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 supporting the university's academic mission. Managing large-scale business operations, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations oversees facilities, budget planning, and campus services. Francisco Pineda optimizes operational efficiency to sustain the institution's diverse programs in design and management. By aligning fiscal resources with strategic goals, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations ensures the university remains competitive in the global education market. This role involves collaborating with academic leaders to provide the necessary environment for research and creative output. Through careful management of capital projects, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations enhances the campus experience. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations maintains the financial health required to support ongoing innovation in social science and the arts.

Susan Sawyer, the Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel at The New School, manages complex legal and strategic advisory functions for the university. Overseeing presidential initiatives, the Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel ensures compliance with regulatory standards while advancing institutional policy. Susan Sawyer provides critical counsel on governance matters, facilitating communication between the president and the board. This leadership role requires balancing academic freedom with administrative accountability across all liberal arts and media departments. By navigating intricate legal landscapes, the Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel protects the university's interests during expansion and development phases. The position demands precise coordination of executive priorities to maintain the institution's reputation. Through diligent oversight, the Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel secures the long-term viability of the university's mission.

Natasha Ho, the HKSA President and Founder at The New School, leads student-centered initiatives that foster community engagement and cultural exchange. Developing programs that support the diverse student body, the HKSA President and Founder creates platforms for collaboration across various academic disciplines. Natasha Ho drives efforts to enhance the student experience, ensuring that the university's values of social justice and creative inquiry remain central to campus life. By organizing events and advocacy campaigns, the HKSA President and Founder strengthens the connection between the student population and the broader university administration. This leadership role involves managing organizational resources and promoting inclusivity within the academic environment. Through active participation in university forums, the HKSA President and Founder influences campus culture and student policy. Ultimately, the HKSA President and Founder cultivates a vibrant community that reflects the innovative spirit of the institution's design and social science programs.

Joel Towers, the President at The New School, defines the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire university. Leading the institution through complex academic and administrative challenges, the President champions the integration of design, social science, and the arts. Joel Towers collaborates with faculty, staff, and the board to advance the university's commitment to transformative education. By setting institutional priorities, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of intellectual and creative discourse. This role involves representing the institution to external stakeholders and fostering partnerships that expand the university's global reach. Through decisive leadership, the President guides the development of new academic programs and research initiatives. Ultimately, the President secures the university's legacy as a hub for critical inquiry, ensuring that the institution continues to produce graduates capable of addressing the most pressing issues in contemporary society.

Kartik Gupta, the Founder & President at The New School, establishes the foundational goals and operational framework for specific academic initiatives within the university. Driving the development of specialized programs, the Founder & President ensures that these ventures align with the institution's broader mission of interdisciplinary education. Kartik Gupta manages the growth of these initiatives, overseeing both the academic content and the administrative requirements. By fostering innovation in design and social science, the Founder & President creates unique opportunities for student research and professional development. This role involves coordinating with other university leaders to integrate these programs into the existing academic structure. Through strategic planning and resource management, the Founder & President expands the university's influence in the arts and media sectors. Ultimately, the Founder & President contributes to the university's reputation for excellence by building sustainable and impactful educational platforms.

Daniel Chou, the Chief of Staff at The New School, coordinates high-level administrative initiatives to ensure institutional alignment with academic goals. Managing internal communications and cross-departmental workflows, the Chief of Staff facilitates efficient decision-making processes across the university. Daniel Chou bridges the gap between executive leadership and faculty stakeholders, maintaining focus on the core mission of design and social science excellence. By streamlining operational procedures, the Chief of Staff supports the broader administrative framework necessary for academic success. This role involves monitoring key performance indicators and reporting progress to the senior leadership team. Through rigorous oversight of organizational projects, the Chief of Staff optimizes resource allocation. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff drives institutional stability, ensuring that administrative functions effectively support the diverse educational programs offered within the New York City campus environment and beyond.

Alexandra Moosally, the Board of Governors at The New School, provides essential oversight and fiduciary guidance to ensure the university adheres to its founding principles. Participating in high-level governance, the Board of Governors evaluates institutional performance and approves long-term strategic plans. Alexandra Moosally contributes to the development of policies that shape the future of the institution's liberal arts and design curricula. By engaging with other board members, the Board of Governors maintains accountability and transparency across all administrative levels. This role involves assessing the impact of academic programs on the broader community and ensuring alignment with the university's mission. Through rigorous review of financial and academic reports, the Board of Governors supports sustainable growth. Ultimately, the Board of Governors safeguards the integrity of the university, ensuring that the institution continues to provide high-quality education in a rapidly evolving global landscape.