Smith College Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Smith College has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, human resources, student governance, and institutional administration.

Committed to academic excellence and the empowerment of women, Smith College fosters a rigorous liberal arts environment that prepares students for global leadership and intellectual discovery.

Leadership Roles at Smith College

  • Class of 2027 President - Ayano Tamura
  • President - Sarah Willie-LeBreton
  • Franklin King House President - Athena Spencer
  • President - Kathleen McCartney
  • Senior Class President - Haley Brown
  • President - William Neilson
  • President - Ermin Paiz
  • President of Parsons House - Lauren Spencer
  • Chief Information Officer - Heather Woods
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - AnneMarie Szmyt
  • Ayano Tamura - Class of 2027 President

    Ayano Tamura, the Class of 2027 President at Smith College, represents the interests of the undergraduate student body within the broader institutional framework. Tamura coordinates student-led initiatives and facilitates communication between the Class of 2027 and the college administration. By overseeing class-specific programming and community-building events, the Class of 2027 President ensures that student voices influence campus life and policy development. This leadership role involves managing student budgets and organizing events that reflect the diverse academic interests of the undergraduate population. Ayano Tamura directly impacts the student experience by fostering a sense of belonging and engagement within the private women's liberal arts environment. Through active participation in student government, Tamura contributes to the vibrant, collaborative culture that defines the undergraduate experience at this historic institution.

    Sarah Willie-LeBreton - President

    Sarah Willie-LeBreton, the President at Smith College, architects the overarching strategic vision for the private women's liberal arts institution. Willie-LeBreton directs the academic mission and institutional advancement efforts, ensuring that the college maintains its reputation for excellence in higher education. By overseeing the expansion of graduate and certificate programs, the President drives the college's growth and market relevance. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders to secure the financial future of the institution. Sarah Willie-LeBreton directly impacts the college's long-term trajectory by championing initiatives that promote intellectual rigor and social responsibility. Through the implementation of comprehensive academic policies, Willie-LeBreton ensures that the college continues to provide a world-class education while adapting to the evolving needs of students in a globalized society.
    Sarah Willie-LeBreton

    Athena Spencer - Franklin King House President

    Athena Spencer, the Franklin King House President at Smith College, manages the residential life and community standards within the specific housing unit. Spencer oversees the daily operations of the residence, ensuring that the living environment supports the academic and personal growth of the students. By directing house meetings and facilitating student-led governance, the Franklin King House President maintains a cohesive and supportive atmosphere. This leadership role involves coordinating with the college's residential life office to address student needs and promote campus-wide initiatives. Athena Spencer directly impacts the quality of student life by fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility among residents. Through the promotion of inclusive house policies, Spencer contributes to the overall mission of the college, ensuring that the residential experience complements the rigorous liberal arts curriculum.

    Kathleen McCartney - President

    Kathleen McCartney, the President at Smith College, leads the administrative and academic operations of the private women's liberal arts college. McCartney directs the implementation of institutional policies that support the college's commitment to academic freedom and student success. By overseeing the development of new curriculum initiatives and research opportunities, the President ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of liberal arts education. This leadership role involves managing relationships with alumni and donors to support the college's endowment and infrastructure projects. Kathleen McCartney directly impacts the college's standing by promoting its unique educational model to a global audience. Through the execution of strategic planning, McCartney secures the resources necessary to maintain the high standards of excellence that define the institution's long-standing history in Northampton.

    Haley Brown - Senior Class President

    Haley Brown, the Senior Class President at Smith College, represents the final-year undergraduate cohort in all matters of student governance and institutional planning. Brown coordinates senior-specific events and serves as a liaison between the graduating class and the college administration. By overseeing the transition of seniors into the alumni network, the Senior Class President ensures that the college maintains strong connections with its graduates. This leadership role involves managing class funds and organizing activities that celebrate the academic achievements of the senior cohort. Haley Brown directly impacts the student experience by fostering a sense of unity and pride among those nearing the completion of their degrees. Through active engagement with the student body, Brown contributes to the vibrant community culture that characterizes the undergraduate experience at this private women's liberal arts college.

