Tufts University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Tufts University has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, administration, strategy, and academic leadership.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Tufts University empowers students through critical thinking and hands-on experiences, preparing them for successful careers and addressing complex global challenges through research.

Leadership Roles at Tufts University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Barbara Hefler
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & President, S Office - Jacklyn Varela
  • Co President - Shiv Singh
  • President's Council - Christine Randolph
  • President - Yohan Khan
  • President & Chair Department of Comprehensive Care Professor - Andrea Zandona
  • President & Founder - Jad Oubala
  • President - Arjak Bhattacharjee
  • Concert Choir President - Katharine Glimcher
  • Executive Administrator To the Chief Information Officer - Katy Wassam
  • Barbara Hefler - Chief Financial Officer

    Barbara Hefler, the Chief Financial Officer at Tufts University, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Hefler oversees the university's budget, investments, and financial reporting, ensuring fiscal health and sustainability across all academic and administrative departments. This leadership role involves managing endowments, optimizing resource allocation, and developing financial models to support long-term institutional goals. By analyzing financial performance and identifying opportunities for efficiency, Barbara Hefler directly impacts the university's ability to fund its educational and research initiatives. Ultimately, Hefler secures the financial stability necessary for Tufts University to advance its mission of knowledge creation and dissemination.

    Jacklyn Varela - Deputy Chief of Staff & President, S Office

    Jacklyn Varela, the Deputy Chief of Staff & President, S Office at Tufts University, supports the President's office in executing strategic priorities and managing key initiatives. Varela coordinates cross-departmental projects, facilitates high-level meetings, and ensures effective communication across the university leadership. This position involves overseeing operational efficiency within the President's office and acting as a liaison for critical stakeholders. By driving project completion and fostering collaborative environments, Jacklyn Varela enhances the President's ability to advance Tufts University's mission. Ultimately, Varela contributes to the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the institution.

    Shiv Singh - Co President

    Shiv Singh, the Co President at Tufts University, shares leadership responsibilities for driving the university's strategic vision and operational execution. Singh collaborates with other university leaders to advance academic programs, research endeavors, and student development initiatives. This role involves overseeing key functional areas and ensuring alignment with the institution's overarching goals. By fostering innovation and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, Shiv Singh contributes to Tufts University's reputation for academic excellence. Ultimately, Singh plays a vital part in shaping the future direction and impact of the university.

    Christine Randolph - President's Council

    Christine Randolph, the President's Council at Tufts University, provides strategic guidance and oversight to key university initiatives. Randolph collaborates with senior leadership to shape institutional policy and advance academic and research objectives. This role involves contributing to the strategic planning process and ensuring the effective implementation of presidential directives. By offering expert counsel and fostering collaborative decision-making, Christine Randolph supports the President's vision for Tufts University. Ultimately, Randolph's involvement strengthens the university's capacity to achieve its educational and research missions.
    Christine Randolph

    Yohan Khan - President

    Yohan Khan, the President at Tufts University, directs the overall strategic vision and operational management of the institution. Khan oversees all academic, research, and administrative functions, ensuring alignment with the university's mission and values. This leadership position involves fostering an environment of academic excellence, promoting groundbreaking research, and enhancing student success. By guiding institutional development and resource allocation, Yohan Khan ensures Tufts University remains at the forefront of higher education. Ultimately, Khan is responsible for the university's continued growth, impact, and commitment to addressing global challenges.

    Andrea Zandona - President & Chair Department of Comprehensive Care Professor

    Andrea Zandona, the President & Chair Department of Comprehensive Care Professor at Tufts University, leads both the comprehensive care department and contributes to the university's academic leadership. Zandona oversees clinical operations, educational programs, and research within the department, while also engaging in professorial duties. This dual role involves advancing patient care standards, mentoring faculty and students, and driving research innovation. By integrating clinical practice with academic rigor, Andrea Zandona enhances the quality of education and patient outcomes. Ultimately, Zandona strengthens the university's commitment to excellence in healthcare education and practice.

    Jad Oubala - President & Founder

    Jad Oubala, the President & Founder at Tufts University, established and now leads the institution with a vision for innovative education and research. Oubala drives the strategic direction, fostering a culture of inquiry and discovery across all academic disciplines. This foundational role involves setting institutional priorities, cultivating partnerships, and ensuring the university's long-term sustainability and impact. By championing new educational models and research frontiers, Jad Oubala positions Tufts University for continued leadership in higher education. Ultimately, Oubala's entrepreneurial spirit guides the university's evolution and commitment to societal advancement.

    Arjak Bhattacharjee - President

    Arjak Bhattacharjee, the President at Tufts University, guides the institution's strategic direction and operational framework. Bhattacharjee oversees academic excellence, research initiatives, and student development, ensuring alignment with the university's core mission. This leadership role involves fostering a collaborative environment and promoting innovation across departments. By championing new programs and supporting faculty endeavors, Arjak Bhattacharjee enhances Tufts University's contribution to knowledge and societal progress. Ultimately, Bhattacharjee ensures the university's continued commitment to providing a transformative educational experience.

    Katharine Glimcher - Concert Choir President

    Katharine Glimcher, the Concert Choir President at Tufts University, leads the student organization responsible for coordinating choral performances and activities. Glimcher manages ensemble operations, schedules rehearsals, and represents the choir's interests to university administration and student government. This role involves fostering a vibrant musical community and promoting artistic engagement among students. By organizing successful events and ensuring effective communication, Katharine Glimcher enhances the concert choir's contribution to the university's cultural life. Ultimately, Glimcher supports the artistic development and collaborative spirit of its members.

    Katy Wassam - Executive Administrator To the Chief Information Officer

    Katy Wassam, the Executive Administrator To the Chief Information Officer at Tufts University, provides critical administrative support to the CIO, streamlining technology operations and strategic initiatives. Wassam manages executive communications, schedules, and project coordination, ensuring the efficient functioning of the information technology department. This role involves facilitating collaboration between IT teams and other university divisions, supporting the implementation of new technological solutions. By optimizing administrative processes, Katy Wassam enhances the CIO's capacity to drive innovation and maintain robust IT infrastructure. Ultimately, Wassam contributes to the seamless delivery of technology services essential for Tufts University's academic and research endeavors.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Tufts University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Tufts University?
    Tufts University is led by Barbara Hefler (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Jacklyn Varela (Deputy Chief of Staff & President, S Office) and Shiv Singh (Co President).
    Who is part of Tufts University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Tufts University includes leaders such as Barbara Hefler (Chief Financial Officer), Jacklyn Varela (Deputy Chief of Staff & President, S Office), Shiv Singh (Co President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Tufts University have?
    Tufts University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Tufts University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Tufts University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff & President, S Office, Co President, President's Council, President.