SUNY Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

SUNY has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, policy implementation, administration, operations, and auxiliary services.

Driven by a commitment to accessible higher education, SUNY provides comprehensive academic programs and research opportunities across New York State, significantly impacting academic research and healthcare education.

Leadership Roles at SUNY

  • Vice President, Administration & Chief Financial Officer - Salvatore Durante
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Operating Officer - Juan Rosales
  • Senior Vice Chancellor, Operations and Management & Chief Operating Officer - Beth Berlin
  • President, The Auxilary Service & Board of Directors - Hassan Al-Shareffi
  • President - Karin Hilgersom
  • President - Michael DeFilippo
  • Chief Information Officer - David Powalyk
  • Chief Technology Officer - Joseph Hoot
  • Chief of Staff & Senior Vice Chancellor, Policy Implementation - Ian Rosenblum
  • Chief Information Officer, Itec Contracted To Outside Entity - Dennis Michaels
  • Salvatore Durante - Vice President, Administration & Chief Financial Officer

    Salvatore Durante, the Vice President, Administration & Chief Financial Officer at SUNY, directs the financial health and administrative operations of the entire university system. This executive manages all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and fiscal management for SUNY's extensive network of colleges and universities. Durante oversees the allocation of resources, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability across diverse academic and research programs. The Vice President, Administration & Chief Financial Officer also guides administrative functions, optimizing processes to support the system's operational efficiency and strategic goals. Salvatore Durante's leadership is critical for maintaining the financial stability of the largest comprehensive higher education system in the United States, enabling its mission of accessible education and groundbreaking research. This role ensures robust financial stewardship and effective administrative support.

    Juan Rosales - Chief of Staff To the Chief Operating Officer

    Juan Rosales, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Operating Officer at SUNY, provides critical support in managing the operational execution across the university system. This role involves coordinating initiatives, facilitating communication, and ensuring the efficient implementation of strategies set forth by the Chief Operating Officer. Rosales works to streamline operations, enhance inter-departmental collaboration, and drive key projects to completion within SUNY's vast network. The Chief of Staff To the Chief Operating Officer acts as a key liaison, bridging executive leadership with operational teams to ensure alignment and effectiveness. Juan Rosales's contributions are vital for optimizing the day-to-day functioning of the largest comprehensive higher education system in the United States, supporting its broad educational and research mandates. This position ensures operational strategies are effectively translated into action.

    Beth Berlin - Senior Vice Chancellor, Operations and Management & Chief Operating Officer

    Beth Berlin, the Senior Vice Chancellor, Operations and Management & Chief Operating Officer at SUNY, directs the comprehensive operational framework for the entire university system. This executive leadership role encompasses overseeing management functions, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring the efficient delivery of services across SUNY's 64 colleges and universities. Berlin drives strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, streamlining administrative processes, and supporting the academic and research missions. The Senior Vice Chancellor, Operations and Management & Chief Operating Officer plays a crucial part in managing the complex logistical and administrative demands of the largest comprehensive higher education system in the United States. Beth Berlin's leadership ensures that SUNY's extensive operations support its commitment to accessible education and impactful research statewide. This role is fundamental to the system's overall functionality and strategic advancement.
    Beth Berlin

    Hassan Al-Shareffi - President, The Auxilary Service & Board of Directors

    Hassan Al-Shareffi, the President, The Auxilary Service & Board of Directors at SUNY, presides over the auxiliary services that support the university system's operations and student life. This leadership position involves overseeing a range of essential services, including housing, dining, retail, and other campus-based enterprises that enhance the student experience and generate revenue. Al-Shareffi guides the strategic direction of these services, ensuring they are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with SUNY's overall mission. The President, The Auxilary Service & Board of Directors also contributes to the governance of these entities through board participation, providing oversight and strategic counsel. Hassan Al-Shareffi's role is vital for the financial sustainability and operational effectiveness of auxiliary functions across SUNY's numerous campuses, directly impacting student welfare and campus vitality. This leadership ensures essential services meet the needs of the SUNY community.

    Karin Hilgersom - President

    Karin Hilgersom, the President at SUNY, leads a specific campus within the vast university system, driving its academic, operational, and strategic initiatives. This executive role involves overseeing all aspects of campus life, from curriculum development and faculty management to student affairs and community engagement. Hilgersom is responsible for fostering an environment of academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. The President's mandate includes managing campus resources, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and advancing the institution's mission within the broader context of SUNY's statewide goals. Karin Hilgersom's leadership is crucial for the effective functioning and growth of the individual campus, contributing to SUNY's overall impact as the largest comprehensive higher education system in the United States. This role ensures the campus thrives academically and operationally.

