Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has 10 executives leading key functions including research administration, marketing, operations, finance, and institutional strategy.

Committed to advancing scientific discovery through distributed computing, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute fosters innovation in astroinformatics and galactic modeling. The institution drives global research initiatives by leveraging volunteer-driven computing resources to map the Milky Way.

Leadership Roles at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Eileen McLoughlin
  • Chief Operating Officer - Masum Sadik
  • President - Joseph Bevilacqua
  • President - Daytona Duggan
  • President (Acting) - Daniel Berg
  • President - Nathaniel DePue
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Dana Bodine
  • Chief of Staff To the Provost - Kimberley Dolanski-Osburn
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Mark Hampton
  • Deputy Director - Mary Liu
  • Eileen McLoughlin - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Eileen McLoughlin, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, manages the fiscal health of the institution. Overseeing the financial planning for research projects, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that funding supports the investigation of galactic formation. This leadership role involves allocating resources for the maintenance of the BOINC platform and associated computing infrastructure. By monitoring expenditures related to astroinformatics, Eileen McLoughlin maintains the financial viability of long-term scientific studies. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to align budgetary decisions with the university's research mission. This position requires precise oversight of grants and operational costs to sustain the volunteer-driven model. Through rigorous financial stewardship, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital for technological advancements. Ultimately, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer drives the fiscal sustainability of the institution.

    Masum Sadik - Chief Operating Officer

    Masum Sadik, the Chief Operating Officer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, executes the logistical strategy for institutional research operations. Overseeing the daily functionality of distributed computing systems, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that technical resources remain resilient against Internet-based challenges. This leadership role involves streamlining the workflow between the departments of Computer Science and Physics. By optimizing the allocation of computing power, Masum Sadik enhances the efficiency of galactic modeling efforts. The Chief Operating Officer manages the operational budget to support the investigation of optimization methods. This position requires constant monitoring of system performance to maintain high-fidelity simulations of tidal debris streams. Through effective resource management, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of understanding galactic formation. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer drives the operational excellence necessary for high-impact research outcomes.

    Joseph Bevilacqua - President

    Joseph Bevilacqua, the President at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, architects the overarching vision for the university's research and academic programs. Overseeing the strategic direction of the institution, the President ensures that the focus remains on pioneering work in astroinformatics and computer science. This leadership role involves representing the university to external partners and the broader scientific community. By championing the MilkyWay@home project, Joseph Bevilacqua promotes the value of distributed computing in understanding the universe. The President collaborates with the Board and executive leadership to set long-term goals for galactic research. This position requires balancing academic excellence with the practical demands of modern scientific inquiry. Through decisive leadership, the President fosters an environment where innovation thrives. Ultimately, the President drives the institutional mission to advance knowledge through collaborative, volunteer-driven research efforts.

    Daytona Duggan - President

    Daytona Duggan, the President at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, leads the institutional efforts to expand the impact of research on global scientific standards. Overseeing the development of new academic partnerships, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of technological innovation. This leadership role involves guiding the strategic integration of data-driven research into the broader curriculum. By supporting the investigation of optimization methods, Daytona Duggan enhances the university's reputation in computer science. The President works closely with department heads to ensure that research projects like MilkyWay@home receive the necessary support to succeed. This position requires a focus on long-term growth and the cultivation of a culture of discovery. Through strategic planning, the President drives the university's commitment to solving complex problems. Ultimately, the President secures the resources and talent needed to maintain high-level research output.

    Daniel Berg - President (Acting)

    Daniel Berg, the President (Acting) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, maintains the continuity of institutional operations during the leadership transition. Overseeing the ongoing research initiatives, the President (Acting) ensures that projects like the MilkyWay@home simulation continue without interruption. This leadership role involves managing the immediate priorities of the university while upholding the standards of academic excellence. By facilitating communication across the departments of Computer Science and Physics, Daniel Berg supports the stability of current research efforts. The President (Acting) coordinates with the executive team to address urgent administrative and financial requirements. This position requires a steady hand to guide the institution through periods of change. Through careful oversight, the President (Acting) preserves the momentum of the university's scientific mission. Ultimately, the President (Acting) drives the continued success of the institution's research programs.

