Smith College Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Smith College has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, human resources, institutional strategy, alumni relations, student athletics, residential life, academic governance, advisory oversight, student leadership, and presidential administration.

Committed to academic excellence and the empowerment of women, Smith College fosters a rigorous liberal arts environment that prepares students for global leadership through innovative research and inclusive community engagement.

Leadership Roles at Smith College

  • President - Kathleen McCartney
  • President of the AASC, Trustee - Margaret Koon
  • Lunadisc Ultimate Frisbee President - Shalini Setty
  • President of Emerson House - Kate Winer
  • President - William Neilson
  • President's Advisory Council - Susan Rubinstein
  • Senior Class President - Haley Brown
  • President - Sarah Willie-LeBreton
  • Chief Information Officer - Heather Woods
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - AnneMarie Szmyt
  • Kathleen McCartney - President

    Kathleen McCartney, the President at Smith College, directs the overarching strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. McCartney oversees the long-term planning and financial sustainability of the college while representing the interests of the community to external stakeholders. By guiding the Board of Trustees and senior leadership, the President ensures alignment with the core values of women's liberal arts education. This role involves managing high-level partnerships and advancing the reputation of the college within the global academic landscape. Kathleen McCartney champions initiatives that promote research, diversity, and student success. Through the coordination of institutional priorities, the President maintains the high standards of the undergraduate and graduate programs. McCartney drives the development of new academic opportunities and campus infrastructure projects. By fostering a culture of intellectual inquiry, the President secures the future of the institution as a leader in higher education.

    Margaret Koon - President of the AASC, Trustee

    Margaret Koon, the President of the AASC, Trustee at Smith College, manages the relationship between the alumni association and the governing board of the institution. Koon oversees the engagement of graduates to ensure continued support for the college's mission and financial health. By serving as a Trustee, the President of the AASC, Trustee provides critical oversight on policy decisions and institutional governance. This role involves facilitating communication between the alumni network and the administration to align fundraising efforts with strategic goals. Margaret Koon coordinates events and outreach programs that strengthen the connection between the college and its global community. Through the promotion of alumni involvement, the President of the AASC, Trustee enhances the visibility and impact of the liberal arts programs. Koon drives initiatives that leverage the expertise of graduates to benefit current students. By bridging the gap between past and present, the President of the AASC, Trustee sustains the legacy of the college.

    Shalini Setty - Lunadisc Ultimate Frisbee President

    Shalini Setty, the Lunadisc Ultimate Frisbee President at Smith College, directs the operations and competitive strategy of the student athletic organization. Setty oversees the recruitment of team members, the scheduling of regional tournaments, and the management of club resources. By fostering a culture of teamwork and physical excellence, the Lunadisc Ultimate Frisbee President ensures that the organization contributes positively to the student experience. This role involves coordinating with the athletic department to secure facilities and funding for team activities. Shalini Setty manages the logistics of travel and equipment maintenance to support consistent performance. Through the promotion of sportsmanship and inclusivity, the Lunadisc Ultimate Frisbee President strengthens the community spirit on campus. Setty drives the growth of the club by attracting new participants and organizing training sessions. By balancing athletic competition with academic responsibilities, the Lunadisc Ultimate Frisbee President exemplifies the well-rounded student experience at the college.

    Kate Winer - President of Emerson House

    Kate Winer, the President of Emerson House at Smith College, manages the residential life and community governance within the specific housing unit. Winer oversees the planning of house events, the mediation of student concerns, and the representation of residents in broader campus councils. By fostering an inclusive and supportive living environment, the President of Emerson House ensures that the residential experience aligns with the college's mission of community building. This role involves coordinating with residential life staff to maintain safety standards and promote student well-being. Kate Winer facilitates communication between house members and the administration to address infrastructure or policy needs. Through the organization of social and academic programming, the President of Emerson House enhances the sense of belonging for all residents. Winer drives initiatives that encourage student leadership and personal growth. By cultivating a vibrant residential culture, the President of Emerson House supports the holistic development of the student body.

    William Neilson - President

    William Neilson, the President at Smith College, directs the administrative functions and academic policy development for the institution. Neilson oversees the implementation of curriculum standards and the management of faculty affairs to ensure the quality of the liberal arts programs. By coordinating with the academic deans, the President maintains the integrity of the undergraduate and graduate offerings. This role involves managing the institutional budget and allocating resources to support research and teaching excellence. William Neilson represents the college in regional and national academic forums to advance the institution's standing. Through the oversight of campus operations, the President ensures that the physical and intellectual environment remains conducive to learning. Neilson drives the strategic initiatives that define the college's market position. By prioritizing academic rigor and student development, the President secures the long-term viability of the institution as a premier center for higher education.

