Queen's University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Queen's University has 10 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, academic governance, and student leadership development.

Committed to fostering academic excellence and research innovation, Queen's University advances global knowledge through rigorous scholarly inquiry and community engagement. This institution maintains a legacy of discovery while shaping future leaders across diverse disciplines.

Leadership Roles at Queen's University

  • Chief Executive Officer, Bachelor of Applied Science (B A Sc ) - Chris Slubicki
  • President - Naomie Chen
  • Co President - Nona Ghassemian
  • President - Paul Young
  • Co-President of QGCS - Dana Nanan
  • Co-President - Kiana Chabikuli
  • Co President - Sunghyun Kim
  • Co President, Indian Grad Club - Shashank Satish
  • President - Mary McAlese
  • Founder & Co-President - Tyra Obadan
  • Chris Slubicki - Chief Executive Officer, Bachelor of Applied Science (B A Sc )

    Chris Slubicki, the Chief Executive Officer, Bachelor of Applied Science (B A Sc ) at Queen's University, directs high-level institutional strategy and operational oversight. By aligning academic goals with long-term research objectives, the Chief Executive Officer, Bachelor of Applied Science (B A Sc ) ensures the university maintains a competitive edge within the Canadian higher education landscape. This leadership role involves managing complex resource allocation and fostering partnerships that drive innovation across engineering and applied science faculties. Chris Slubicki coordinates with the Board to implement policies that enhance the institution's global research footprint. Through rigorous financial planning and administrative discipline, the Chief Executive Officer, Bachelor of Applied Science (B A Sc ) supports the expansion of laboratory facilities and faculty recruitment. Ultimately, Slubicki secures the necessary infrastructure to sustain academic excellence and promote interdisciplinary collaboration across all departments.

    Naomie Chen - President

    Naomie Chen, the President at Queen's University, oversees the core academic mission and institutional culture. By championing inclusive learning environments, the President drives initiatives that improve student retention and faculty satisfaction. This role requires constant engagement with academic senates to refine curriculum standards and research priorities. Naomie Chen manages the university's public profile, ensuring alignment with the broader mission of discovery and innovation. Through strategic oversight of campus operations, the President facilitates cross-departmental synergy, allowing for seamless integration of administrative and academic functions. Chen maintains focus on long-term sustainability, balancing budgetary constraints with the need for cutting-edge educational resources. By fostering a culture of academic integrity and intellectual curiosity, the President strengthens the institution's reputation as a premier research hub. Ultimately, Chen ensures that the university remains a beacon of scholarly achievement and community impact.

    Nona Ghassemian - Co President

    Nona Ghassemian, the Co President at Queen's University, manages specific student-facing initiatives and organizational outreach programs. By coordinating collaborative projects between student bodies and faculty, the Co President enhances the overall campus experience. This leadership role involves streamlining communication channels to ensure that student needs inform institutional policy decisions. Nona Ghassemian directs efforts toward building community partnerships that extend the university's influence beyond the Kingston region. Through active participation in governance committees, the Co President advocates for resources that support student-led research and extracurricular development. Ghassemian works alongside other executive leaders to align student programming with the university's overarching mission of innovation. By optimizing operational workflows within student organizations, the Co President drives efficiency and increases participation in campus life. Ultimately, Ghassemian fosters a vibrant, inclusive environment that prepares students for success in a competitive global market.

    Paul Young - President

    Paul Young, the President at Queen's University, directs the expansion of international research collaborations and global academic partnerships. By identifying emerging trends in higher education, the President ensures the institution remains at the forefront of global discovery. This role involves managing high-level relationships with international research bodies and securing funding for cross-border academic projects. Paul Young oversees the implementation of strategic growth plans that increase the university's visibility in international markets. Through rigorous analysis of global educational standards, the President aligns internal research protocols with international best practices. Young coordinates with faculty leads to promote interdisciplinary studies that address complex global challenges. By leveraging the university's historical strengths, the President drives initiatives that attract top-tier international talent. Ultimately, Young secures the institution's position as a leader in global research and academic excellence, ensuring long-term growth and international relevance.

