Pratt Institute Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pratt Institute has 7 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, information technology, academic leadership, virtual reality design, academic governance, community engagement, and student literary initiatives.

Committed to fostering creative excellence, Pratt Institute empowers students through rigorous academic programs in architecture, design, and technology to drive meaningful global impact.

Leadership Roles at Pratt Institute

  • Chief Financial Officer - Edmund Rutkowski
  • President - Frances Bronet
  • President, Virtual Reality Design Society - Gurmani Kaur
  • Academic Senate Co-President - Zachary Slanger
  • President, Community Engagement Board - Lorraine Yang
  • Club President and Founder of the Pratt Book Club - Madeleine Wyatt
  • Vice President, Technology & Chief Information Officer - Joseph Hemway
  • Edmund Rutkowski - Chief Financial Officer

    Edmund Rutkowski, the Chief Financial Officer at Pratt Institute, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Overseeing the allocation of resources across diverse academic departments, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that budgetary frameworks align with the strategic goals of the university. This leadership role involves monitoring endowment performance and optimizing operational expenditures to support the growth of creative programs. By implementing robust financial controls, Edmund Rutkowski maintains the stability required for academic innovation. Rutkowski directs the administrative teams responsible for institutional funding, ensuring that every dollar invested advances the mission of nurturing future creative leaders. Through meticulous oversight of the financial landscape, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to maintain state-of-the-art facilities and support faculty research initiatives, ultimately strengthening the competitive position of the institute within the global higher education market.

    Frances Bronet - President

    Frances Bronet, the President at Pratt Institute, directs the overarching academic vision and strategic trajectory of the institution. Overseeing the alignment of undergraduate and graduate programs with evolving industry standards, the President ensures that the curriculum remains at the forefront of architecture, design, and fine arts education. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Trustees and faculty to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across all academic disciplines. By championing the mission of creative leadership, Frances Bronet fosters an environment where students develop the skills to address complex global challenges. Bronet drives institutional partnerships that expand the reach of the university, ensuring that the academic community remains connected to professional networks. Through consistent advocacy for creative excellence, the President secures the long-term reputation of the institute as a premier destination for students seeking to advance their careers in the arts and technology sectors.

    Gurmani Kaur - President, Virtual Reality Design Society

    Gurmani Kaur, the President, Virtual Reality Design Society at Pratt Institute, leads the exploration of immersive technologies within the academic community. Overseeing the development of virtual reality projects and workshops, the President, Virtual Reality Design Society ensures that students gain practical experience in cutting-edge digital design. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty to integrate emerging technology into the fine arts curriculum. By fostering a collaborative environment for experimentation, Gurmani Kaur drives the adoption of new design methodologies that push the boundaries of traditional creative disciplines. Kaur organizes events and exhibitions that showcase the potential of virtual reality to transform user experiences in architecture and design. Through the promotion of technical proficiency and creative vision, the President, Virtual Reality Design Society prepares the next generation of designers to lead in the rapidly evolving field of interactive media and digital environments.

    Zachary Slanger - Academic Senate Co-President

    Zachary Slanger, the Academic Senate Co-President at Pratt Institute, facilitates communication between the faculty and the administration to ensure academic excellence. Overseeing the governance processes that shape educational policy, the Academic Senate Co-President ensures that faculty perspectives inform the strategic direction of the university. This leadership role involves managing committee discussions on curriculum development and academic standards. By promoting transparency and shared governance, Zachary Slanger drives the collaborative efforts necessary to maintain the quality of undergraduate and graduate programs. Slanger coordinates with other academic leaders to address the needs of the faculty and students, ensuring that the institute remains a supportive environment for intellectual growth. Through the effective management of senate proceedings, the Academic Senate Co-President upholds the integrity of the academic mission, ensuring that the institution continues to provide a rigorous and inclusive education for all students.

    Lorraine Yang - President, Community Engagement Board

    Lorraine Yang, the President, Community Engagement Board at Pratt Institute, directs initiatives that connect the institution with the broader public and local neighborhoods. Overseeing outreach programs and collaborative projects, the President, Community Engagement Board ensures that the creative work of the university benefits the surrounding community. This leadership role involves building partnerships with local organizations to promote diversity and social impact. By fostering meaningful connections, Lorraine Yang drives the institute's commitment to civic responsibility and community development. Yang coordinates efforts to integrate public service into the student experience, encouraging the application of design and art to real-world social issues. Through the strategic management of engagement activities, the President, Community Engagement Board strengthens the relationship between the campus and the public, ensuring that the institution remains a vital and inclusive contributor to the cultural and social fabric of the region.

    Madeleine Wyatt - Club President and Founder of the Pratt Book Club

    Madeleine Wyatt, the Club President and Founder of the Pratt Book Club at Pratt Institute, cultivates a vibrant intellectual community through literary exploration. Overseeing the organization of discussions and reading events, the Club President and Founder of the Pratt Book Club ensures that students have a space to engage with diverse perspectives and creative narratives. This leadership role involves managing membership growth and coordinating with other student organizations to promote a culture of reading and critical thinking. By fostering a community of learners, Madeleine Wyatt drives the development of soft skills and intellectual curiosity among the student body. Wyatt organizes sessions that connect literature with the creative disciplines studied at the institute, enriching the overall academic experience. Through the dedication to building a literary community, the Club President and Founder of the Pratt Book Club enhances the social and intellectual life of the campus, supporting the holistic development of students.

    Joseph Hemway - Vice President, Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Joseph Hemway, the Vice President, Technology & Chief Information Officer at Pratt Institute, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for a modern creative education. Overseeing the integration of advanced computing systems and network security, the Vice President, Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools required for complex design and technology projects. This leadership role involves managing large-scale digital transformation initiatives that enhance academic collaboration across the campus. By modernizing the technological ecosystem, Joseph Hemway directly supports the institute's commitment to innovation in fine arts and architecture. Hemway drives the implementation of scalable cloud solutions and data management systems that facilitate seamless research and learning experiences. Through the strategic deployment of information technology, the Vice President, Technology & Chief Information Officer maintains the operational efficiency of the institution while fostering a secure environment for digital exploration and creative development.
    Joseph Hemway

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pratt Institute Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Pratt Institute?
    Pratt Institute is led by Edmund Rutkowski (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Frances Bronet (President) and Gurmani Kaur (President, Virtual Reality Design Society).
    Who is part of Pratt Institute’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pratt Institute includes leaders such as Edmund Rutkowski (Chief Financial Officer), Frances Bronet (President), Gurmani Kaur (President, Virtual Reality Design Society) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pratt Institute have?
    Pratt Institute has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Pratt Institute’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Pratt Institute includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, President, Virtual Reality Design Society, Academic Senate Co-President, President, Community Engagement Board.