Pratt Institute Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pratt Institute has 7 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, information technology, academic governance, student engagement, community outreach, institutional leadership, and specialized design research.

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
  • Academic Senate Co-President - Zachary Slanger
  • Club President and Founder of the Pratt Book Club - Madeleine Wyatt
  • President, Community Engagement Board - Lorraine Yang
  • President - Frances Bronet
  • President, Virtual Reality Design Society - Gurmani Kaur
  • 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 fine arts and technology programs. By implementing robust financial controls, Edmund Rutkowski maintains the stability required for academic innovation. The Chief Financial Officer also collaborates with the Board to secure funding for campus infrastructure projects. Through meticulous oversight of institutional assets, Rutkowski guarantees that the financial foundation remains strong enough to support the creative ambitions of the entire student body and faculty, ultimately fostering an environment where artistic and technical education thrives without fiscal constraint.

    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 uphold academic standards. Overseeing the development of curriculum policies, the Academic Senate Co-President ensures that the educational mission remains centered on creative excellence and intellectual rigor. This leadership role involves chairing committees that evaluate academic programs and promote inclusive teaching practices across all disciplines. By fostering a collaborative environment, Zachary Slanger drives consensus on institutional policies that affect the daily lives of educators and students. The Academic Senate Co-President also advocates for resources that support faculty research and professional development. Through consistent engagement with the broader academic community, Slanger maintains the integrity of the degree programs, ensuring that the educational experience at the university continues to prepare graduates for successful careers in the arts, design, and technology fields.

    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 literature and critical discourse. Overseeing the organization of events and discussions, the Club President and Founder of the Pratt Book Club ensures that students from various creative disciplines engage with diverse perspectives. This leadership role involves managing membership growth and coordinating with other student organizations to promote a culture of reading and analysis. By facilitating these gatherings, Madeleine Wyatt strengthens the social fabric of the campus and encourages interdisciplinary dialogue. The Club President and Founder of the Pratt Book Club also secures funding and resources to expand the reach of the club's activities. Through dedicated leadership, Wyatt fosters an environment where students explore complex ideas, ultimately enriching the academic experience and promoting a lifelong commitment to learning and creative inquiry.

    Lorraine Yang - President, Community Engagement Board

    Lorraine Yang, the President, Community Engagement Board at Pratt Institute, directs initiatives that connect the university with the surrounding urban environment. Overseeing partnerships with local organizations and neighborhood groups, the President, Community Engagement Board ensures that the institution contributes positively to the social and cultural life of the region. This leadership role involves coordinating outreach programs that leverage the creative expertise of students and faculty to address community needs. By fostering these external relationships, Lorraine Yang enhances the visibility and impact of the university in the broader public sphere. The President, Community Engagement Board also manages the allocation of resources for service-learning projects that benefit the local population. Through strategic collaboration, Yang strengthens the ties between the campus and the community, ensuring that the creative work produced at the university serves as a catalyst for positive change and social development.

    Frances Bronet - President

    Frances Bronet, the President at Pratt Institute, architects the overarching strategic vision and institutional direction of the university. Overseeing the alignment of academic programs with the evolving demands of the creative industries, the President ensures that the institution maintains its reputation for excellence in architecture, design, and fine arts. This leadership role involves managing relationships with the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders to secure the future of the university. By championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, Frances Bronet drives the cultural transformation of the campus environment. The President also coordinates the efforts of the executive team to optimize operational performance and student outcomes. Through visionary leadership, Bronet guides the institution toward long-term growth, ensuring that the university continues to nurture the next generation of creative leaders who will make a significant impact in the world through their professional contributions.

    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 creative curriculum. Overseeing workshops and collaborative projects, the President, Virtual Reality Design Society ensures that students gain proficiency in cutting-edge digital tools that define the future of design. This leadership role involves organizing demonstrations and industry networking events that connect members with emerging trends in virtual reality. By facilitating hands-on learning experiences, Gurmani Kaur empowers students to push the boundaries of traditional art and technology. The President, Virtual Reality Design Society also manages the acquisition of specialized equipment and software necessary for high-level experimentation. Through active engagement with the student body, Kaur fosters a community of innovators who are prepared to lead in the rapidly evolving field of digital design, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of technological advancement in the arts.

    Joseph Hemway - Vice President, Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Joseph Hemway, the Vice President, Technology & Chief Information Officer at Pratt Institute, directs the digital infrastructure and technological evolution of the campus. Managing the integration of advanced computing systems into architecture and design curricula, the Vice President, Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures that students possess access to cutting-edge tools. This leadership role involves securing network integrity and expanding digital resources to support remote and on-campus learning environments. By modernizing the technological landscape, Joseph Hemway facilitates seamless collaboration between faculty and researchers. The Vice President, Technology & Chief Information Officer also oversees the implementation of data-driven solutions that enhance administrative efficiency across the institution. Through strategic investment in hardware and software, Hemway provides the necessary foundation for creative experimentation, ensuring that the technological capabilities of the university remain at the forefront of the competitive education sector.
    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 Zachary Slanger (Academic Senate Co-President) and Madeleine Wyatt (Club President and Founder of the Pratt Book Club).
    Who is part of Pratt Institute’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pratt Institute includes leaders such as Edmund Rutkowski (Chief Financial Officer), Zachary Slanger (Academic Senate Co-President), Madeleine Wyatt (Club President and Founder of the Pratt Book Club) 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, Academic Senate Co-President, Club President and Founder of the Pratt Book Club, President, Community Engagement Board, President.