    William Neilson - President

    William Neilson, the President at Smith College, oversees the historical and foundational governance of the private women's liberal arts institution. Neilson directs the long-term academic strategy and ensures that the college adheres to its core mission of providing high-quality education. By managing the institutional budget and overseeing the allocation of resources, the President supports the growth of both undergraduate and graduate programs. This leadership role involves representing the college in national academic forums and fostering partnerships with other educational institutions. William Neilson directly impacts the college's reputation by upholding the rigorous standards of the liberal arts curriculum. Through the implementation of forward-thinking policies, Neilson ensures that the institution remains a leader in women's education, adapting to the changing demands of the academic landscape while preserving the college's unique heritage.

    Ermin Paiz - President

    Ermin Paiz, the President at Smith College, manages the executive functions and strategic direction of the private women's liberal arts college. Paiz directs the operational activities of the institution, ensuring that all departments align with the college's mission of academic excellence. By overseeing the expansion of certificate programs and graduate offerings, the President drives the college's efforts to reach a broader student demographic. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty leaders to enhance the quality of instruction and research. Ermin Paiz directly impacts the college's success by optimizing administrative processes and fostering a culture of innovation. Through the execution of strategic initiatives, Paiz ensures that the college continues to provide a transformative educational experience, maintaining its status as a premier institution for women's liberal arts education in the United States.

    Lauren Spencer - President of Parsons House

    Lauren Spencer, the President of Parsons House at Smith College, manages the residential governance and community standards within the house. Spencer directs the planning of house activities and ensures that the residential environment supports the academic goals of the students. By overseeing the communication between residents and the college's housing administration, the President of Parsons House ensures that student concerns are addressed effectively. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive and supportive living space that aligns with the college's values. Lauren Spencer directly impacts the student experience by creating opportunities for social engagement and personal development within the residence. Through the promotion of house-wide initiatives, Spencer contributes to the overall mission of the college, ensuring that the residential life program enhances the rigorous liberal arts education provided to all students.

    Heather Woods - Chief Information Officer

    Heather Woods, the Chief Information Officer at Smith College, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy across the Northampton campus. Woods manages the integration of advanced academic software and secure data systems to support the private women's liberal arts mission. By overseeing the modernization of campus networks, the Chief Information Officer ensures that faculty and students maintain access to cutting-edge research tools. This leadership role involves collaborating with administrative departments to streamline operational efficiency through cloud-based solutions. Heather Woods directly impacts the college's ability to deliver high-quality education by maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols and reliable digital services. Through the implementation of innovative IT policies, Woods secures the technological foundation necessary for long-term institutional growth and academic success within the competitive higher education landscape.
    Heather Woods

    AnneMarie Szmyt - Chief Human Resources Officer

    AnneMarie Szmyt, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Smith College, manages the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies for the institution. Szmyt oversees the recruitment of faculty and staff who uphold the standards of this private women's liberal arts college. By directing compensation structures and employee benefits, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the retention of top-tier academic talent. This leadership role involves navigating complex labor regulations and fostering an inclusive workplace culture that aligns with the college's historical commitment to women's education. AnneMarie Szmyt directly impacts the operational stability of the college by optimizing workforce performance and professional development programs. Through the alignment of human capital with institutional goals, Szmyt supports the overall mission of providing a transformative educational experience for students across all graduate and undergraduate programs.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Smith College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Smith College?
    Smith College is led by Ayano Tamura (Class of 2027 President), along with executives such as Sarah Willie-LeBreton (President) and Athena Spencer (Franklin King House President).
    Who is part of Smith College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Smith College includes leaders such as Ayano Tamura (Class of 2027 President), Sarah Willie-LeBreton (President), Athena Spencer (Franklin King House 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 Class of 2027 President, President, Franklin King House President, President, Senior Class President.