Rutgers University Executive and Leadership Team

Sandra Hill, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer at Rutgers University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this premier public research institution. Hill manages complex academic and health initiatives, ensuring alignment with the university mission of opportunity and excellence. By coordinating with the Board of Governors and senior leadership, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation across diverse campus locations. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships that expand the research footprint throughout the New York and New Jersey region. Sandra Hill maintains rigorous standards for institutional performance, driving growth in student outcomes and faculty research output. Through proactive engagement with stakeholders, the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term sustainability of the university. Hill champions initiatives that enhance the reputation of the institution as a top-ranked public research powerhouse, ensuring that every administrative decision supports the broader academic goals of the university.

Stacey Pacheco, the Chief Financial Officer at Rutgers University, oversees the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the institution. Pacheco manages complex financial planning, ensuring that capital investments align with the long-term research and academic goals of the university. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial stability required for a large-scale public research entity. This leadership role involves collaborating with department heads to streamline operational costs while maximizing funding for critical health and academic programs. Stacey Pacheco directs the development of comprehensive financial reports that inform strategic decision-making at the executive level. Through meticulous oversight of institutional assets, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of the university footprint across the region. Pacheco ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, providing the necessary fiscal foundation for the university to continue its mission as a leader in public education and research.

Jeffrey Apfel, the Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer at Rutgers University, directs the integration of administrative efficiency and fiscal management. Apfel oversees the operational infrastructure that supports the university research and academic mission. By aligning administrative processes with financial objectives, the Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources reach the most critical areas of the institution. This leadership role involves managing large-scale projects that enhance the university presence across New Jersey. Jeffrey Apfel coordinates with other executive leaders to implement policies that improve institutional agility and service delivery. Through the optimization of administrative workflows, the Senior VP, Administration & Chief Financial Officer drives cost-effective solutions that benefit the entire university community. Apfel maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that the administrative and financial frameworks remain robust enough to support the evolving needs of a top-ranked public research university.

Michael Szul, the Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer at Rutgers University, directs the operational logistics and business functions of the athletic department. Szul manages the facilities, budget, and administrative support systems that enable student-athletes to compete at the highest levels. By optimizing the operational efficiency of athletic programs, the Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer ensures that the department contributes positively to the overall university brand and community engagement. This leadership role involves coordinating with university leadership to align athletic activities with the academic mission of the institution. Michael Szul oversees the implementation of strategic plans that enhance the regional visibility of the university through sports. Through the management of complex athletic operations, the Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer drives revenue growth and resource development. Szul ensures that all athletic activities adhere to institutional standards, fostering a culture of excellence and integrity across the entire university.

Ralph Gigliotti, the Chief of Staff To the President at Rutgers University, facilitates the execution of presidential priorities and coordinates communication across the executive leadership team. Gigliotti manages the flow of information and strategic initiatives that define the university direction. By serving as a liaison between the President and various academic departments, the Chief of Staff To the President ensures that institutional goals remain aligned with the broader mission of the university. This leadership role involves overseeing high-level projects that impact the university reputation and regional influence. Ralph Gigliotti directs the planning of executive meetings and policy development, ensuring that the leadership team operates with cohesion and clarity. Through the management of complex internal and external relationships, the Chief of Staff To the President supports the President in navigating the challenges of a large public research institution. Gigliotti ensures that strategic objectives are met with precision and professional excellence.

Iuri Piovezan, the Contract Law Society Co-Founder & President at Rutgers University, directs the activities and strategic focus of the society within the legal academic community. Piovezan manages the development of educational programs and networking opportunities that connect students with legal professionals. By fostering a deeper understanding of contract law, the Contract Law Society Co-Founder & President enhances the academic experience for students interested in legal practice. This leadership role involves organizing seminars and workshops that highlight the intersection of law and public policy. Iuri Piovezan coordinates with faculty advisors to ensure that the society activities align with the university commitment to academic excellence. Through the promotion of legal scholarship, the Contract Law Society Co-Founder & President contributes to the vibrant intellectual life of the university. Piovezan drives the growth of the society, ensuring that it remains a valuable resource for students seeking to excel in the field of law.

Elle Christofferson, the President-at-Large at Rutgers University, directs broad-based initiatives that support the university mission across diverse academic and research sectors. Christofferson manages cross-functional projects that enhance the university presence and impact within the region. By collaborating with various departments, the President-at-Large ensures that institutional goals are met through integrated efforts and strategic partnerships. This leadership role involves representing the university in external forums and fostering relationships that benefit the academic community. Elle Christofferson oversees the implementation of programs that promote student success and faculty research. Through the coordination of university-wide activities, the President-at-Large drives the advancement of the university as a leader in public education. Christofferson maintains a focus on the long-term vision of the institution, ensuring that all initiatives contribute to the reputation of the university as a powerhouse of opportunity and innovation. The President-at-Large plays a vital role in maintaining the institutional momentum.

Michele Norin, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Rutgers University, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for a world-class research institution. Norin manages the enterprise technology systems that support academic instruction, health services, and administrative operations. By implementing scalable cloud solutions and robust cybersecurity frameworks, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures the integrity of university data across all regional locations. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty and staff to integrate innovative digital tools into the learning environment. Michele Norin directs the strategic roadmap for information technology, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of technological advancement. Through the modernization of campus networks, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer enhances connectivity and collaboration among researchers. Norin drives digital transformation initiatives that improve operational efficiency, ultimately supporting the mission of the university as a leader in public research and education.

Kimberly Lewis, the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Rutgers University, directs the administrative functions that sustain the university operations. Lewis manages human resources, facilities management, and campus services, ensuring that the physical and organizational environment supports the academic and research mission. By streamlining administrative processes, the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer enhances the efficiency of the university across its various locations. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to implement policies that improve the workplace culture and operational effectiveness. Kimberly Lewis oversees the development of infrastructure projects that support the growth of the university as a research powerhouse. Through the management of administrative services, the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the university remains a welcoming and productive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Lewis drives initiatives that promote institutional excellence and long-term operational success.

Tilak Lal, the Board of Governors at Rutgers University, provides high-level oversight and strategic guidance for the institution. Lal participates in the governance of the university, ensuring that policies and long-term plans align with the mission of the university as a public research powerhouse. By reviewing institutional performance and financial health, the Board of Governors maintains the accountability required for a top-ranked university. This leadership role involves engaging with the President and other executive leaders to address the challenges and opportunities facing the university in the New York and New Jersey region. Tilak Lal contributes to the decision-making process regarding academic priorities and capital investments. Through the exercise of fiduciary responsibility, the Board of Governors supports the growth and reputation of the university. Lal ensures that the institution remains committed to its core values of opportunity, research excellence, and public service, guiding the university toward a successful future.