Northeastern University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Northeastern University has 10 executives leading key functions including academic administration, operational strategy, financial oversight, and information technology management.

Committed to experiential learning and global research, Northeastern University advances academic excellence through a diverse curriculum spanning arts, media, business, science, engineering, law, and professional studies.

Leadership Roles at Northeastern University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Fred DeJohn
  • Chief Operating Officer - Saranya Ganesan
  • Co-President, the Interrobang Poets - Patricio Araujo
  • President Emeritus - Sherri Wilcauskas
  • President - Moulika Sivalenka
  • President - Reyna Rodriguez
  • President - Joseph Aoun
  • Chief of Staff - Katherine England
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer & Head Assistant VP, The Office & Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Operations - Karen McCarthy
  • Deputy Director - Jiannan Li
  • Fred DeJohn - Chief Financial Officer

    Fred DeJohn, the Chief Financial Officer at Northeastern University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Overseeing the budgeting process and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the university maintains the resources necessary to support its academic and research programs. Fred DeJohn directs investment strategies and monitors financial performance to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory standards. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer supports the growth of the university's diverse academic departments. This leadership role involves collaborating with the board and other executives to align financial resources with the strategic objectives of the university. Through the management of financial risk, the Chief Financial Officer protects the assets of the institution. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability required for the university to continue its mission of excellence.
    Fred DeJohn

    Saranya Ganesan - Chief Operating Officer

    Saranya Ganesan, the Chief Operating Officer at Northeastern University, directs the administrative and operational infrastructure required to support a global research institution. Overseeing campus facilities and logistical support, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the university maintains a high standard of service for students and faculty. Saranya Ganesan manages complex operational budgets and optimizes resource distribution to support the diverse academic offerings of the university. By implementing scalable systems, the Chief Operating Officer improves institutional agility and responsiveness to market demands. This leadership role involves coordinating with other executive leaders to align operational goals with the strategic vision of the university. Through the management of large-scale infrastructure projects, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the physical and digital environment of the campus. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational foundation necessary for sustained academic growth and innovation.

    Patricio Araujo - Co-President, the Interrobang Poets

    Patricio Araujo, the Co-President, the Interrobang Poets at Northeastern University, leads the creative and literary initiatives that enrich the cultural life of the campus. Overseeing the development of poetry programs and public readings, the Co-President, the Interrobang Poets fosters a vibrant community of writers and artists. Patricio Araujo manages the organization's outreach efforts to engage students across all academic disciplines in the arts. By coordinating workshops and events, the Co-President, the Interrobang Poets promotes creative expression as a vital component of the university experience. This leadership role involves collaborating with student organizations and faculty to integrate literary arts into the broader university culture. Through the promotion of diverse voices, the Co-President, the Interrobang Poets enhances the intellectual and creative environment of the university. Ultimately, the Co-President, the Interrobang Poets drives the growth of the literary arts community within the institution.

    Sherri Wilcauskas - President Emeritus

    Sherri Wilcauskas, the President Emeritus at Northeastern University, provides historical perspective and strategic guidance to the current leadership team. Overseeing the preservation of institutional values, the President Emeritus supports the continuity of the university's mission. Sherri Wilcauskas serves as an advisor on long-term initiatives that impact the academic and cultural legacy of the university. By leveraging extensive experience, the President Emeritus assists in navigating complex institutional challenges and fostering relationships with key stakeholders. This leadership role involves mentoring emerging leaders and contributing to the development of future-oriented strategies. Through the promotion of the university's core principles, the President Emeritus ensures that the institution remains grounded in its founding mission while adapting to modern demands. Ultimately, the President Emeritus drives the preservation and advancement of the university's reputation as a leader in higher education.
    Sherri Wilcauskas

    Moulika Sivalenka - President

    Moulika Sivalenka, the President at Northeastern University, directs the academic and research vision of the institution. Overseeing the development of new degree programs and interdisciplinary research initiatives, the President ensures that the university remains a leader in global education. Moulika Sivalenka manages the strategic partnerships that expand the university's reach and impact in the professional studies sector. By fostering an environment of innovation, the President supports faculty and students in achieving academic excellence. This leadership role involves engaging with the board and external stakeholders to secure the resources necessary for institutional growth. Through the implementation of forward-thinking policies, the President enhances the university's standing in the competitive landscape of higher education. Ultimately, the President drives the strategic direction and long-term success of the university by championing academic rigor and experiential learning.

