SUNY Upstate Medical University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

SUNY Upstate Medical University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, administration, operations, clinical oversight, and human resources.

Dedicated to advancing medical education and patient care, SUNY Upstate Medical University maintains a rigorous commitment to academic excellence and clinical innovation across the New York region.

Leadership Roles at SUNY Upstate Medical University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Niquell Walker
  • Admin and Chief Executive Officer and President - Ben Moore
  • Office of the Chief Executive Officer - Kim Hanifin
  • Chief Operating Officer - Marylin Galimi
  • CSEA Local 615 President - Kathleen Yeldon
  • Chief of Staff - Grace Vannortwick
  • Chief Information Officer - Teresa Wagner
  • Asstistant To Vice President and Amp. Chief Human Resources Officer - Lisa Gooley
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer, Ambulatory Services - Seth Charatz
  • M. D. - Mandeep Singh
  • Niquell Walker - Chief Executive Officer

    Niquell Walker, the Chief Executive Officer at SUNY Upstate Medical University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this academic medical center. Walker manages the integration of residency clinics with university-based learning to ensure high-quality patient outcomes. By aligning institutional goals with regional healthcare demands, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of continuous improvement and medical advancement. Niquell Walker maintains oversight of complex organizational structures, ensuring that all departments adhere to the mission of providing superior medical education. Through the coordination of clinical and academic resources, the Chief Executive Officer drives the long-term sustainability of the university. This leadership role requires constant engagement with stakeholders to refine the delivery of healthcare services. Ultimately, Walker secures the operational integrity of the institution while expanding the reach of medical training programs across the state.

    Ben Moore - Admin and Chief Executive Officer and President

    Ben Moore, the Admin and Chief Executive Officer and President at SUNY Upstate Medical University, governs the administrative framework and executive leadership of the institution. Moore architects the operational policies that support the university's dual focus on clinical residency and academic instruction. As the Admin and Chief Executive Officer and President, Moore ensures that administrative functions remain synchronized with the broader educational objectives of the university. This role involves managing high-level institutional partnerships and overseeing the fiscal health of the organization. Ben Moore drives efficiency across all administrative departments, facilitating a seamless environment for medical students and clinical staff. By prioritizing organizational stability, the Admin and Chief Executive Officer and President enables the university to maintain its status as a premier medical facility. Moore consistently evaluates institutional performance metrics to optimize the delivery of healthcare services and educational programs.

    Kim Hanifin - Office of the Chief Executive Officer

    Kim Hanifin, the Office of the Chief Executive Officer at SUNY Upstate Medical University, manages the executive workflow and strategic communications for the leadership team. Hanifin coordinates the daily operations within the Office of the Chief Executive Officer to ensure alignment with the university's mission. By facilitating communication between the executive suite and various academic departments, Hanifin streamlines decision-making processes. This role involves managing complex schedules and high-priority projects that impact the entire university system. Kim Hanifin drives the implementation of executive initiatives, ensuring that all strategic goals receive proper attention and resources. Through meticulous organization and oversight, the Office of the Chief Executive Officer supports the effective functioning of the university's leadership. Hanifin maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the executive office remains responsive to the evolving needs of the medical community and the student body.

    Marylin Galimi - Chief Operating Officer

    Marylin Galimi, the Chief Operating Officer at SUNY Upstate Medical University, directs the daily operational activities of the university's clinical and academic facilities. Galimi manages the logistics of residency clinics, ensuring that all operational processes support the delivery of high-quality patient care. As the Chief Operating Officer, Galimi oversees the allocation of resources and the maintenance of facilities to meet the rigorous standards of a university setting. This role involves coordinating with department heads to optimize workflows and improve service delivery. Marylin Galimi drives the implementation of operational strategies that enhance the efficiency of the university's medical programs. By focusing on the practical aspects of institutional management, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the university remains a leader in medical education. Galimi maintains a commitment to operational excellence, supporting the institution's mission to provide superior healthcare services to the surrounding community.
    Marylin Galimi

    Kathleen Yeldon - CSEA Local 615 President

    Kathleen Yeldon, the CSEA Local 615 President at SUNY Upstate Medical University, represents the interests of the workforce within the university's labor framework. Yeldon manages the relationship between the union and the university administration, ensuring that the needs of the staff are addressed. As the CSEA Local 615 President, Yeldon advocates for fair working conditions and professional development opportunities for employees. This role involves negotiating agreements and resolving workplace issues to maintain a productive environment. Kathleen Yeldon drives the engagement of union members, ensuring that their voices are heard in institutional decision-making processes. By focusing on labor relations, the CSEA Local 615 President supports the stability and morale of the university's workforce. Yeldon maintains a commitment to collaborative problem-solving, ensuring that the university can continue to fulfill its mission of medical education and patient care while supporting the well-being of its employees.

