Rutgers University Executive and Leadership Team

Lee Taggart, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Financial Officer at Rutgers University, directs the fiscal health and operational efficiency of this major public research institution. Taggart manages complex budgetary frameworks, ensuring that financial resources align with the university's mission as a powerhouse of academic and health research. By overseeing large-scale capital projects and institutional spending, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability required for long-term growth. Lee Taggart collaborates with other senior leaders to optimize resource allocation across the New Jersey campuses, driving initiatives that support the university's status as a leader in higher education. Through rigorous financial oversight and operational planning, Taggart secures the necessary funding to sustain high-impact research programs. This leadership role involves balancing immediate fiscal demands with the strategic goals of the university, ultimately strengthening the institution's market position within the competitive landscape of American public research universities.

Deborah Sousa, the Chief Financial Officer, Continuing Studies Division at Rutgers University, directs the financial strategy for the university's specialized education and professional development programs. Sousa manages the budgetary requirements for the Continuing Studies Division, ensuring that these programs remain accessible and financially sustainable for the diverse population served by the institution. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling costs within the division, the Chief Financial Officer, Continuing Studies Division supports the university's broader goal of providing lifelong learning opportunities. Deborah Sousa collaborates with academic leadership to align financial resources with the evolving needs of the regional workforce. This role involves rigorous analysis of market trends and program performance, which Sousa utilizes to drive growth and efficiency. Through strategic financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer, Continuing Studies Division ensures that the division contributes effectively to the university's status as a leading public research institution, maintaining high standards of service while expanding the reach of educational offerings across the region.

Jeffrey Apfel, the Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer at Rutgers University, architects the overarching administrative and financial frameworks that support the university's mission. Apfel manages the institution's fiscal health, overseeing large-scale budget planning and administrative policies that govern the university's diverse operations. By directing the allocation of resources across the New Jersey campuses, the Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the university maintains its status as a top-ranked public research institution. Jeffrey Apfel collaborates with the board and other senior executives to execute long-term financial strategies that promote growth and stability. This leadership role involves balancing the complex needs of an academic, health, and research powerhouse, which Apfel addresses through disciplined financial management and administrative oversight. Through these efforts, the Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer drives the university's ability to provide high-quality education and research opportunities, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in the regional and national academic landscape.

Sharanya Devarakonda, the President at Rutgers University, directs the strategic vision and overall mission of this premier public research institution. Devarakonda manages the university's academic and research priorities, ensuring that the institution continues to serve as a powerhouse of opportunity for students across the New Jersey region. By overseeing the university's engagement with public and private sectors, the President drives initiatives that enhance the institution's reputation as a top-ranked research university. Sharanya Devarakonda collaborates with the board and executive leadership to foster an environment of innovation and academic excellence. This leadership role involves setting the tone for the university's commitment to diversity and public service, which Devarakonda executes through inclusive policy development and community outreach. Through visionary leadership, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of higher education, providing the resources and support necessary for faculty and students to excel in their respective fields of study and research.

Alicia Gupta, the President at Rutgers University, directs the operational and academic growth of the university's specialized programs and research initiatives. Gupta manages the implementation of strategic goals that align with the institution's identity as a leading public research university. By overseeing the development of new academic partnerships and research projects, the President enhances the university's impact within the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area. Alicia Gupta collaborates with faculty and administrative leaders to ensure that the university's resources are effectively utilized to support student success and research innovation. This leadership role involves navigating the complexities of a large public institution, which Gupta addresses through proactive engagement and strategic planning. Through these efforts, the President drives the university's mission of providing high-quality education and fostering a culture of discovery, ensuring that the institution continues to serve as a vital resource for the community and a leader in the academic world.

Shivali Vanodia, the Co-President at Rutgers University, directs the collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives that support the university's academic and research objectives. Vanodia manages the coordination of cross-departmental projects, ensuring that the institution's diverse functions work in harmony to achieve its mission as a public research powerhouse. By overseeing specific academic programs and student-focused initiatives, the Co-President drives the university's commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities. Shivali Vanodia collaborates with the other leadership team members to refine institutional policies and enhance the university's regional presence. This leadership role involves managing the intersection of academic research and administrative support, which Vanodia executes to maintain the university's high standards. Through strategic partnership and operational oversight, the Co-President ensures that the institution remains a leader in the New Jersey metropolitan area, fostering an environment where research and education thrive to meet the needs of a diverse and growing student population.

David Majomi, the President - Math Club at Rutgers University, directs the activities and academic engagement of the university's mathematics-focused student organization. Majomi manages the club's initiatives, which include organizing research seminars, peer tutoring, and collaborative problem-solving sessions that support the university's academic mission. By overseeing these student-led efforts, the President - Math Club enhances the learning experience for students interested in quantitative fields. David Majomi collaborates with faculty advisors and other student leaders to promote a culture of mathematical inquiry and excellence across the New Jersey campuses. This leadership role involves managing the club's resources and outreach, which Majomi executes to foster a community of scholars. Through these efforts, the President - Math Club contributes to the university's reputation as a research powerhouse, providing students with the tools and opportunities to excel in their studies and prepare for future careers in mathematics and related scientific disciplines.

Farah Anwar, the Chief Technology Officer, Regulatory Affairs & Manager at Rutgers University, architects the digital infrastructure and compliance frameworks necessary for a premier research institution. Anwar manages the integration of advanced technology systems while ensuring strict adherence to regulatory standards across all academic and health departments. By streamlining data management protocols, the Chief Technology Officer, Regulatory Affairs & Manager enhances the university's ability to conduct large-scale research safely and efficiently. Farah Anwar coordinates with administrative teams to implement secure, scalable solutions that support the diverse needs of the student body and faculty. This role requires constant vigilance regarding data privacy and institutional compliance, which Anwar addresses through proactive policy development and technical oversight. By aligning technological capabilities with the university's broader research objectives, the Chief Technology Officer, Regulatory Affairs & Manager drives digital transformation, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of innovation within the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area.

Varsha Nakum, the Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff at Rutgers University, coordinates the executive functions and administrative operations that sustain this expansive public research university. Nakum manages the flow of strategic initiatives between the president's office and various academic departments, ensuring alignment with the university's core mission of opportunity and research excellence. By overseeing administrative workflows, the Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff facilitates efficient decision-making processes that impact the entire New Jersey campus network. Varsha Nakum acts as a primary liaison for institutional projects, driving collaboration across diverse sectors to achieve organizational goals. This leadership role involves managing complex internal communications and operational priorities, which Nakum executes to maintain institutional cohesion. Through meticulous planning and administrative oversight, the Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff supports the university's commitment to being a top-ranked public institution, ensuring that all operational activities contribute directly to the success of the academic and health research powerhouse.

Michele Norin, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Rutgers University, directs the comprehensive information technology strategy for this large-scale public research university. Norin manages the digital ecosystem, including network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and academic computing resources that support thousands of students and researchers. By overseeing the implementation of advanced technology solutions, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that the university maintains a competitive edge in research and education. Michele Norin collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate digital tools into the university's core operations, driving efficiency and innovation across all New Jersey locations. This leadership role involves managing large-scale IT projects that enhance the university's capacity for data-intensive research and digital learning. Through strategic investment in technology, Norin secures the digital foundation of the institution, ensuring that the university remains a premier academic and research powerhouse capable of meeting the demands of the modern educational landscape.