SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, information technology, and administrative operations.

Committed to advancing medical education and patient care, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University drives excellence through rigorous academic research and clinical service across the New York metropolitan region.

Leadership Roles at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Rita Battles
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ai Forsyth
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Richard Miller
  • Chief Financial Officer & Controller - Presing Baltazar
  • Chief Information Officer - Ernest Weber
  • Chief of Staff - Linda Corby
  • Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer - Michelle Daniels-DeVore
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Dilip Nath
  • Senior VP, Human Resources & Chief of Staff - Jamie Grecco
  • Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Dennis Sutterfield
  • Rita Battles - Chief Executive Officer

    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 a culture of innovation and excellence. Rita Battles maintains direct oversight of institutional growth, ensuring that medical training programs meet evolving healthcare demands. Through collaboration with the Board and senior leadership, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for long-term sustainability. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while expanding the university's footprint in the Brooklyn medical community. Ultimately, Battles strengthens the institution's reputation as a premier center for health sciences education and clinical practice.

    Ai Forsyth - Chief Financial Officer

    Ai Forsyth, the Chief Financial Officer at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire medical school and hospital system. Forsyth oversees the allocation of state funding and private grants to support critical research initiatives and clinical infrastructure. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and operational efficiency across all departments. Ai Forsyth collaborates with executive leadership to forecast revenue trends and mitigate economic risks associated with public healthcare delivery. This role requires constant monitoring of capital expenditures to maintain state-of-the-art medical facilities. Through strategic financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer supports the university's mission of providing accessible, high-quality medical education. Forsyth drives fiscal accountability, ensuring that every dollar invested directly enhances the capacity of the institution to serve the diverse population of New York City.

    Richard Miller - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Richard Miller, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, manages the long-term financial strategy and investment portfolio for the institution. Miller oversees the financial reporting processes that ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. By analyzing market trends, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for revenue diversification to support academic programs. Richard Miller collaborates with other executive leaders to optimize resource distribution across clinical and research divisions. This role involves managing relationships with external financial partners to secure funding for campus expansion projects. Through meticulous financial oversight, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability of the university's economic foundation. Miller drives financial performance, ensuring that the institution possesses the necessary capital to sustain its leadership position in medical education and healthcare delivery.

    Presing Baltazar - Chief Financial Officer & Controller

    Presing Baltazar, the Chief Financial Officer & Controller at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, manages the accounting operations and internal audit functions of the institution. Baltazar oversees the preparation of financial statements and ensures the accuracy of all fiscal records. By implementing robust internal controls, the Chief Financial Officer & Controller mitigates financial risk and ensures compliance with accounting standards. Presing Baltazar coordinates with external auditors to verify the integrity of the university's financial reporting. This role involves monitoring cash flow and managing the payroll systems for the entire workforce. Through diligent oversight, the Chief Financial Officer & Controller provides the data necessary for informed executive decision-making. Baltazar drives financial precision, ensuring that the university's resources are managed with the highest level of integrity to support its mission of medical education and patient care.

    Ernest Weber - Chief Information Officer

    Ernest Weber, the Chief Information Officer at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, architects the digital infrastructure required for modern medical education and patient data management. Weber directs the implementation of secure health information systems that support both clinical workflows and academic research. By modernizing the technological landscape, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity across the university's Brooklyn campus. Ernest Weber manages cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive patient records and proprietary research data. This leadership role involves coordinating with clinical staff to integrate advanced diagnostic tools into the existing network. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer enhances the efficiency of administrative processes. Weber drives digital transformation, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of medical technology while maintaining compliance with stringent healthcare data privacy standards.

    Linda Corby - Chief of Staff

    Linda Corby, the Chief of Staff at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, coordinates the daily operations of the executive office to ensure alignment with institutional priorities. Corby facilitates communication between the leadership team and various academic departments, streamlining decision-making processes. By managing high-level projects, the Chief of Staff enables the university to execute its strategic initiatives effectively. Linda Corby oversees the preparation of briefings and reports for the Board, ensuring that all stakeholders remain informed of critical developments. This role involves resolving complex operational challenges that arise within the medical school and hospital environment. Through proactive management, the Chief of Staff fosters collaboration across the organization. Corby drives organizational cohesion, ensuring that the administrative functions of the university support the core mission of advancing health sciences and providing exceptional patient care throughout the region.

    Michelle Daniels-DeVore - Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Michelle Daniels-DeVore, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, supports the development of specialized IT solutions for clinical departments. Daniels-DeVore manages the technical teams responsible for maintaining electronic health record systems and diagnostic imaging platforms. By focusing on user experience, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that medical staff can access critical data efficiently. Michelle Daniels-DeVore coordinates with the broader IT leadership to implement system upgrades that improve patient care workflows. This role involves overseeing the integration of new software applications into the existing hospital network. Through technical expertise, the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Chief Information Officer enhances the reliability of digital tools used in medical training. Daniels-DeVore drives operational improvements, ensuring that the university's technological infrastructure remains robust and responsive to the needs of clinicians.

    Dilip Nath - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Dilip Nath, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, leads the enterprise-wide technology strategy to support academic and clinical excellence. Nath oversees the development of high-performance computing resources for medical research and data analytics. By prioritizing innovation, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that the university leverages emerging technologies to improve educational outcomes. Dilip Nath manages the strategic roadmap for IT investments, aligning digital capabilities with the institution's long-term goals. This role involves fostering partnerships with technology vendors to provide cutting-edge tools for students and faculty. Through visionary leadership, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer strengthens the university's digital resilience. Nath drives technological advancement, ensuring that the institution maintains a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving landscape of health sciences and medical research.

    Jamie Grecco - Senior VP, Human Resources & Chief of Staff

    Jamie Grecco, the Senior VP, Human Resources & Chief of Staff at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, directs the talent management and organizational development strategies for the institution. Grecco oversees recruitment, employee relations, and professional development programs for faculty and clinical staff. By fostering an inclusive workplace culture, the Senior VP, Human Resources & Chief of Staff ensures that the university attracts and retains top-tier medical professionals. Jamie Grecco also manages the administrative functions of the executive office, facilitating communication across the leadership team. This role involves aligning human capital strategies with the university's broader mission of academic and clinical excellence. Through effective personnel management, the Senior VP, Human Resources & Chief of Staff supports the operational needs of the entire campus. Grecco drives organizational health, ensuring that the workforce remains motivated and equipped to deliver high-quality healthcare services.

    Dennis Sutterfield - Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Dennis Sutterfield, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, manages the network architecture and telecommunications infrastructure for the university. Sutterfield oversees the deployment of communication systems that connect the medical school with affiliated clinical sites. By ensuring high availability of network services, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer supports the continuous operation of critical healthcare applications. Dennis Sutterfield coordinates with facilities management to integrate smart building technologies into the campus environment. This role involves overseeing the maintenance of hardware and software assets across all departments. Through strategic planning, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer enhances the connectivity and collaboration capabilities of the university. Sutterfield drives infrastructure reliability, ensuring that the digital foundation of the institution remains stable and capable of supporting the complex demands of modern medical education and research.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University?
    SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is led by Rita Battles (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ai Forsyth (Chief Financial Officer) and Richard Miller (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University’s executive team?
    The executive team of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University includes leaders such as Rita Battles (Chief Executive Officer), Ai Forsyth (Chief Financial Officer), Richard Miller (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University have?
    SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Controller, Chief Information Officer.