The New School Executive and Leadership Team

Francisco Pineda, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations at The New School, directs the financial and physical infrastructure of the university. Managing large-scale capital projects and campus facilities, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations ensures that the learning environment supports diverse academic programs. Francisco Pineda oversees budget planning and fiscal sustainability initiatives to maintain the long-term health of the institution. This role involves optimizing operational workflows to reduce overhead while enhancing service delivery for students and staff. By implementing data-driven strategies, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations improves the efficiency of campus services. The Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations collaborates with academic leaders to align business objectives with the pedagogical mission. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations guarantees that resources remain available for critical research and creative endeavors across all departments.

Susan Sawyer, the Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel at The New School, provides strategic legal and operational guidance to the executive office. Overseeing complex policy development, the Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel ensures institutional compliance with regulatory frameworks while advancing academic freedom. Susan Sawyer manages high-stakes communications and serves as a primary advisor on governance matters. This role involves navigating intricate legal landscapes to protect the interests of the university. By aligning presidential directives with long-term institutional goals, the Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel fosters a stable environment for faculty and students. The Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel maintains critical relationships with external stakeholders and board members. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel secures the operational integrity of the institution.

Joel Towers, the President at The New School, defines the overarching academic vision and strategic direction for the entire university. Leading the institution through complex educational shifts, the President champions interdisciplinary collaboration between design, social science, and liberal arts programs. Joel Towers engages with global academic communities to elevate the profile of the university in international markets. This role involves fostering a culture of innovation and social responsibility among faculty and students. By setting institutional priorities, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of progressive education. The President works closely with the board of trustees to secure funding and support for major research initiatives. Through visionary leadership, the President drives the growth of academic programs that address contemporary societal issues. The President maintains a focus on inclusive excellence, ensuring that the university provides a transformative experience for a diverse student body while expanding its global influence.

Kartik Gupta, the Founder & President at The New School, establishes the foundational principles and long-term growth strategy for the organization. Driving the expansion of specialized educational programs, the Founder & President identifies emerging market needs in the arts and media sectors. Kartik Gupta oversees the development of new curricula that integrate technology with traditional liberal arts. This role involves building partnerships with industry leaders to create professional opportunities for graduates. By maintaining a focus on entrepreneurial education, the Founder & President ensures that the institution remains relevant in a rapidly changing economy. The Founder & President manages the strategic vision for regional growth, focusing on scaling operations to reach broader student demographics. Through consistent innovation, the Founder & President fosters an environment where creative thinking meets practical application. The Founder & President secures the future of the institution by balancing academic rigor with the demands of the modern professional landscape.

Natasha Ho, the HKSA President and Founder at The New School, leads specialized initiatives focused on student advocacy and community engagement within the university. Developing programs that support international student integration, the HKSA President and Founder creates platforms for cultural exchange and academic collaboration. Natasha Ho manages the organizational structure of the association to ensure that student voices reach the administration effectively. This role involves coordinating events that highlight the intersection of design and social advocacy. By fostering a strong network of alumni and current students, the HKSA President and Founder strengthens the institutional community. The HKSA President and Founder oversees outreach efforts that connect the university with broader global networks. Through dedicated leadership, the HKSA President and Founder promotes an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives. The HKSA President and Founder ensures that student-led projects align with the core mission of the university, driving positive change across the campus.

Daniel Chou, the Chief of Staff at The New School, coordinates high-level administrative workflows to ensure institutional alignment with academic goals. Managing internal communications and cross-departmental projects, the Chief of Staff facilitates efficient decision-making processes across the university. Daniel Chou optimizes resource allocation by bridging gaps between faculty leadership and administrative support teams. This role involves monitoring key performance indicators related to student engagement and operational efficiency. By streamlining executive priorities, the Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of integrating design and social science curricula. The Chief of Staff maintains rigorous standards for project management, ensuring that university initiatives remain on schedule. Through consistent oversight of administrative functions, the Chief of Staff enables the institution to maintain its focus on innovative pedagogy. This leadership position requires constant collaboration with various departments to uphold the academic reputation of the university within the competitive landscape of higher education.