    Reyna Rodriguez - President

    Reyna Rodriguez, the President at Northeastern University, leads the expansion of the university's global footprint and international research collaborations. Overseeing the development of regional academic hubs, the President ensures that the university provides high-quality education to a diverse, global student body. Reyna Rodriguez manages the integration of industry-aligned curricula that prepare students for careers in science, engineering, and business. By cultivating relationships with international partners, the President enhances the university's research capabilities and global influence. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic deans to ensure that all programs meet the highest standards of excellence. Through the promotion of experiential learning, the President drives the university's mission to provide practical, career-focused education. Ultimately, the President secures the university's position as a premier institution for global research and professional development.

    Joseph Aoun - President

    Joseph Aoun, the President at Northeastern University, architects the overarching strategic vision that defines the university's role in the global knowledge economy. Overseeing the alignment of academic research with industry needs, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence and humanics. Joseph Aoun manages the university's growth strategy, including the expansion of its global network of campuses and research centers. By championing the integration of experiential learning into every aspect of the curriculum, the President prepares students for the future of work. This leadership role involves engaging with global leaders and policymakers to advance the university's mission of societal impact. Through the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration, the President drives the university's reputation for excellence. Ultimately, the President secures the long-term viability and influence of the university.
    Joseph Aoun

    Katherine England - Chief of Staff

    Katherine England, the Chief of Staff at Northeastern University, manages executive communications and coordinates strategic initiatives across the leadership team. Overseeing the flow of information to the president, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional priorities receive appropriate attention and resources. Katherine England facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to address complex challenges within the university ecosystem. By managing high-level projects, the Chief of Staff supports the execution of the university's long-term strategic plan. This leadership role involves preparing briefings and reports that inform decision-making processes at the highest levels of the institution. Through the oversight of executive operations, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational focus and alignment with the core mission of the university. The Chief of Staff fosters a culture of transparency and accountability among senior leadership. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff drives the successful implementation of institutional goals.

    Karen McCarthy - Deputy Chief Information Officer & Head Assistant VP, The Office & Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Operations

    Karen McCarthy, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Head Assistant VP, The Office & Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Operations at Northeastern University, directs the digital infrastructure and technology services that support the university's academic and administrative functions. Overseeing the implementation of advanced computing systems, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Head Assistant VP, The Office & Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Operations ensures that the university remains at the forefront of technological innovation. Karen McCarthy manages the security and reliability of the university's data networks to support global research and education. By integrating new software solutions, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Head Assistant VP, The Office & Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Operations enhances the digital learning experience for students and faculty. This leadership role involves coordinating with IT teams to maintain robust systems. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Head Assistant VP, The Office & Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Operations drives digital transformation across the institution.

    Jiannan Li - Deputy Director

    Jiannan Li, the Deputy Director at Northeastern University, manages administrative workflows and supports institutional research initiatives. Overseeing departmental coordination, the Deputy Director ensures alignment with the broader educational mission of the university. Jiannan Li facilitates communication between faculty and administrative staff to optimize resource allocation across various academic programs. By streamlining internal processes, the Deputy Director enhances the efficiency of research operations and academic support services. This leadership role involves monitoring project timelines and ensuring compliance with university standards. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Deputy Director maintains high performance across the institution. The Deputy Director contributes to the long-term success of the university by fostering a collaborative environment that supports faculty development and student achievement. Ultimately, the Deputy Director drives operational excellence within the academic framework of the university.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Northeastern University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Northeastern University?
    Northeastern University is led by Fred DeJohn (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Saranya Ganesan (Chief Operating Officer) and Patricio Araujo (Co-President, the Interrobang Poets).
    Who is part of Northeastern University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Northeastern University includes leaders such as Fred DeJohn (Chief Financial Officer), Saranya Ganesan (Chief Operating Officer), Patricio Araujo (Co-President, the Interrobang Poets) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Northeastern University have?
    Northeastern University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Northeastern University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Northeastern University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Co-President, the Interrobang Poets, President Emeritus, President.