Rutgers University Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rutgers University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, administration, and operations.

Driven by academic excellence, Rutgers University is dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering opportunity through comprehensive research and education, impacting the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area and beyond.

Leadership Roles at Rutgers University

  • Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer - Sandra Hill
  • Chief Financial Officer - Charles O'Brien
  • Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer - Jeffrey Apfel
  • Chief of Staff To the President - Ralph Gigliotti
  • Co-President - Shivali Vanodia
  • President - Liliana Hopkins
  • President - Lavanya Khanna
  • President - Mehrin Ali
  • President - Madison Carrino
  • Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff - Varsha Nakum
  • Sandra Hill - Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

    Sandra Hill, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer at Rutgers University, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the institution. Overseeing all major university initiatives, Sandra Hill ensures alignment with Rutgers' mission as a leading public research university. This leadership role involves driving institutional growth, enhancing academic and research endeavors, and solidifying the university's position as a powerhouse of opportunity. By managing key stakeholder relationships and guiding resource allocation, Sandra Hill directly impacts the university's financial health and long-term sustainability. Ultimately, Hill secures Rutgers University's commitment to academic excellence and societal contribution across the New Jersey region and its broader metropolitan reach.

    Charles O'Brien - Chief Financial Officer

    Charles O'Brien, the Chief Financial Officer at Rutgers University, manages the comprehensive financial operations and fiscal strategy for the institution. Overseeing all budgeting, financial planning, and investment activities, Charles O'Brien ensures the fiscal integrity and sustainability of Rutgers University. This critical role involves optimizing resource allocation across academic, research, and administrative departments, directly supporting the university's mission. By developing and implementing robust financial policies, O'Brien safeguards the institution's assets and drives efficient operational performance. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership ensures that financial resources effectively fuel Rutgers University's commitment to academic advancement and its significant impact within the New Jersey and New York metropolitan areas.

    Jeffrey Apfel - Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer

    Jeffrey Apfel, the Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer at Rutgers University, directs significant administrative operations and oversees the institution's financial health. Managing complex budgetary frameworks and strategic financial planning, Jeffrey Apfel ensures the robust fiscal management required for a leading public research university. This executive function involves optimizing resource deployment across diverse academic and operational units, directly supporting Rutgers University's mission of opportunity and advancement. By implementing sound financial governance and driving administrative efficiencies, Apfel strengthens the university's capacity for innovation and growth. The Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer's leadership is integral to maintaining Rutgers University's impactful presence in the New Jersey and New York metropolitan areas.

    Ralph Gigliotti - Chief of Staff To the President

    Ralph Gigliotti, the Chief of Staff To the President at Rutgers University, provides essential strategic and operational support directly to the university's highest leadership. Overseeing key presidential initiatives and facilitating critical communications, Ralph Gigliotti ensures the effective implementation of Rutgers University's strategic priorities. This role involves managing complex projects, coordinating executive-level meetings, and driving cross-functional alignment across the institution. By enhancing organizational effectiveness and supporting presidential decision-making, Gigliotti directly contributes to the university's mission as a premier public research institution. The Chief of Staff To the President's influence is crucial for maintaining Rutgers University's operational momentum and its significant role within the New Jersey academic landscape.

    Shivali Vanodia - Co-President

    Shivali Vanodia, the Co-President at Rutgers University, shares leadership responsibilities for key institutional objectives and strategic direction. Overseeing specific university-wide initiatives, Shivali Vanodia ensures progress aligns with Rutgers' commitment to academic excellence and research innovation. This leadership position involves collaborating with other executives to drive institutional growth and enhance the student experience. By contributing to the strategic planning process and fostering interdepartmental cooperation, Vanodia directly supports the university's mission. The Co-President's role is integral to advancing Rutgers University's standing as a leading public research institution within the New Jersey and New York metropolitan areas.

    Liliana Hopkins - President

    Liliana Hopkins, the President at Rutgers University, leads critical aspects of the institution's strategic vision and operational execution. Overseeing designated university-wide programs and initiatives, Liliana Hopkins ensures alignment with Rutgers' core mission of advancing knowledge and fostering opportunity. This executive function involves driving progress in key academic and research areas, directly contributing to the university's reputation as a top-tier public research institution. By guiding strategic planning and fostering collaborative environments, Hopkins enhances the university's capacity for innovation and impact. The President's leadership is vital for maintaining Rutgers University's commitment to excellence across the New Jersey region.

    Lavanya Khanna - President

    Lavanya Khanna, the President at Rutgers University, directs significant institutional efforts and contributes to the university's strategic leadership. Overseeing specific operational domains and key projects, Lavanya Khanna ensures that Rutgers University's objectives are met with precision and efficiency. This role involves fostering collaboration among various departments to advance academic and research endeavors, directly supporting the institution's mission. By championing strategic initiatives and enhancing operational effectiveness, Khanna plays a crucial part in Rutgers University's ongoing development. The President's leadership is essential for sustaining the university's impact and its prominent position within the New Jersey academic community.

    Mehrin Ali - President

    Mehrin Ali, the President at Rutgers University, spearheads critical initiatives and contributes to the strategic direction of the institution. Overseeing specific university-wide programs, Mehrin Ali ensures that Rutgers University's goals for academic advancement and research are effectively pursued. This leadership position involves driving progress in key areas, directly supporting the university's mission to serve as a powerhouse of opportunity. By fostering innovation and enhancing operational performance, Ali strengthens Rutgers University's capacity to address complex challenges. The President's role is fundamental to maintaining the university's commitment to excellence and its significant influence within the New Jersey and New York metropolitan areas.

    Madison Carrino - President

    Madison Carrino, the President at Rutgers University, leads vital institutional efforts and shapes the university's strategic trajectory. Overseeing specific operational units and strategic projects, Madison Carrino ensures that Rutgers University's commitment to research and education is consistently upheld. This executive function involves driving forward key academic and administrative objectives, directly contributing to the university's mission of societal impact. By promoting collaboration and enhancing organizational efficiency, Carrino strengthens Rutgers University's ability to innovate and grow. The President's leadership is instrumental in maintaining the university's high standards and its prominent role within the New Jersey academic landscape.

    Varsha Nakum - Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff

    Varsha Nakum, the Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff at Rutgers University, orchestrates critical administrative functions and provides strategic support to institutional leadership. Overseeing a broad spectrum of operational departments, Varsha Nakum ensures seamless execution of university policies and initiatives, directly contributing to Rutgers' standing as a top-tier public research university. This position involves managing key projects, facilitating interdepartmental collaboration, and enhancing overall organizational efficiency. By streamlining administrative processes and supporting executive decision-making, Nakum plays a vital part in advancing the university's academic and research objectives. The Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff's influence extends across the New Jersey region, reinforcing Rutgers University's operational excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rutgers University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Rutgers University?
    Rutgers University is led by Sandra Hill (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Charles O'Brien (Chief Financial Officer) and Jeffrey Apfel (Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Rutgers University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Rutgers University includes leaders such as Sandra Hill (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer), Charles O'Brien (Chief Financial Officer), Jeffrey Apfel (Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Rutgers University have?
    Rutgers University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Rutgers University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Rutgers University includes roles such as Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff To the President, Co-President.