between the president's office and various academic departments, the Chief of Staff drives the execution of long-term goals related to business analytics and digital media education. Sawyers oversees the implementation of cross-functional projects that connect the university with regional partners, ensuring that administrative processes support the broader mission of experiential learning. Sophie Sawyers maintains a focus on organizational health, streamlining decision-making protocols to enhance the agility of the institution within the competitive education sector. By fostering collaboration between faculty, staff, and external stakeholders, the Chief of Staff secures the resources necessary for sustained growth. This role involves monitoring key performance indicators to track the success of academic programs, ensuring that every administrative action contributes directly to the university's reputation for excellence in research and professional development.