    Grace Vannortwick - Chief of Staff

    Grace Vannortwick, the Chief of Staff at SUNY Upstate Medical University, executes the strategic priorities set by the executive leadership team. Vannortwick manages the internal operations of the office, ensuring that all departments remain focused on the university's core mission of medical education and clinical care. As the Chief of Staff, Vannortwick facilitates collaboration across the institution, bridging the gap between academic faculty and clinical administrators. This role involves overseeing critical projects that enhance the university's operational capacity. Grace Vannortwick drives the development of organizational policies that improve efficiency and communication. By managing the flow of information to the executive team, the Chief of Staff ensures that leadership remains informed and capable of making data-driven decisions. Vannortwick maintains a focus on long-term institutional growth, supporting the university's efforts to provide high-quality residency training and patient services throughout the region.

    Teresa Wagner - Chief Information Officer

    Teresa Wagner, the Chief Information Officer at SUNY Upstate Medical University, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern medical education and patient care. Wagner manages the implementation of advanced health information systems that support clinical residency clinics and university research. As the Chief Information Officer, Wagner ensures that all data systems remain secure, compliant, and accessible to faculty and students. This role involves overseeing the integration of new technologies that improve the efficiency of medical training and patient record management. Teresa Wagner drives the digital transformation of the university, ensuring that technological resources align with the institution's strategic goals. By optimizing the IT landscape, the Chief Information Officer supports the university's commitment to innovation. Wagner maintains a focus on scalability, ensuring that the digital infrastructure can support the growing needs of the medical community and the expanding student population.

    Lisa Gooley - Asstistant To Vice President and Amp. Chief Human Resources Officer

    Lisa Gooley, the Asstistant To Vice President and Amp. Chief Human Resources Officer at SUNY Upstate Medical University, manages the human capital strategies that support the university's workforce. Gooley oversees the recruitment, retention, and development of faculty and staff who contribute to the institution's medical education and clinical missions. As the Asstistant To Vice President and Amp. Chief Human Resources Officer, Gooley ensures that all personnel policies align with the university's commitment to excellence. This role involves managing complex HR operations and fostering a supportive environment for employees. Lisa Gooley drives the implementation of talent management initiatives that enhance the university's ability to attract top-tier medical professionals. By focusing on the needs of the workforce, the Asstistant To Vice President and Amp. Chief Human Resources Officer supports the overall success of the institution. Gooley maintains a focus on organizational culture, ensuring that all staff members remain aligned with the university's core values.

    Seth Charatz - Associate Chief Medical Officer, Ambulatory Services

    Seth Charatz, the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Ambulatory Services at SUNY Upstate Medical University, directs the clinical operations within the ambulatory care setting. Charatz manages the delivery of outpatient services, ensuring that residency clinics provide high-quality care to patients. As the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Ambulatory Services, Charatz oversees the clinical performance of medical staff and ensures compliance with healthcare standards. This role involves integrating clinical practice with the university's educational mission, providing students with valuable hands-on experience. Seth Charatz drives the improvement of ambulatory care processes, focusing on patient outcomes and operational efficiency. By coordinating with other clinical leaders, the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Ambulatory Services ensures that the university's outpatient services remain at the forefront of medical care. Charatz maintains a focus on clinical excellence, supporting the university's efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare services to the regional population.

    Mandeep Singh - M. D.

    Mandeep Singh, the M. D. at SUNY Upstate Medical University, provides expert clinical care and medical instruction within the university's residency programs. Singh manages the treatment of patients while simultaneously mentoring medical students in clinical settings. As an M. D., Singh ensures that all medical practices adhere to the highest standards of care and academic rigor. This role involves participating in clinical research and contributing to the university's medical knowledge base. Mandeep Singh drives the development of clinical protocols that improve patient outcomes and educational experiences. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, the M. D. supports the university's mission to train the next generation of medical professionals. Singh maintains a focus on patient-centered care, ensuring that the university's clinical services remain responsive to the needs of the community. Through clinical expertise and teaching, the M. D. contributes to the overall success of the university's medical programs.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SUNY Upstate Medical University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SUNY Upstate Medical University?
    SUNY Upstate Medical University is led by Niquell Walker (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ben Moore (Admin and Chief Executive Officer and President) and Kim Hanifin (Office of the Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of SUNY Upstate Medical University’s executive team?
    The executive team of SUNY Upstate Medical University includes leaders such as Niquell Walker (Chief Executive Officer), Ben Moore (Admin and Chief Executive Officer and President), Kim Hanifin (Office of the Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SUNY Upstate Medical University have?
    SUNY Upstate Medical University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SUNY Upstate Medical University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SUNY Upstate Medical University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Admin and Chief Executive Officer and President, Office of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, CSEA Local 615 President.