Rutgers University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Rutgers University stands as a premier public research institution, fostering innovation and opportunity across its diverse academic and health platforms.

Leadership Roles at Rutgers University

  • Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer - Sandra Hill
  • Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer - Michael Szul
  • Chief of Staff To the President - Ralph Gigliotti
  • Executive VP, Development & President, Alumni Engagement, , Rutgers Foundation - Kimberly Hopely
  • President - Gabrielle Fuzeaux
  • President - Ananya Saini
  • President - Mason Gross
  • Rutgers President - William Tate
  • President - Elijah Davis
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer - Kimberly Lewis
  • 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. Hill oversees all major university initiatives, ensuring alignment with Rutgers' mission as a leading public research university. This leadership role involves driving institutional growth, enhancing academic programs, and expanding research capabilities across all campuses. By managing key stakeholder relationships, including governmental bodies and industry partners, Sandra Hill secures vital resources and fosters collaborations that advance the university's standing. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on maximizing the university's impact and ensuring its continued prominence in higher education and research.

    Michael Szul - Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Szul, the Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer at Rutgers University, directs the comprehensive operational framework for the university's athletic programs. Szul manages all aspects of athletic department finances, facilities, and personnel, ensuring efficient resource deployment and adherence to NCAA regulations. This leadership position involves optimizing departmental workflows, enhancing student-athlete support services, and driving revenue generation through strategic partnerships and ticket sales. By overseeing the day-to-day operations, Michael Szul ensures the athletic department functions at peak performance, supporting the academic and competitive success of Rutgers athletes. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic oversight extends to long-term planning for athletic facilities and program development.

    Ralph Gigliotti - Chief of Staff To the President

    Ralph Gigliotti, the Chief of Staff To the President at Rutgers University, provides critical strategic support and operational oversight to the President's office. Gigliotti manages key presidential priorities, ensuring seamless execution of initiatives across university departments. This role involves coordinating high-level communications, facilitating interdepartmental collaboration, and advising the President on critical institutional matters. By streamlining administrative processes and optimizing resource allocation, Ralph Gigliotti enhances the President's effectiveness in driving Rutgers' mission. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities extend to managing special projects and ensuring the efficient functioning of the executive leadership team, thereby supporting the university's academic and research endeavors.

    Kimberly Hopely - Executive VP, Development & President, Alumni Engagement, , Rutgers Foundation

    Kimberly Hopely, the Executive VP, Development & President, Alumni Engagement, , Rutgers Foundation at Rutgers University, spearheads all philanthropic initiatives and alumni relations efforts. Hopely directs the strategy for fundraising campaigns, cultivates donor relationships, and oversees the Rutgers Foundation's operations to secure essential funding for university programs. This critical role involves engaging the extensive alumni network, fostering a strong sense of community, and driving financial support for scholarships, research, and campus enhancements. By building robust connections with alumni and supporters, Kimberly Hopely ensures the sustained growth and success of Rutgers University. The President's focus is on maximizing philanthropic impact and strengthening the university's financial foundation.

    Gabrielle Fuzeaux - President

    Gabrielle Fuzeaux, the President at Rutgers University, leads a significant academic division, driving its strategic direction and operational excellence. Fuzeaux oversees the faculty, staff, and students within this division, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education and cutting-edge research. This leadership role involves fostering an environment of academic inquiry, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and managing the division's budget and resources effectively. By championing academic innovation and student success, Gabrielle Fuzeaux contributes directly to Rutgers' reputation as a premier public research university. The President's commitment is to advancing the division's mission and enhancing its contribution to the broader university goals.

    Ananya Saini - President

    Ananya Saini, the President at Rutgers University, directs a key academic or administrative unit, focusing on strategic growth and operational efficiency. Saini manages the personnel and resources within this unit, ensuring the achievement of institutional objectives and academic standards. This executive position involves developing and implementing strategic plans, fostering a culture of collaboration, and overseeing the unit's financial health. By driving innovation and excellence, Ananya Saini enhances the unit's contribution to Rutgers' overall mission as a leading research institution. The President's leadership ensures the unit's continued development and its impact on the university's academic and research landscape.

    Mason Gross - President

    Mason Gross, the President at Rutgers University, leads a major academic or administrative entity, shaping its strategic vision and operational execution. Gross oversees the faculty, staff, and resources within this domain, ensuring the advancement of academic programs and research initiatives. This executive role involves fostering a dynamic learning environment, promoting scholarly pursuits, and managing the unit's budget and strategic planning processes. By championing academic excellence and innovation, Mason Gross strengthens Rutgers' position as a top-tier public research university. The President's dedication is to enhancing the unit's impact and its contribution to the university's broader educational and research mission.

    William Tate - Rutgers President

    William Tate, the Rutgers President at Rutgers University, holds the ultimate executive authority, directing the comprehensive strategy and operations of the entire institution. Tate oversees all academic, research, and administrative functions, ensuring Rutgers fulfills its mission as a leading public research university. This pivotal role involves setting institutional priorities, fostering innovation, managing significant financial resources, and representing the university to external stakeholders. By driving institutional advancement and academic excellence, William Tate shapes the future of Rutgers and its impact on society. The President's leadership ensures the university's continued growth, its commitment to diversity, and its role as a university of opportunity.

    Elijah Davis - President

    Elijah Davis, the President at Rutgers University, leads a significant operational segment, focusing on strategic implementation and departmental advancement. Davis manages the personnel and resources within this area, ensuring alignment with the university's core objectives and academic standards. This executive position involves developing and executing strategic initiatives, fostering a collaborative work environment, and overseeing the unit's performance metrics. By driving operational improvements and innovation, Elijah Davis enhances the unit's contribution to Rutgers' overall mission as a prominent research institution. The President's leadership ensures the unit's sustained development and its positive impact on the university's academic and research endeavors.

    Kimberly Lewis - Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer

    Kimberly Lewis, the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Rutgers University, directs the critical administrative functions and operational infrastructure supporting the entire institution. Lewis oversees human resources, finance, information technology, and facilities management, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery across all university operations. This senior leadership role involves developing and implementing policies that enhance organizational efficiency, manage risk, and support the university's strategic goals. By optimizing administrative processes and resource allocation, Kimberly Lewis ensures the smooth functioning of Rutgers University, enabling academic and research pursuits. The Chief Administrative Officer's focus is on building a robust operational foundation for sustained institutional success.

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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 Michael Szul (Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer) and Ralph Gigliotti (Chief of Staff To the President).
    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), Michael Szul (Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer), Ralph Gigliotti (Chief of Staff To the President) 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, Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff To the President, Executive VP, Development & President, Alumni Engagement, , Rutgers Foundation, President.