Smith College Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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

  • House President - Lily Fairman
  • Co President of POCheese - Charity Antwi
  • President - Kathleen McCartney
  • President - Sarah Willie-LeBreton
  • Senior Class President - Haley Brown
  • President - Brigitte Walla
  • Franklin King House President - Athena Spencer
  • President of the AASC, Trustee - Margaret Koon
  • Parsons House President - Jane Ouellette
  • Chief Information Officer - Heather Woods
  • Lily Fairman - House President

    Lily Fairman, the House President at Smith College, manages residential life operations and student community engagement within the campus housing system. Fairman coordinates house-level programming that promotes the liberal arts values of the institution. By facilitating communication between residents and the administration, the House President ensures that student needs remain central to the residential experience. This leadership role involves organizing community-building initiatives that foster inclusivity and academic support among the student body. Lily Fairman oversees the implementation of residential policies that maintain a safe and productive living environment. Through active engagement with student government, the House President contributes to the vibrant campus culture that defines the undergraduate experience. Fairman addresses logistical challenges within the housing units to optimize student satisfaction and well-being. Ultimately, the House President strengthens the sense of community that characterizes the residential life at this historic institution.

    Charity Antwi - Co President of POCheese

    Charity Antwi, the Co President of POCheese at Smith College, directs student-led initiatives focused on cultural advocacy and community support. Antwi manages the organization's outreach efforts to ensure that diverse student voices find representation within the broader liberal arts framework. By coordinating events that highlight the experiences of students of color, the Co President of POCheese fosters an environment of belonging and intellectual exchange. This role involves collaborating with campus organizations to promote equity and inclusion across all academic programs. Charity Antwi oversees the allocation of resources for student-led programming that addresses the unique needs of the community. Through strategic planning and advocacy, the Co President of POCheese drives meaningful dialogue regarding campus climate and student success. Antwi maintains strong partnerships with faculty and staff to advance institutional goals related to diversity. Ultimately, the Co President of POCheese strengthens the social fabric of the college through dedicated leadership and community-focused action.

    Kathleen McCartney - President

    Kathleen McCartney, the President at Smith College, oversees the strategic direction and academic mission of the institution. McCartney manages the long-term vision for the private women's liberal arts college, ensuring that undergraduate and graduate programs maintain high standards of excellence. By leading the executive team, the President coordinates institutional growth and resource allocation to support faculty research and student achievement. This role involves engaging with the Board of Trustees to define the college's market position and financial sustainability. Kathleen McCartney directs the implementation of academic policies that uphold the institution's historical commitment to women's education. Through active representation of the college in national higher education forums, the President drives the institution's reputation for intellectual rigor. McCartney fosters a culture of innovation that prepares students for complex global challenges. Ultimately, the President secures the future of the college by balancing tradition with the evolving needs of modern academia.

    Sarah Willie-LeBreton - President

    Sarah Willie-LeBreton, the President at Smith College, directs the administrative operations and academic advancement of the institution. Willie-LeBreton manages the expansion of graduate and certificate programs, ensuring that these offerings remain accessible to a diverse student population. By overseeing the development of interdisciplinary curricula, the President supports the college's mission to provide a comprehensive liberal arts education. This role involves managing relationships with alumni and donors to secure funding for campus infrastructure and student scholarships. Sarah Willie-LeBreton leads initiatives that promote faculty development and research productivity across all departments. Through strategic oversight of institutional budgets, the President ensures the efficient use of resources to support the college's long-term goals. Willie-LeBreton drives the implementation of policies that enhance the student experience and promote academic success. Ultimately, the President maintains the institution's status as a premier center for learning and intellectual growth in the United States.
    Sarah Willie-LeBreton

    Haley Brown - Senior Class President

    Haley Brown, the Senior Class President at Smith College, directs student leadership efforts for the graduating class. Brown manages the planning of senior-year events and traditions that celebrate the academic achievements of the student body. By coordinating with the administration, the Senior Class President ensures that the transition from undergraduate studies to professional life remains supported by institutional resources. This role involves representing the interests of the senior class in student government meetings and campus-wide committees. Haley Brown oversees the organization of fundraising initiatives that contribute to the college's legacy and future development. Through active communication with the student body, the Senior Class President fosters a sense of unity and pride among graduating students. Brown addresses student concerns to improve the overall campus experience during the final year of study. Ultimately, the Senior Class President facilitates a successful conclusion to the undergraduate journey while preparing students for their future endeavors.

