The New School Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

The New School has 9 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, and strategy.

Driven by a commitment to progressive education, The New School fosters interdisciplinary learning and social engagement, shaping innovative leaders and thinkers for a dynamic world.

Leadership Roles at The New School

  • Chief Financial Officer - Caroline Granzotto
  • Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations - Francisco Pineda
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel - Susan Sawyer
  • President - Md Islam
  • HKSA President and Founder - Natasha Ho
  • Founder & President - Kartik Gupta
  • President - Joel Towers
  • Chief of Staff - Daniel Chou
  • Board of Governors - Alexandra Moosally
  • Caroline Granzotto - Chief Financial Officer

    Caroline Granzotto, the Chief Financial Officer at The New School, directs all financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal management. Granzotto oversees the allocation of resources across academic and administrative departments, ensuring financial stability and supporting strategic growth initiatives. This leadership role involves managing investments, optimizing revenue streams, and maintaining compliance with financial regulations. By analyzing financial data, Caroline Granzotto provides critical insights to inform institutional decision-making. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing institutional debt, overseeing audits, and developing long-term financial strategies that align with the university's educational mission and operational needs. Granzotto ensures the efficient deployment of capital to support academic excellence and campus development.

    Francisco Pineda - Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations

    Francisco Pineda, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations at The New School, directs all aspects of the university's operational infrastructure and business functions. Pineda oversees facilities management, campus safety, information technology, human resources, and auxiliary services, ensuring seamless daily operations. This leadership position involves developing and implementing strategies to enhance operational efficiency, manage budgets, and support the university's academic and research endeavors. By optimizing resource utilization, Francisco Pineda drives cost-effectiveness and service quality across the institution. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include strategic planning for campus development, risk management, and ensuring that all operational activities align with The New School's mission and values. Pineda champions innovation in operational processes to support a thriving academic environment.

    Susan Sawyer - Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel

    Susan Sawyer, the Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel at The New School, provides comprehensive strategic and operational support to the President. Sawyer manages key initiatives, advises on legal matters, and ensures effective governance and compliance across the university. This multifaceted role involves coordinating high-level projects, facilitating communication between the President's office and other university stakeholders, and overseeing special counsel functions. By offering expert legal and strategic guidance, Susan Sawyer contributes to the sound management of institutional affairs. The Senior Vice President's responsibilities include navigating complex legal frameworks, developing policy recommendations, and ensuring adherence to ethical standards. Sawyer's counsel is integral to advancing The New School's objectives.

    Md Islam - President

    Md Islam, the President at The New School, provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Islam is responsible for setting the university's academic and financial agenda, fostering a culture of innovation, and representing The New School to external constituencies. This pivotal role involves overseeing all academic programs, research activities, and administrative functions, ensuring alignment with the university's mission. By championing educational excellence and social impact, Md Islam drives the institution's growth and reputation. The President's responsibilities include fundraising, building strategic partnerships, and guiding the university through evolving educational landscapes. Islam's leadership is central to advancing The New School's commitment to progressive education and societal contribution.

    Natasha Ho - HKSA President and Founder

    Natasha Ho, the HKSA President and Founder at The New School, spearheads the establishment and strategic direction of the Hong Kong Student Association. Ho leads initiatives aimed at fostering community, promoting cultural exchange, and supporting students from Hong Kong within the university. This leadership position involves organizing events, developing member programs, and advocating for the needs of the student body. By building a strong organizational framework, Natasha Ho ensures the HKSA effectively serves its members. The HKSA President and Founder's responsibilities include managing association operations, cultivating partnerships with other student groups and university departments, and driving engagement. Ho's entrepreneurial spirit guides the growth and impact of the association.

    Kartik Gupta - Founder & President

    Kartik Gupta, the Founder & President at The New School, established and now leads the strategic vision for a key initiative within the university. Gupta is responsible for driving the core mission of this venture, fostering innovation, and ensuring its alignment with The New School's broader educational objectives. This foundational role involves guiding the development of new programs, cultivating a dynamic organizational culture, and representing the initiative externally. By providing entrepreneurial leadership, Kartik Gupta fuels the growth and impact of this new endeavor. The Founder & President's responsibilities include setting operational priorities, securing resources, and building a strong team to execute the vision. Gupta's commitment is essential to the success of this pioneering project.

    Joel Towers - President

    Joel Towers, the President at The New School, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution of the university. Towers oversees all academic, financial, and administrative functions, ensuring the institution thrives and fulfills its educational mission. This leadership role involves fostering an environment of academic excellence, driving innovation in curriculum development, and managing key stakeholder relationships. By championing progressive educational values, Joel Towers enhances The New School's reputation and impact. The President's responsibilities include guiding institutional growth, securing funding, and representing the university in national and international forums. Towers' leadership is instrumental in advancing The New School's commitment to social change and creative inquiry.

    Daniel Chou - Chief of Staff

    Daniel Chou, the Chief of Staff at The New School, acts as a key advisor and strategic partner to the President, facilitating the execution of institutional priorities. Chou manages cross-functional projects, streamlines communication channels, and ensures operational alignment across various university divisions. This role involves coordinating executive meetings, preparing strategic briefs, and driving key initiatives from conception to completion. By serving as a central point of contact, Daniel Chou enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the President's office. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include overseeing special projects, managing stakeholder relations, and ensuring that institutional goals are met with precision and clarity. Chou supports the President in navigating complex challenges and advancing the university's mission.

    Alexandra Moosally - Board of Governors

    Alexandra Moosally, the Board of Governors at The New School, provides high-level oversight and strategic guidance to the university's leadership. Moosally contributes to critical decision-making processes, ensuring the institution's long-term sustainability and adherence to its mission. This governance role involves reviewing institutional policies, approving major financial decisions, and advising on strategic direction. By offering experienced perspectives, Alexandra Moosally supports the effective management of The New School. The Board of Governors' responsibilities include fiduciary duties, setting the university's strategic vision, and ensuring accountability. Moosally's engagement is vital for maintaining the integrity and advancement of the university's educational and operational goals.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The New School Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The New School?
    The New School is led by Caroline Granzotto (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Francisco Pineda (Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations) and Susan Sawyer (Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel).
    Who is part of The New School’s executive team?
    The executive team of The New School includes leaders such as Caroline Granzotto (Chief Financial Officer), Francisco Pineda (Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations), Susan Sawyer (Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The New School have?
    The New School has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The New School’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The New School includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Business & Operations, Senior Vice President, Chief Of Staff To The President, And Special Counsel, President, HKSA President and Founder.