SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Executive and Leadership Team

Rita Battles, the Chief Executive Officer at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this public medical institution. Battles manages the integration of academic research with clinical hospital operations to ensure high-quality patient outcomes. By aligning departmental goals with the broader mission of the State University of New York system, the Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment of innovation and excellence. Rita Battles maintains constant communication with the Board to secure long-term institutional stability and growth. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory landscapes while expanding the university's influence in medical education. Through rigorous oversight of all administrative functions, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational efficiency across the Brooklyn campus. Ultimately, Battles secures the future of the university by prioritizing sustainable development and community health initiatives throughout the region.

Ai Forsyth, the Chief Financial Officer at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for this public medical institution. Forsyth directs the allocation of funds to support critical research initiatives and hospital operations. By analyzing financial performance metrics, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the university maintains long-term economic viability. Ai Forsyth collaborates with the executive team to identify revenue growth opportunities and cost-saving measures across all departments. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of grant funding and state appropriations to ensure compliance with institutional mandates. Through strategic financial modeling, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of medical programs and clinical facilities. Ultimately, Forsyth secures the necessary capital to sustain the university's mission of providing high-quality education and healthcare services to the Brooklyn community.

Presing Baltazar, the Chief Financial Officer & Controller at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, oversees the integrity of financial reporting and internal accounting controls. Baltazar manages the daily fiscal operations, ensuring that all expenditures align with the university's budgetary constraints. By maintaining rigorous audit standards, the Chief Financial Officer & Controller protects the institution's financial reputation. Presing Baltazar monitors cash flow and manages the reconciliation of complex accounts across the hospital and academic divisions. This leadership role involves providing accurate financial data to the executive team to inform strategic decision-making. Through the implementation of robust accounting software, the Chief Financial Officer & Controller drives transparency and accountability in all fiscal matters. Ultimately, Baltazar ensures the university remains in compliance with state and federal regulations while supporting the ongoing needs of the medical school.

Richard Miller, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, manages the long-term financial planning and capital investment strategies for the institution. Miller oversees the funding of major infrastructure projects, including the renovation of clinical facilities and research laboratories. By evaluating the financial feasibility of new academic programs, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the university maintains a balanced portfolio of investments. Richard Miller collaborates with state officials to secure funding for public health initiatives. This leadership role involves managing the university's debt portfolio and optimizing revenue streams from clinical services. Through the application of rigorous financial analysis, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer drives sustainable growth across the Brooklyn campus. Ultimately, Miller secures the financial foundation necessary for the university to continue its legacy of medical excellence.

Schnell Lafortune, the Chief of Staff at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, coordinates executive workflows and facilitates communication between senior leadership and departmental heads. Lafortune optimizes internal processes to ensure the university meets its academic and clinical objectives. By managing high-priority projects, the Chief of Staff enables the executive team to focus on long-term strategic goals. Schnell Lafortune monitors the execution of institutional policies, ensuring alignment with the core mission of this Brooklyn-based medical school. This role requires constant collaboration with various stakeholders to resolve operational bottlenecks and improve organizational agility. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, the Chief of Staff supports the university's commitment to public health education. Ultimately, Lafortune maintains the operational rhythm necessary for the institution to thrive within the competitive landscape of New York City medical centers.

Ernest Weber, the Chief Information Officer at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting advanced medical research and clinical data management. Weber oversees the implementation of secure information systems that protect patient records and academic intellectual property. By modernizing the technological framework, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity across the university's various departments. Ernest Weber collaborates with clinical leaders to integrate electronic health records into the daily workflow of the hospital. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to mitigate risks in a high-stakes medical environment. Through the deployment of scalable software solutions, the Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation across the Brooklyn campus. Ultimately, Weber provides the technical foundation required for the university to maintain its status as a leader in health sciences and medical innovation.

Dennis Sutterfield, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, leads the strategic development of enterprise-wide information technology initiatives. Sutterfield focuses on enhancing the digital capabilities of the university's research laboratories and clinical diagnostic centers. By aligning IT investments with academic goals, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer ensures that faculty and students have access to cutting-edge computational tools. Dennis Sutterfield manages the deployment of high-performance networks that facilitate data-intensive medical research. This leadership role involves coordinating with external technology partners to maintain a robust and reliable infrastructure. Through the optimization of data storage and processing systems, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency across the entire institution. Ultimately, Sutterfield enables the university to leverage data-driven insights to improve patient care and academic outcomes.

Jamie Grecco, the Senior VP, Human Resources & Chief of Staff at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, directs talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Grecco manages the workforce planning necessary to support the university's diverse medical and academic staff. By fostering a culture of professional growth, the Senior VP, Human Resources & Chief of Staff ensures the institution attracts top-tier talent. Jamie Grecco also coordinates executive administrative functions, bridging the gap between human capital management and institutional strategy. This leadership role involves overseeing labor relations and employee engagement programs to maintain a productive work environment. Through the implementation of comprehensive training initiatives, the Senior VP, Human Resources & Chief of Staff drives organizational excellence across the Brooklyn campus. Ultimately, Grecco supports the university's mission by ensuring the workforce remains aligned with the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.

Dilip Nath, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, leads the digital transformation of the university's clinical and educational platforms. Nath focuses on the integration of telehealth services to expand the reach of the hospital's medical expertise. By upgrading legacy systems, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that the university remains at the forefront of medical technology. Dilip Nath manages the cybersecurity framework to protect sensitive patient information and research data. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to implement innovative learning management systems. Through the strategic application of cloud-based solutions, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer drives efficiency in both administrative and clinical workflows. Ultimately, Nath provides the technological agility required for the university to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of modern medicine.

Michelle Daniels-DeVore, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, supports the execution of IT strategy and manages daily technical operations. Daniels-DeVore oversees the maintenance of critical hardware and software systems that support the university's research and clinical missions. By coordinating with departmental IT teams, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures consistent service delivery across the campus. Michelle Daniels-DeVore manages the implementation of new software updates and system patches to maintain operational security. This leadership role involves troubleshooting complex technical issues and providing support for faculty and staff. Through the optimization of help-desk services and technical support workflows, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer drives user satisfaction and system reliability. Ultimately, Daniels-DeVore ensures the university's digital environment remains stable and efficient for all users.