Salve Regina University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Salve Regina University has 8 executives leading key functions including information technology, administrative operations, human resources, financial management, athletic leadership, institutional strategy, and student organization development.

Committed to fostering academic excellence and holistic growth, Salve Regina University empowers students through specialized graduate programs in counseling and expressive arts while maintaining a vibrant, supportive community focused on professional achievement and societal impact.

Leadership Roles at Salve Regina University

  • Vice Chief Financial Officer, Preaident For Operations - Michael Grandchamp
  • Men's Rugby President - Joseph Palazzo
  • President - Kelli Armstrong
  • President of Pre-Heath Association - Lilly Ansley-Purpura
  • Club Founder and President- Salve Regina Hellenic Society - Grace Warnick
  • Chief Information Officer - Ty Brennan
  • Chief of Staff - Michael Pimental
  • Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Nancy Escher
  • Michael Grandchamp - Vice Chief Financial Officer, Preaident For Operations

    Michael Grandchamp, the Vice Chief Financial Officer, Preaident For Operations at Salve Regina University, manages the fiscal health and operational logistics of the institution. Grandchamp oversees the allocation of budgetary resources to the Department of Counselor Education and Expressive Arts, ensuring that graduate programs receive the funding required for high-quality instruction. By optimizing operational workflows, the Vice Chief Financial Officer, Preaident For Operations supports the infrastructure necessary for counseling and leadership training. Grandchamp monitors financial performance and risk management, providing the stability needed for long-term academic growth. This role involves coordinating with the Board to ensure that fiscal policies reflect the university's commitment to student success and community connection. Michael Grandchamp drives efficiency in campus operations, reducing overhead while maximizing the impact of educational investments. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Vice Chief Financial Officer, Preaident For Operations secures the resources essential for facilitating change and healing within the academic community.

    Joseph Palazzo - Men's Rugby President

    Joseph Palazzo, the Men's Rugby President at Salve Regina University, leads the athletic organization and fosters team-based leadership development. Palazzo oversees the recruitment of student-athletes and manages the logistical requirements for competitive play, ensuring that the rugby program aligns with the university's focus on interpersonal skills and problem-solving. By cultivating a culture of discipline and teamwork, the Men's Rugby President provides students with practical opportunities to apply leadership principles outside the classroom. Palazzo coordinates with university administration to secure funding and facilities, maintaining the program's viability within the broader campus community. This role involves mentoring student-athletes to ensure academic success alongside athletic performance. Joseph Palazzo drives the growth of the rugby program, expanding its reach and influence among the student body. Through active engagement and strategic planning, the Men's Rugby President contributes to the holistic development of students, reinforcing the university's mission of fostering strong connections and personal growth.

    Kelli Armstrong - President

    Kelli Armstrong, the President at Salve Regina University, architects the overarching strategic vision and institutional mission. Armstrong oversees all academic and administrative functions, ensuring that the Department of Counselor Education and Expressive Arts remains at the forefront of graduate education. By championing initiatives that emphasize critical thinking and interpersonal skills, the President drives the university's commitment to facilitating change and healing. Armstrong collaborates with the Board and executive leadership to secure the institution's future through sustainable growth and community engagement. This role involves representing the university in national academic forums, enhancing the institution's reputation for excellence in counseling and leadership. Kelli Armstrong manages the complex balance between tradition and innovation, guiding the university toward its long-term goals. Through decisive leadership and a focus on student-centered outcomes, the President ensures that every department contributes to the university's mission of fostering self-discovery and professional achievement.

    Lilly Ansley-Purpura - President of Pre-Heath Association

    Lilly Ansley-Purpura, the President of Pre-Heath Association at Salve Regina University, directs the professional development and networking activities for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Ansley-Purpura oversees the organization's programming, which emphasizes the communication and problem-solving skills essential for success in medical fields. By facilitating connections between students and alumni, the President of Pre-Heath Association provides the resources necessary for navigating the educational journey toward professional goals. Ansley-Purpura manages the association's outreach efforts, ensuring that members have access to mentorship and clinical exposure. This role involves coordinating with faculty to align student activities with the university's rigorous academic standards. Lilly Ansley-Purpura drives the association's growth, creating a supportive community that fosters academic excellence and career readiness. Through strategic planning and active engagement, the President of Pre-Heath Association empowers students to achieve their professional aspirations while contributing to the university's mission of facilitating change and healing.