    Brigitte Walla - President

    Brigitte Walla, the President at Smith College, oversees the governance of specific student organizations and campus initiatives. Walla manages the operational framework for student-led groups, ensuring alignment with the college's mission of academic and personal development. By coordinating with student leaders, the President facilitates the execution of programs that enrich the liberal arts experience. This role involves managing the logistical requirements for campus events and ensuring compliance with institutional policies. Brigitte Walla directs the allocation of student activity funds to support diverse interests and community engagement. Through strategic planning, the President enhances the quality of student life and promotes a culture of active participation. Walla maintains open lines of communication with the administration to advocate for student needs and institutional improvements. Ultimately, the President drives the success of student-led initiatives by providing the necessary structure and support for effective leadership and community impact.

    Athena Spencer - Franklin King House President

    Athena Spencer, the Franklin King House President at Smith College, directs residential operations and community life within the Franklin King House. Spencer manages the daily functions of the residence, ensuring that the living environment supports the academic and personal growth of the students. By coordinating house meetings and social events, the Franklin King House President fosters a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. This role involves acting as a liaison between residents and the college administration to address housing concerns and improve facility standards. Athena Spencer oversees the implementation of residential policies that promote safety and community well-being. Through proactive leadership, the Franklin King House President encourages student participation in campus traditions and house-specific activities. Spencer manages the house budget to provide resources that enhance the residential experience. Ultimately, the Franklin King House President strengthens the residential community by creating a welcoming space that reflects the values of the institution.

    Margaret Koon - President of the AASC, Trustee

    Margaret Koon, the President of the AASC, Trustee at Smith College, directs the engagement of the alumnae association and represents their interests on the Board of Trustees. Koon manages the strategic connection between the college and its global network of graduates, ensuring that alumnae remain active participants in the institution's future. By overseeing the alignment of association goals with the college's mission, the President of the AASC, Trustee supports fundraising and mentorship initiatives. This role involves participating in high-level governance decisions that shape the long-term trajectory of the liberal arts programs. Margaret Koon facilitates communication between the Board and the alumnae community to promote transparency and institutional growth. Through strategic leadership, the President of the AASC, Trustee drives the development of programs that leverage the expertise of graduates to benefit current students. Ultimately, Koon ensures that the legacy of the college continues to thrive through strong alumnae support and active governance.

    Jane Ouellette - Parsons House President

    Jane Ouellette, the Parsons House President at Smith College, directs residential life and student governance within the Parsons House. Ouellette manages the coordination of house activities that promote community cohesion and academic success among residents. By facilitating regular house meetings, the Parsons House President ensures that student voices are heard and addressed by the college administration. This role involves overseeing the maintenance of house standards and the enforcement of residential policies to ensure a safe living environment. Jane Ouellette leads initiatives that encourage student involvement in campus-wide events and traditions. Through effective management of house resources, the Parsons House President provides a supportive space for students to engage with the liberal arts curriculum. Ouellette maintains strong relationships with other house leaders to foster a collaborative residential culture. Ultimately, the Parsons House President enhances the student experience by building a vibrant and inclusive community within the residence.

    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 seamless connectivity for faculty and students engaged in research. This role involves collaborating with academic departments to implement innovative learning tools that enhance the educational experience. Heather Woods maintains robust cybersecurity protocols to protect institutional assets and student privacy. Through the alignment of technology with pedagogical goals, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency and supports the long-term digital transformation of the institution. Woods continuously evaluates emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the higher education landscape while facilitating broad access to digital resources for the entire community.
    Heather Woods

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Smith College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Smith College?
    Smith College is led by Lily Fairman (House President), along with executives such as Charity Antwi (Co President of POCheese) and Kathleen McCartney (President).
    Who is part of Smith College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Smith College includes leaders such as Lily Fairman (House President), Charity Antwi (Co President of POCheese), Kathleen McCartney (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 House President, Co President of POCheese, President, President, Senior Class President.