    Nathaniel DePue - President

    Nathaniel DePue, the President at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, directs the strategic growth of the university's research portfolio. Overseeing the expansion of the institution's capabilities in astroinformatics, the President ensures that the university remains a leader in galactic modeling. This leadership role involves identifying new opportunities for collaboration between the departments of Computer Science and Physics. By promoting the use of the BOINC platform, Nathaniel DePue increases the university's capacity to process large-scale astronomical data. The President works with the executive team to align research objectives with the evolving needs of the scientific community. This position requires a focus on innovation and the pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries. Through strategic investment in technology and talent, the President drives the university's mission forward. Ultimately, the President secures the future of the institution as a hub for high-impact scientific research.

    Dana Bodine - Chief Marketing Officer

    Dana Bodine, the Chief Marketing Officer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, directs the communication strategy for large-scale research initiatives. Managing the public perception of distributed computing projects, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the volunteer base essential for data processing. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight the impact of astroinformatics on modern science. By promoting the value of volunteer-driven models, Dana Bodine increases participation in simulations of the Milky Way. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with academic departments to translate complex research findings into accessible content for global audiences. This position drives engagement across digital platforms to ensure consistent growth in computing resources. Through strategic outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the institutional brand within the scientific community. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer secures the visibility required to sustain long-term research support.

    Kimberley Dolanski-Osburn - Chief of Staff To the Provost

    Kimberley Dolanski-Osburn, the Chief of Staff To the Provost at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, coordinates the strategic priorities of the academic leadership. Overseeing the administrative alignment of research departments, the Chief of Staff To the Provost ensures that institutional goals remain focused on scientific excellence. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the Provost and various research project leads. By managing the implementation of academic policies, Kimberley Dolanski-Osburn supports the development of astroinformatics programs. The Chief of Staff To the Provost monitors the progress of joint efforts between Computer Science and Physics to ensure adherence to project timelines. This position requires high-level coordination to resolve operational bottlenecks within the university. Through proactive management, the Chief of Staff To the Provost enables the faculty to focus on the search for dark matter. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff To the Provost drives institutional stability.

    Mark Hampton - Chief Administrative Officer

    Mark Hampton, the Chief Administrative Officer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, directs the internal administrative functions that support research activities. Overseeing the organizational processes within the university, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that departments operate with maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves managing the infrastructure required for large-scale data processing projects. By streamlining administrative workflows, Mark Hampton enables researchers to focus on the study of the Galactic Halo. The Chief Administrative Officer coordinates with various stakeholders to implement policies that facilitate cross-departmental collaboration. This position requires constant attention to the operational needs of the Computer Science and Physics departments. Through effective administrative oversight, the Chief Administrative Officer supports the successful execution of complex simulations. Ultimately, the Chief Administrative Officer drives the organizational effectiveness required to maintain the institution's position as a leader in scientific research.

    Mary Liu - Deputy Director

    Mary Liu, the Deputy Director at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, manages the operational framework for distributed computing projects. Overseeing the integration of Computer Science and Physics departments, the Deputy Director ensures seamless collaboration across research teams. This leadership role involves optimizing the BOINC platform to process massive datasets from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. By refining simulation parameters for dwarf galaxies, Mary Liu directly impacts the accuracy of galactic models. The Deputy Director coordinates with academic leads to maintain high standards in astroinformatics. Through rigorous oversight of project resources, the Deputy Director secures the technical infrastructure necessary for dark matter research. This position requires constant alignment with institutional goals to support complex scientific inquiries. Ultimately, the Deputy Director facilitates the advancement of knowledge regarding the Galactic Halo and tidal debris streams.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is led by Eileen McLoughlin (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Masum Sadik (Chief Operating Officer) and Joseph Bevilacqua (President).
    Who is part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s executive team?
    The executive team of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute includes leaders such as Eileen McLoughlin (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Masum Sadik (Chief Operating Officer), Joseph Bevilacqua (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have?
    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute includes roles such as Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, President, President (Acting).