SUNY Fredonia Executive and Leadership Team

Dennis Hefner, the President at SUNY Fredonia, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the university. Guiding institutional growth and academic excellence, Hefner champions the university's mission of delivering a distinguished, student-centered education. This executive role involves fostering strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders, including alumni and community partners. By setting the vision for program development and resource allocation, Dennis Hefner ensures SUNY Fredonia maintains its commitment to affordable, quality education and a low student-to-faculty ratio. Hefner's leadership drives the university's reputation as a nationally-ranked public institution, enhancing its impact in liberal arts, music, and STEM fields.

Michel Kouadio, the Chief Information Officer at SUNY Fredonia, directs all technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Overseeing the university's IT operations, Kouadio ensures the seamless integration of technology across academic and administrative functions. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols, supporting research computing needs, and driving innovation in educational technology platforms. By optimizing network performance and enhancing digital learning tools, Michel Kouadio directly supports the university's mission of providing quality education. Kouadio's strategic vision ensures that SUNY Fredonia remains at the forefront of technological advancement in higher education, supporting both faculty and student success through robust and reliable systems.

Naomi Baldwin, the Chief of Staff at SUNY Fredonia, manages strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across the institution. Coordinating key projects and advising the President, Baldwin ensures alignment with the university's overarching goals. This position involves facilitating communication between departments, overseeing special assignments, and driving the implementation of critical institutional policies. By streamlining administrative processes and fostering interdepartmental collaboration, Naomi Baldwin enhances the effectiveness of SUNY Fredonia's operations. Baldwin's role is pivotal in translating the President's vision into actionable plans, ensuring that the university effectively serves its student body and achieves its academic and research objectives.

Richard Gilman, the Honorary Member at SUNY Fredonia, contributes advisory capacity and lends significant prestige to the institution. This distinguished position involves providing counsel and support, leveraging extensive experience to benefit the university's strategic objectives. While not involved in day-to-day operations, Gilman's association signifies a deep commitment to SUNY Fredonia's educational mission and community engagement. The influence of Richard Gilman supports the university's dedication to fostering a vibrant campus life and enhancing student development through various clubs and organizations. Gilman's honorary status underscores the value placed on experienced guidance in maintaining the university's high standards and forward momentum.