    Susan Rubinstein - President's Advisory Council

    Susan Rubinstein, the President's Advisory Council at Smith College, manages the consultative process that informs the strategic decision-making of the executive leadership. Rubinstein oversees the synthesis of feedback from various stakeholders to provide actionable insights on institutional policy and campus initiatives. By facilitating discussions among council members, the President's Advisory Council ensures that diverse perspectives are integrated into the college's long-term planning. This role involves analyzing market trends and academic developments to advise the administration on potential growth opportunities. Susan Rubinstein coordinates with senior leadership to evaluate the impact of proposed changes on the student and faculty experience. Through the provision of expert guidance, the President's Advisory Council strengthens the effectiveness of the college's governance. Rubinstein drives the collaborative efforts necessary for addressing complex institutional challenges. By fostering open communication, the President's Advisory Council supports the alignment of administrative actions with the core mission of the college.

    Haley Brown - Senior Class President

    Haley Brown, the Senior Class President at Smith College, directs the student-led initiatives and advocacy efforts for the graduating class. Brown oversees the planning of senior events, the coordination of class gifts, and the representation of student interests to the college administration. By fostering a sense of unity and pride among seniors, the Senior Class President ensures a meaningful transition from undergraduate life to alumni status. This role involves collaborating with student government and campus departments to organize programming that celebrates academic achievements. Haley Brown manages the communication channels that keep the senior class informed about graduation requirements and career resources. Through the promotion of student engagement, the Senior Class President strengthens the connection between the graduating cohort and the institution. Brown drives the efforts to leave a lasting legacy on campus. By representing the voice of the students, the Senior Class President supports the overall mission of the college.

    Sarah Willie-LeBreton - President

    Sarah Willie-LeBreton, the President at Smith College, directs the institutional strategy and academic vision for the college. Willie-LeBreton oversees the development of innovative programs and the expansion of research initiatives that define the institution's role in higher education. By leading the faculty and administrative teams, the President ensures that the college remains at the forefront of liberal arts education. This role involves managing external relations and securing the resources necessary to support the diverse needs of the student body. Sarah Willie-LeBreton coordinates with the Board of Trustees to execute long-term goals and maintain the financial health of the institution. Through the promotion of inclusive excellence, the President fosters an environment where students and faculty thrive. Willie-LeBreton drives the initiatives that enhance the college's reputation and impact. By championing the value of a women's liberal arts education, the President secures the future of the institution.
    Sarah Willie-LeBreton

    Heather Woods - Chief Information Officer

    Heather Woods, the Chief Information Officer at Smith College, directs the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the institution. Woods manages the integration of advanced academic software and secure data systems across the Northampton campus. By overseeing the modernization of campus-wide network capabilities, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for faculty and students engaged in liberal arts research. This role involves collaborating with academic departments to implement digital tools that enhance the educational experience. Heather Woods maintains rigorous cybersecurity standards to protect institutional data assets. Through the strategic deployment of information technology, the Chief Information Officer supports the broader mission of academic excellence. Woods drives the digital transformation necessary for maintaining a competitive edge in higher education. By aligning technical resources with pedagogical goals, the Chief Information Officer facilitates efficient administrative operations and robust research support for the entire college community.
    Heather Woods

    AnneMarie Szmyt - Chief Human Resources Officer

    AnneMarie Szmyt, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Smith College, manages the talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development strategies for the institution. Szmyt oversees the recruitment of faculty and staff who uphold the academic standards of this private women's liberal arts college. By designing comprehensive benefits programs and professional development initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures a supportive work environment for all personnel. This leadership role involves navigating complex labor regulations and fostering an inclusive culture that aligns with the institutional mission. AnneMarie Szmyt coordinates with department heads to optimize staffing levels and performance management systems. Through the implementation of equitable hiring practices, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the workforce capacity. Szmyt drives organizational health by addressing the evolving needs of the campus community. By prioritizing employee engagement and retention, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the human capital necessary for long-term institutional success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Smith College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Smith College?
    Smith College is led by Kathleen McCartney (President), along with executives such as Margaret Koon (President of the AASC, Trustee) and Shalini Setty (Lunadisc Ultimate Frisbee President).
    Who is part of Smith College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Smith College includes leaders such as Kathleen McCartney (President), Margaret Koon (President of the AASC, Trustee), Shalini Setty (Lunadisc Ultimate Frisbee President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Smith College have?
    Smith College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Smith College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Smith College includes roles such as President, President of the AASC, Trustee, Lunadisc Ultimate Frisbee President, President of Emerson House, President.