School of Visual Arts Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

School of Visual Arts has 6 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial management, academic research, and institutional leadership.

Committed to fostering creative excellence, School of Visual Arts empowers artists and designers through rigorous academic programs and a global community that shapes the future of visual culture.

Leadership Roles at School of Visual Arts

  • Chief Financial Officer - Dennis Mayer
  • MARS Co-President - Jin Lee
  • President - Kevin O'Callaghan
  • President - Bishnu Poudel
  • President - David Rhodes
  • Chief Information Officer - Cosmin T.
  • Dennis Mayer - Chief Financial Officer

    Dennis Mayer, the Chief Financial Officer at School of Visual Arts, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the institution. Overseeing budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial sustainability of diverse degree programs including BFA, MFA, MA, and MPS. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams and optimizing operational expenditures to support the growth of the creative community. Dennis Mayer coordinates with the board to align financial strategies with long-term institutional goals. By implementing rigorous fiscal controls, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding for state-of-the-art facilities and faculty development. The Chief Financial Officer monitors economic trends to mitigate risks while identifying opportunities for investment in new creative technologies. Through precise financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer provides transparency and accountability to stakeholders. This dedication to fiscal responsibility enables the institution to maintain its status as a premier destination for aspiring artists and designers.

    Jin Lee - MARS Co-President

    Jin Lee, the MARS Co-President at School of Visual Arts, leads strategic initiatives focused on interdisciplinary research and creative innovation. Overseeing the development of collaborative projects, the MARS Co-President fosters partnerships that bridge the gap between traditional art and emerging digital media. This role involves guiding research teams to explore new frontiers in 2D animation and illustration. Jin Lee coordinates with faculty to integrate cutting-edge methodologies into the curriculum, ensuring students remain at the forefront of the industry. By facilitating cross-departmental synergy, the MARS Co-President drives the evolution of the institution's academic offerings. The MARS Co-President manages the allocation of research grants and resources to support experimental creative work. Through active engagement with the global creative community, the MARS Co-President expands the reach and influence of the institution. This leadership role ensures that the institution continues to produce graduates who contribute significantly to the cultural landscape of New York City.

    Kevin O'Callaghan - President

    Kevin O'Callaghan, the President at School of Visual Arts, defines the overarching vision and academic direction for the institution. Overseeing the implementation of educational policies, the President ensures that all degree programs maintain the highest standards of creative excellence. This leadership role involves representing the institution to external partners and the broader artistic community. Kevin O'Callaghan cultivates an environment where collaboration and professional growth thrive among students from 56 countries. By championing innovative teaching methods, the President supports the development of artists and designers who lead in their respective fields. The President works closely with the board to secure the future of the institution through strategic planning and community engagement. Through a focus on artistic integrity, the President drives the mission of preparing creative professionals for success in a competitive global market. This commitment to excellence ensures that the institution remains a top-tier destination for those seeking to master visual arts.
    Kevin O'Callaghan

    Bishnu Poudel - President

    Bishnu Poudel, the President at School of Visual Arts, focuses on the operational expansion and international outreach of the institution. Overseeing global partnerships, the President facilitates opportunities for students to engage with diverse cultural perspectives and creative markets. This role involves managing the administrative framework that supports the diverse student body and faculty. Bishnu Poudel directs efforts to enhance the physical and digital infrastructure of the campus, ensuring that facilities meet the needs of modern creative professionals. By fostering an inclusive environment, the President promotes the collaborative spirit that defines the institution. The President coordinates with department heads to align academic goals with the evolving demands of the creative industry. Through strategic leadership, the President strengthens the reputation of the institution as a hub for innovation and artistic achievement. This focus on operational scale and global presence ensures that the institution continues to attract top talent from around the world.

    David Rhodes - President

    David Rhodes, the President at School of Visual Arts, leads the institutional efforts to integrate professional development into the core curriculum. Overseeing career services and alumni relations, the President ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the creative workforce. This role involves building connections with industry leaders to provide students with internships and networking opportunities. David Rhodes directs the development of programs that emphasize the practical application of artistic skills in real-world scenarios. By prioritizing professional growth, the President supports the long-term success of alumni across various creative fields. The President collaborates with faculty to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to current industry trends and technological advancements. Through a commitment to student success, the President drives the mission of producing creative professionals who make a lasting impact on the cultural landscape. This focus on career readiness solidifies the institution's position as a leader in arts education.

    Cosmin T. - Chief Information Officer

    Cosmin T., the Chief Information Officer at School of Visual Arts, directs the digital infrastructure supporting over 1,500 courses. Managing complex network systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across the institution. This role involves architecting secure data environments that protect intellectual property while facilitating collaborative creative projects. By integrating advanced software solutions, Cosmin T. optimizes the technological framework necessary for high-level 2D animation and illustration training. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with academic departments to implement tools that enhance digital learning experiences. Through constant monitoring of system performance, the Chief Information Officer maintains the operational integrity of the campus network. This strategic oversight supports the broader mission of providing a world-class education to creative professionals. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation required to sustain the competitive edge of the institution within the global creative market.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding School of Visual Arts Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads School of Visual Arts?
    School of Visual Arts is led by Dennis Mayer (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Jin Lee (MARS Co-President) and Kevin O'Callaghan (President).
    Who is part of School of Visual Arts’s executive team?
    The executive team of School of Visual Arts includes leaders such as Dennis Mayer (Chief Financial Officer), Jin Lee (MARS Co-President), Kevin O'Callaghan (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does School of Visual Arts have?
    School of Visual Arts has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in School of Visual Arts’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of School of Visual Arts includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, MARS Co-President, President, President, President.