Northeastern University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Northeastern University has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, technology, administration, and academic strategy.

Committed to experiential learning and global research, Northeastern University advances higher education through a diverse portfolio of degrees across arts, media, business, science, engineering, law, humanities, and professional studies.

Leadership Roles at Northeastern University

  • Chief Operating Officer - Andrew Klaey
  • President - Joseph Aoun
  • Co-President - Sydney Scott
  • President - Teodoro Vigliero
  • Co President - Helena Bouchereau
  • President - Rkia Salnave
  • President Emeritus and Professor - Richard Freeland
  • President - Marli Mason
  • Chief Technology Officer - James Vedral
  • Chief of Staff - Katherine England
  • Andrew Klaey - Chief Operating Officer

    Andrew Klaey, the Chief Operating Officer at Northeastern University, directs the administrative infrastructure and operational efficiency of the institution. Overseeing campus facilities and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the physical and digital environments support academic excellence. This leadership role involves managing complex logistical frameworks to maintain high standards across all departments. By optimizing internal processes, Andrew Klaey directly impacts the university's ability to deliver high-quality education services. Klaey coordinates with other executive leaders to align operational goals with the broader mission of the university. Through rigorous oversight of institutional assets, the Chief Operating Officer secures the stability required for long-term growth. This position demands constant attention to detail, ensuring that every operational facet functions seamlessly to support the diverse needs of students, faculty, and staff within the expansive Northeastern University ecosystem.

    Joseph Aoun - President

    Joseph Aoun, the President at Northeastern University, defines the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing academic growth and global partnerships, the President ensures that the university maintains its reputation for excellence in research and experiential learning. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders to secure the future of the university. By championing innovation in education, Joseph Aoun directly impacts the university's market position and academic standing. Aoun leads the development of new programs across arts, media, business, science, engineering, law, humanities, and professional studies. Through visionary leadership, the President drives the expansion of the university's global footprint. This position requires a commitment to academic integrity and institutional advancement, ensuring that Northeastern University continues to provide world-class education services while adapting to the evolving needs of the global workforce.
    Joseph Aoun

    Sydney Scott - Co-President

    Sydney Scott, the Co-President at Northeastern University, shares the responsibility for guiding the institution's strategic growth and academic mission. Overseeing specific interdisciplinary programs and student engagement initiatives, the Co-President ensures that the university's educational offerings remain relevant and impactful. This leadership role involves collaborating with the other President to harmonize institutional policies and long-term goals. By fostering a culture of innovation, Sydney Scott directly impacts the quality of the student experience and the success of research endeavors. Scott works to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice, reinforcing the university's commitment to experiential learning. Through active participation in university governance, the Co-President supports the development of new academic pathways. This position requires a focus on collaborative leadership, ensuring that Northeastern University continues to thrive as a premier institution for higher education and professional development.

    Teodoro Vigliero - President

    Teodoro Vigliero, the President at Northeastern University, focuses on the financial sustainability and resource management of the institution. Overseeing the fiscal health and budgetary planning, the President ensures that the university has the necessary capital to support its diverse academic programs. This leadership role involves managing relationships with donors and financial partners to bolster the university's endowment. By implementing sound fiscal policies, Teodoro Vigliero directly impacts the university's ability to invest in new facilities and research initiatives. Vigliero works with the finance department to ensure that all expenditures align with the strategic mission of the university. Through prudent financial oversight, the President secures the resources needed for long-term stability. This position requires a deep understanding of the economic landscape of higher education, ensuring that Northeastern University remains a financially robust and competitive institution in the global market.

    Helena Bouchereau - Co President

    Helena Bouchereau, the Co President at Northeastern University, directs the expansion of international partnerships and global research initiatives. Overseeing the university's presence in foreign markets, the Co President ensures that the institution maintains a strong global footprint. This leadership role involves building alliances with international universities and industry leaders to enhance the university's research capabilities. By facilitating global exchange programs, Helena Bouchereau directly impacts the international reputation of the university. Bouchereau works to integrate global perspectives into the curriculum, preparing students for a diverse and interconnected workforce. Through strategic international outreach, the Co President drives the university's mission to provide a world-class education on a global scale. This position requires a focus on cross-cultural collaboration, ensuring that Northeastern University remains a leader in international education and research, fostering innovation that transcends geographic boundaries.

