The New School Executive and Leadership Team

Joao Malara, the Chief Executive Officer at The New School, directs the overarching strategic vision for this prominent educational institution. Malara architects long-term growth initiatives while overseeing the integration of design and social science curricula across diverse academic departments. By aligning institutional resources with evolving market demands in higher education, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the university maintains a competitive edge in the global landscape. Joao Malara manages high-level partnerships with international research bodies to expand the reach of liberal arts programs. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the mission of the university. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, Malara drives operational excellence and financial sustainability. The Chief Executive Officer prioritizes the development of innovative media and management programs, ensuring the institution remains at the forefront of academic excellence while fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and social impact.

Francisco Pineda, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations at The New School, manages the financial and physical infrastructure supporting the university's diverse academic offerings. Pineda oversees the allocation of capital for design studios, social science research facilities, and media labs. By optimizing business operations, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations ensures that the institution maintains a robust fiscal position while expanding its footprint in the arts and management sectors. Francisco Pineda directs large-scale facility projects and procurement strategies that sustain the university's operational needs. This leadership role requires constant coordination with financial departments to balance budgetary constraints with the pursuit of academic innovation. Through the implementation of efficient business practices, Pineda supports the university's mission to provide high-quality education. The Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations drives the modernization of campus systems, ensuring that all administrative and operational functions align with the long-term strategic goals of the institution.

Susan Sawyer, the Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel at The New School, provides legal guidance and strategic oversight for the university's executive leadership. Sawyer manages complex regulatory compliance issues while advising on institutional policy and governance matters. By integrating legal expertise with administrative strategy, the Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel ensures that all academic programs in design, social science, and the arts adhere to rigorous standards. Susan Sawyer facilitates high-level communication between the president and external stakeholders, protecting the interests of the institution. This role involves navigating intricate legal landscapes to support the university's mission of fostering critical inquiry. Through the careful management of institutional risk, Sawyer enables the leadership team to pursue innovative educational initiatives. The Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel maintains the integrity of the university's operations, ensuring that all strategic decisions remain consistent with the core values of the organization.

Joel Towers, the President at The New School, leads the academic and cultural direction of this historic institution. Towers defines the pedagogical philosophy that integrates design, social sciences, and the liberal arts into a cohesive educational experience. By championing interdisciplinary research, the President drives the university's reputation as a leader in creative and critical thinking. Joel Towers oversees the faculty and academic departments, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant to contemporary global challenges. This leadership role involves engaging with the broader academic community to promote the university's unique approach to education. Through the cultivation of partnerships with industry leaders in media and management, Towers expands the professional opportunities available to students. The President fosters an environment of intellectual freedom and social responsibility, guiding the institution toward a future of continued academic excellence. Joel Towers ensures that the university's mission remains central to every strategic decision, reinforcing the institution's impact on the global educational landscape.

Kartik Gupta, the Founder & President at The New School, establishes the foundational principles that guide the university's commitment to innovative education. Gupta directs the development of new academic programs in management and media, ensuring that the institution adapts to the changing needs of the global market. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, the Founder & President encourages faculty and students to explore the intersection of design and social science. Kartik Gupta oversees the long-term strategic planning that sustains the university's growth and influence. This role involves building a network of alumni and industry partners who support the institution's mission. Through the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration, Gupta drives the university's efforts to address complex societal issues. The Founder & President maintains a focus on academic quality and institutional integrity, ensuring that the university remains a beacon of creative inquiry. Gupta continues to shape the vision of the institution, driving its evolution as a premier center for higher learning.

Natasha Ho, the HKSA President and Founder at The New School, leads specialized initiatives that connect the university's academic community with broader professional networks. Ho architects programs that facilitate student engagement in design and social science, creating pathways for practical application of classroom knowledge. By managing the operations of this specific organization, the HKSA President and Founder enhances the university's presence in the arts and media sectors. Natasha Ho coordinates events and collaborative projects that bring together students, faculty, and industry experts. This leadership role involves identifying opportunities for growth and ensuring that the organization's activities align with the university's mission. Through the development of strategic partnerships, Ho expands the reach of the institution's educational impact. The HKSA President and Founder drives the implementation of initiatives that support student success and professional development, ensuring that the university remains a vibrant hub for creative and intellectual exchange within the global academic community.

Daniel Chou, the Chief of Staff at The New School, coordinates executive workflows and facilitates communication across all administrative divisions. Chou manages the daily operations of the president's office, ensuring that strategic priorities receive immediate attention from relevant department heads. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff optimizes the efficiency of the university's management and arts programs. Daniel Chou monitors the execution of institutional policies, providing critical support to the leadership team during complex decision-making cycles. This role involves bridging the gap between academic faculty and administrative staff to ensure alignment with the core mission of the institution. Chou oversees the implementation of cross-departmental projects that enhance the student experience in social sciences and design. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, the Chief of Staff supports the university's commitment to academic rigor and institutional growth, ultimately strengthening the operational foundation of the entire organization.