    Michael DeFilippo - President

    Michael DeFilippo, the President at SUNY, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for a specific campus within the State University of New York system. This leadership position encompasses the comprehensive management of academic programs, research endeavors, student services, and administrative functions. DeFilippo is tasked with fostering an environment conducive to learning, discovery, and community engagement, ensuring the campus meets its educational objectives. The President's responsibilities include overseeing campus resources, financial planning, and strategic development to enhance the institution's standing and impact. Michael DeFilippo's leadership is instrumental in advancing the mission of the individual campus and contributing to SUNY's broader role as a leading provider of higher education and research across New York State. This role ensures the campus achieves its full potential.
    Michael DeFilippo

    David Powalyk - Chief Information Officer

    David Powalyk, the Chief Information Officer at SUNY, directs the strategic implementation and oversight of information technology infrastructure across the vast university system. This role involves architecting robust digital frameworks that support academic delivery, administrative functions, and research initiatives for SUNY's 64 institutions. Powalyk ensures the security, scalability, and efficiency of all IT systems, managing a complex network that serves hundreds of thousands of students and faculty. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities extend to evaluating emerging technologies and integrating them to enhance educational outcomes and operational effectiveness. David Powalyk drives innovation in digital learning environments and data management, crucial for maintaining SUNY's position as the largest comprehensive higher education system in the United States. This leadership ensures seamless technological operations and supports the system's mission of accessibility and academic excellence statewide.

    Joseph Hoot - Chief Technology Officer

    Joseph Hoot, the Chief Technology Officer at SUNY, spearheads the technological vision and advancement for the entire university system. This executive role focuses on identifying, developing, and deploying cutting-edge technologies that align with SUNY's educational and research objectives. Hoot oversees the integration of new technological solutions, ensuring they enhance the learning experience and operational efficiency across SUNY's diverse network of colleges and universities. The Chief Technology Officer's mandate includes fostering innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced data analytics to support academic programs and administrative processes. Joseph Hoot plays a critical part in shaping the future of higher education technology within the state, driving initiatives that improve accessibility and research capabilities. This leadership ensures SUNY remains at the forefront of technological adoption in the academic sector.

    Ian Rosenblum - Chief of Staff & Senior Vice Chancellor, Policy Implementation

    Ian Rosenblum, the Chief of Staff & Senior Vice Chancellor, Policy Implementation at SUNY, orchestrates the execution of strategic policies across the university system. This pivotal role involves translating high-level directives into actionable plans for SUNY's 64 institutions, ensuring consistent application and effective outcomes. Rosenblum collaborates closely with various stakeholders to drive policy initiatives forward, focusing on operationalizing academic and administrative strategies. The Chief of Staff & Senior Vice Chancellor, Policy Implementation manages critical projects and ensures alignment between leadership decisions and campus-level operations. Ian Rosenblum's work is essential for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of SUNY's comprehensive educational framework, supporting its mission to provide accessible higher education and advance research. This leadership ensures that policy objectives translate into tangible improvements across the system.

    Dennis Michaels - Chief Information Officer, Itec Contracted To Outside Entity

    Dennis Michaels, the Chief Information Officer, Itec Contracted To Outside Entity at SUNY, leads information technology strategy and execution for specific contracted entities, extending SUNY's technological expertise beyond its core academic functions. This specialized role involves managing IT infrastructure, ensuring data security, and implementing technological solutions tailored to the unique needs of external partners. Michaels oversees the development and maintenance of critical IT systems, ensuring seamless operations and alignment with contractual obligations. The Chief Information Officer, Itec Contracted To Outside Entity's responsibilities include driving innovation and efficiency within the contracted IT environments, leveraging SUNY's extensive knowledge base. Dennis Michaels's work demonstrates SUNY's capacity to provide advanced IT services and support to a broader range of organizations, reinforcing its role as a leader in technological solutions. This leadership ensures high-quality IT service delivery for contracted partners.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SUNY Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SUNY?
    SUNY is led by Salvatore Durante (Vice President, Administration & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Juan Rosales (Chief of Staff To the Chief Operating Officer) and Beth Berlin (Senior Vice Chancellor, Operations and Management & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of SUNY’s executive team?
    The executive team of SUNY includes leaders such as Salvatore Durante (Vice President, Administration & Chief Financial Officer), Juan Rosales (Chief of Staff To the Chief Operating Officer), Beth Berlin (Senior Vice Chancellor, Operations and Management & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SUNY have?
    SUNY has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SUNY’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SUNY includes roles such as Vice President, Administration & Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff To the Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice Chancellor, Operations and Management & Chief Operating Officer, President, The Auxilary Service & Board of Directors, President.