    Rkia Salnave - President

    Rkia Salnave, the President at Northeastern University, leads the development of community engagement and public service initiatives. Overseeing the university's outreach programs, the President ensures that the institution contributes positively to the local and regional community. This leadership role involves managing partnerships with local government and non-profit organizations to address societal challenges. By promoting civic responsibility, Rkia Salnave directly impacts the university's social footprint and public image. Salnave works to align community service projects with the academic mission, providing students with opportunities for real-world impact. Through active community involvement, the President strengthens the bond between the university and the public. This position requires a commitment to social equity and public service, ensuring that Northeastern University remains a vital and engaged member of the community while continuing to provide high-quality education services to a diverse student body.

    Richard Freeland - President Emeritus and Professor

    Richard Freeland, the President Emeritus and Professor at Northeastern University, provides historical context and academic guidance to the current leadership team. Overseeing special academic projects and mentoring faculty, the President Emeritus and Professor ensures that the university's core values remain central to its ongoing development. This leadership role involves contributing to long-term strategic planning and academic policy discussions. By leveraging years of institutional knowledge, Richard Freeland directly impacts the continuity of the university's mission. Freeland works to preserve the academic traditions that define the institution while supporting the evolution of new programs. Through ongoing research and teaching, the President Emeritus and Professor remains an active participant in the intellectual life of the university. This position requires a deep commitment to the university's legacy, ensuring that Northeastern University continues to build upon its strong foundation of academic excellence and research.

    Marli Mason - President

    Marli Mason, the President at Northeastern University, manages the human resources and faculty development strategies for the institution. Overseeing recruitment and retention of top-tier academic talent, the President ensures that the university maintains a high-quality faculty body. This leadership role involves developing policies that support professional growth and academic freedom. By fostering a supportive work environment, Marli Mason directly impacts the productivity and morale of the university's staff and faculty. Mason works with department heads to align hiring practices with the strategic goals of the university. Through effective talent management, the President secures the human capital necessary for academic success. This position requires a focus on organizational culture and employee engagement, ensuring that Northeastern University remains an attractive destination for scholars and professionals who are dedicated to the university's mission of providing exceptional education services.

    James Vedral - Chief Technology Officer

    James Vedral, the Chief Technology Officer at Northeastern University, architects the digital infrastructure and technological roadmap for the entire institution. Overseeing the integration of advanced computing systems and cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the university remains at the forefront of digital innovation. This leadership role involves managing large-scale data networks that support research, administration, and student services. By implementing cutting-edge software solutions, James Vedral directly impacts the efficiency of academic delivery and administrative workflows. Vedral collaborates with academic departments to integrate technology into the curriculum, fostering a modern learning environment. Through strategic investment in emerging technologies, the Chief Technology Officer drives the digital transformation of the university. This position requires constant vigilance regarding data integrity and system scalability, ensuring that the technological foundation of Northeastern University supports its mission of global research and experiential learning.
    James Vedral

    Katherine England - Chief of Staff

    Katherine England, the Chief of Staff at Northeastern University, manages the executive office and facilitates communication across the leadership team. Overseeing strategic initiatives and policy implementation, the Chief of Staff ensures that the university's core objectives receive consistent attention from all departments. This leadership role involves coordinating high-level meetings and managing the flow of information to the President and other senior leaders. By streamlining administrative processes, Katherine England directly impacts the effectiveness of the executive decision-making cycle. England works closely with various stakeholders to ensure that institutional goals remain aligned with the university's mission. Through careful management of executive priorities, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational focus and operational clarity. This position requires exceptional organizational skills and a deep understanding of the university's complex structure, ensuring that the leadership team at Northeastern University operates with maximum efficiency and strategic alignment.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Northeastern University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Northeastern University?
    Northeastern University is led by Andrew Klaey (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Joseph Aoun (President) and Sydney Scott (Co-President).
    Who is part of Northeastern University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Northeastern University includes leaders such as Andrew Klaey (Chief Operating Officer), Joseph Aoun (President), Sydney Scott (Co-President) 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 Operating Officer, President, Co-President, President, Co President.