Swarthmore College Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Swarthmore College has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, student organizations, and alumni relations.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Swarthmore College cultivates an environment where innovative ideas flourish, offering diverse programs and research opportunities to enrich the student experience and promote social responsibility.

Leadership Roles at Swarthmore College

  • Chief Financial Officer - Paul Aslanian
  • President of Swarthmore Kehilah - Adina Shane
  • President, Tri-Co Law Review - Gabriel Vasquez
  • Kitao Art Gallery Co-President - Corinne Lafont
  • Co-Founder and President of Swarthmore Literary Association - Gabrielle Nash
  • Co-President of Swarthmore Pan-Asian Association - Chloe K.
  • Co-President - Swarthmore Asian Organization - Kenny Mai
  • President of the Alumni Council - Janet Erlick
  • President - Valerie Smith
  • Co-President - Alexander Jin
  • Paul Aslanian - Chief Financial Officer

    Paul Aslanian, the Chief Financial Officer at Swarthmore College, directs the institution's financial strategy and operations. Aslanian manages the college's budget, investments, and financial planning, ensuring fiscal health and sustainability. This role involves overseeing all financial departments, including accounting, treasury, and financial aid administration, to support the college's academic and research missions. Paul Aslanian works closely with the President and other senior leaders to allocate resources effectively and drive financial initiatives that align with Swarthmore's long-term goals. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to managing financial risks and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, thereby safeguarding the college's assets and reputation. This leadership position is critical for maintaining the operational integrity and strategic growth of the institution.

    Adina Shane - President of Swarthmore Kehilah

    Adina Shane, the President of Swarthmore Kehilah at Swarthmore College, leads the student organization dedicated to Jewish life and community. Shane guides the group's programming, events, and initiatives, fostering a welcoming and engaging environment for students. This leadership role involves coordinating activities that support spiritual, cultural, and social engagement for members of the Swarthmore Kehilah. Adina Shane works with a team to plan and execute events, manage communications, and represent the organization within the broader college community. The President of Swarthmore Kehilah ensures the organization effectively serves its members and contributes positively to campus life, promoting understanding and connection among students.

    Gabriel Vasquez - President, Tri-Co Law Review

    Gabriel Vasquez, the President, Tri-Co Law Review at Swarthmore College, directs the operations of the collaborative law review publication involving multiple institutions. Vasquez oversees the editorial process, manages staff, and ensures the timely production of scholarly legal articles. This role requires strong leadership in coordinating editorial teams and maintaining high academic standards for the publication. Gabriel Vasquez works to foster intellectual discourse and provide a platform for legal scholarship. The President, Tri-Co Law Review is responsible for the strategic direction of the review, including content selection and outreach to contributors. This position demands exceptional organizational skills and a deep understanding of legal research and writing.
    Gabriel Vasquez
    Corinne Lafont, the Kitao Art Gallery Co-President at Swarthmore College, shares leadership responsibilities for the student-run art gallery. Lafont collaborates with fellow co-presidents to curate exhibitions, manage gallery operations, and promote artistic engagement within the college community. This role involves coordinating exhibition planning, artist liaison, and the overall presentation of artwork. Corinne Lafont contributes to fostering a vibrant arts scene on campus, providing students with opportunities to showcase their work and engage with visual culture. The Kitao Art Gallery Co-President ensures the gallery functions effectively as a space for creative expression and learning.

    Gabrielle Nash - Co-Founder and President of Swarthmore Literary Association

    Gabrielle Nash, the Co-Founder and President of Swarthmore Literary Association at Swarthmore College, spearheads the organization focused on literary arts and creative writing. Nash leads initiatives to promote reading, writing, and literary discussion among students. This leadership position involves organizing workshops, readings, and other literary events designed to cultivate a strong writing community. Gabrielle Nash works to provide resources and opportunities for aspiring writers and literature enthusiasts. The Co-Founder and President of Swarthmore Literary Association plays a key part in nurturing creative expression and fostering a deeper appreciation for literature within the college.

    Chloe K. - Co-President of Swarthmore Pan-Asian Association

    Chloe K., the Co-President of Swarthmore Pan-Asian Association at Swarthmore College, jointly leads the student group dedicated to celebrating and exploring Asian cultures and identities. K. collaborates with other leaders to organize cultural events, educational programs, and community-building activities. This role involves fostering an inclusive environment that supports students of Asian descent and educates the wider college community. Chloe K. contributes to promoting cultural understanding and advocacy. The Co-President of Swarthmore Pan-Asian Association works to ensure the organization effectively represents its members and enhances campus diversity.

    Kenny Mai - Co-President - Swarthmore Asian Organization

    Kenny Mai, the Co-President - Swarthmore Asian Organization at Swarthmore College, shares leadership of the student group focused on Asian culture and community. Mai collaborates with fellow officers to plan and execute events, foster dialogue, and support students of Asian heritage. This position involves coordinating activities that promote cultural awareness and provide a sense of belonging. Kenny Mai works to enhance the visibility and impact of the Swarthmore Asian Organization within the college. The Co-President - Swarthmore Asian Organization contributes to building a strong, supportive community and enriching the campus's multicultural landscape.

    Janet Erlick - President of the Alumni Council

    Janet Erlick, the President of the Alumni Council at Swarthmore College, leads the organization that engages the college's former students. Erlick directs efforts to foster strong connections between alumni and the college, encouraging participation in events, fundraising, and mentorship programs. This role involves strategic planning for alumni outreach and engagement initiatives. Janet Erlick works to mobilize the alumni network in support of Swarthmore's mission and goals. The President of the Alumni Council serves as a key liaison, ensuring alumni voices are heard and their contributions are valued, thereby strengthening the college's community and its future.
    Janet Erlick

    Valerie Smith - President

    Valerie Smith, the President at Swarthmore College, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Smith oversees all academic, administrative, and operational functions, ensuring the college uphms its mission of academic excellence and social responsibility. This critical role involves guiding faculty, staff, and students, fostering innovation, and representing the college to external stakeholders. Valerie Smith works to advance the college's reputation and impact in higher education. The President is responsible for financial oversight, institutional development, and maintaining the vibrant community that defines Swarthmore College, driving its continued success and growth.

    Alexander Jin - Co-President

    Alexander Jin, the Co-President at Swarthmore College, shares leadership responsibilities for a key student organization, driving its strategic initiatives and operational execution. Jin collaborates with fellow co-presidents to guide the organization's direction, manage its activities, and foster member engagement. This role involves overseeing specific projects and ensuring alignment with the organization's overarching goals. Alexander Jin contributes to the effective functioning and growth of the student body's collective endeavors. The Co-President plays an integral part in advancing the organization's mission and supporting its members within the college community.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Swarthmore College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Swarthmore College?
    Swarthmore College is led by Paul Aslanian (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Adina Shane (President of Swarthmore Kehilah) and Gabriel Vasquez (President, Tri-Co Law Review).
    Who is part of Swarthmore College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Swarthmore College includes leaders such as Paul Aslanian (Chief Financial Officer), Adina Shane (President of Swarthmore Kehilah), Gabriel Vasquez (President, Tri-Co Law Review) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Swarthmore College have?
    Swarthmore College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Swarthmore College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Swarthmore College includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President of Swarthmore Kehilah, President, Tri-Co Law Review, Kitao Art Gallery Co-President, Co-Founder and President of Swarthmore Literary Association.