    Dana Nanan - Co-President of QGCS

    Dana Nanan, the Co-President of QGCS at Queen's University, leads specialized graduate student initiatives and research support services. By focusing on the unique needs of the graduate community, the Co-President of QGCS drives programs that enhance research productivity and professional development. This role involves managing internal advocacy efforts to ensure graduate students receive adequate funding and mentorship. Dana Nanan coordinates with academic departments to streamline the integration of graduate research into the broader institutional mission. Through strategic planning, the Co-President of QGCS facilitates networking opportunities that connect graduate researchers with industry leaders. Nanan works to improve the quality of life for the graduate population, ensuring that the university remains a top choice for advanced studies. By fostering a collaborative research culture, the Co-President of QGCS supports the university's commitment to innovation and discovery. Ultimately, Nanan strengthens the graduate experience, contributing to the institution's overall academic success.
    Dana Nanan

    Kiana Chabikuli - Co-President

    Kiana Chabikuli, the Co-President at Queen's University, directs student engagement strategies and campus-wide advocacy programs. By analyzing student feedback, the Co-President identifies areas for operational improvement and implements solutions that enhance the campus environment. This role involves collaborating with administrative departments to ensure that student services align with the university's mission of academic excellence. Kiana Chabikuli manages outreach efforts that promote diversity and inclusion across all student organizations. Through active participation in institutional planning, the Co-President ensures that student perspectives inform long-term strategic decisions. Chabikuli coordinates with other executive leaders to synchronize student programming with academic calendars and research initiatives. By optimizing resource allocation for student activities, the Co-President drives efficiency and increases the impact of campus events. Ultimately, Chabikuli fosters a supportive and dynamic community that empowers students to excel in their academic and professional pursuits.

    Sunghyun Kim - Co President

    Sunghyun Kim, the Co President at Queen's University, oversees the development of technological infrastructure for student organizations and research groups. By implementing digital tools that streamline communication and project management, the Co President enhances operational efficiency across campus. This role involves working with IT departments to ensure that student-led initiatives have access to necessary technical resources. Sunghyun Kim directs efforts to modernize student engagement platforms, making information more accessible and collaborative. Through strategic partnerships with technical faculties, the Co President facilitates the integration of new technologies into student research projects. Kim coordinates with other leaders to ensure that digital initiatives align with the university's broader goals of innovation and discovery. By optimizing the use of digital assets, the Co President drives growth in student participation and research output. Ultimately, Kim ensures that the university remains a technologically advanced environment for all students.

    Shashank Satish - Co President, Indian Grad Club

    Shashank Satish, the Co President, Indian Grad Club at Queen's University, manages cultural integration and academic support for international graduate students. By organizing professional development workshops and networking events, the Co President, Indian Grad Club drives initiatives that help students navigate the academic landscape. This role involves fostering connections between the graduate community and the broader university administration to ensure inclusive support systems. Shashank Satish coordinates with faculty to highlight the contributions of international researchers to the university's mission. Through strategic outreach, the Co President, Indian Grad Club promotes cross-cultural understanding and academic collaboration. Satish works to address the specific needs of the graduate population, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to support research and career growth. By building a strong community, the Co President, Indian Grad Club enhances the university's reputation as a welcoming and diverse research institution. Ultimately, Satish supports the success of international scholars.

    Mary McAlese - President

    Mary McAlese, the President at Queen's University, directs the university's philanthropic and alumni relations strategy. By cultivating relationships with donors and industry partners, the President secures the financial resources necessary to support groundbreaking research and facility upgrades. This role involves managing high-level communications that articulate the university's value proposition to external stakeholders. Mary McAlese oversees the implementation of fundraising campaigns that align with the institution's long-term academic goals. Through strategic engagement with the alumni network, the President fosters a culture of lifelong support and mentorship. McAlese coordinates with the Board to ensure that financial growth supports the university's mission of discovery and innovation. By optimizing the development office's operations, the President drives revenue growth and increases the availability of scholarships and research grants. Ultimately, McAlese ensures the financial stability and continued growth of the institution, supporting its status as a leading research university.

    Tyra Obadan - Founder & Co-President

    Tyra Obadan, the Founder & Co-President at Queen's University, leads the creation of new student-led research initiatives and academic clubs. By identifying gaps in the current student experience, the Founder & Co-President drives the development of programs that foster innovation and leadership. This role involves managing the initial setup and operational framework for new organizations, ensuring they align with the university's mission. Tyra Obadan coordinates with faculty advisors to provide students with the mentorship and resources needed for success. Through strategic planning, the Founder & Co-President establishes sustainable models for student-led research and community engagement. Obadan works to ensure that these new initiatives contribute to the university's reputation for discovery and academic excellence. By fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, the Founder & Co-President empowers students to take initiative and drive positive change. Ultimately, Obadan builds a legacy of student-led innovation that enhances the overall university experience.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Queen's University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Queen's University?
    Queen's University is led by Chris Slubicki (Chief Executive Officer, Bachelor of Applied Science (B A Sc )), along with executives such as Naomie Chen (President) and Nona Ghassemian (Co President).
    Who is part of Queen's University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Queen's University includes leaders such as Chris Slubicki (Chief Executive Officer, Bachelor of Applied Science (B A Sc )), Naomie Chen (President), Nona Ghassemian (Co President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Queen's University have?
    Queen's University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Queen's University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Queen's University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Bachelor of Applied Science (B A Sc ), President, Co President, President, Co-President of QGCS.