    Grace Warnick - Club Founder and President- Salve Regina Hellenic Society

    Grace Warnick, the Club Founder and President- Salve Regina Hellenic Society at Salve Regina University, leads the cultural and academic initiatives of the society. Warnick oversees the development of programs that promote critical thinking and community connection, aligning the society's activities with the university's broader mission. By establishing a platform for cultural exchange and interpersonal growth, the Club Founder and President- Salve Regina Hellenic Society fosters a sense of belonging among students. Warnick manages the society's operations, including event planning and membership recruitment, to ensure a vibrant presence on campus. This role involves collaborating with other student organizations to enhance the university's diverse academic environment. Grace Warnick drives the society's impact, creating opportunities for students to engage in meaningful dialogue and self-discovery. Through dedicated leadership, the Club Founder and President- Salve Regina Hellenic Society contributes to the university's goal of fostering strong connections and supporting students throughout their educational journey.

    Ty Brennan - Chief Information Officer

    Ty Brennan, the Chief Information Officer at Salve Regina University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the Department of Counselor Education and Expressive Arts. Brennan oversees the integration of advanced learning management systems, ensuring seamless access to educational resources for students and faculty. By architecting secure data environments, the Chief Information Officer facilitates the critical communication and problem-solving workflows essential for graduate-level research. Brennan manages large-scale network initiatives across the campus, optimizing digital connectivity to support the university's mission of fostering self-discovery. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive academic data while enabling innovative pedagogical tools. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with academic departments to align technological capabilities with evolving educational needs. Ultimately, Ty Brennan drives the digital transformation necessary to maintain the university's competitive position in the higher education landscape.

    Michael Pimental - Chief of Staff

    Michael Pimental, the Chief of Staff at Salve Regina University, coordinates strategic initiatives and administrative alignment across the institution. Pimental manages the flow of information between executive leadership and academic departments, ensuring that the mission of the Department of Counselor Education and Expressive Arts remains a central priority. By streamlining operational processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of university-wide programs focused on counseling and leadership development. Pimental facilitates high-level decision-making by providing data-driven insights and logistical support to the President. This role involves overseeing complex projects that bridge the gap between administrative policy and student-facing services. Michael Pimental maintains strong connections within the academic community, fostering an environment conducive to critical thinking and interpersonal growth. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief of Staff ensures that all institutional resources support the overarching goal of facilitating change and healing for the student body.

    Nancy Escher - Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Nancy Escher, the Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Salve Regina University, directs talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Escher oversees the recruitment of faculty and staff who possess the specialized skills required for the Department of Counselor Education and Expressive Arts. By implementing comprehensive professional development programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains adept at facilitating student self-discovery and critical thinking. Escher manages labor relations and institutional culture, fostering an inclusive environment that aligns with the university's core values. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite executives to design compensation structures that attract top-tier educators. Nancy Escher drives initiatives that promote employee well-being and operational excellence across the entire campus. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the human capital necessary to sustain the university's reputation for excellence in counseling and leadership education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Salve Regina University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Salve Regina University?
    Salve Regina University is led by Michael Grandchamp (Vice Chief Financial Officer, Preaident For Operations), along with executives such as Joseph Palazzo (Men's Rugby President) and Kelli Armstrong (President).
    Who is part of Salve Regina University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Salve Regina University includes leaders such as Michael Grandchamp (Vice Chief Financial Officer, Preaident For Operations), Joseph Palazzo (Men's Rugby President), Kelli Armstrong (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Salve Regina University have?
    Salve Regina University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Salve Regina University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Salve Regina University includes roles such as Vice Chief Financial Officer, Preaident For Operations, Men's Rugby President, President, President of Pre-Heath Association, Club Founder and President- Salve Regina Hellenic Society.