Tulane University Executive and Leadership Team

Patrick Norton, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer at Tulane University, directs the financial and operational infrastructure of the institution. Overseeing fiscal planning, capital projects, and campus facilities, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer ensures the university maintains robust economic health. This leadership role involves managing complex budgetary frameworks that support research initiatives and academic programs across the New Orleans campus. By optimizing resource allocation, Patrick Norton directly impacts the long-term sustainability of the university. Norton coordinates with the Board to align operational goals with the broader mission of academic excellence. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer secures the necessary capital to drive institutional growth and maintain high-quality facilities for students and faculty alike.

Blair David, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Operating Officer at Tulane University, coordinates administrative workflows and strategic priorities for the operations division. Overseeing the execution of key projects, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational goals align with the financial objectives of the university. This leadership role involves managing the daily agenda of the Chief Operating Officer and facilitating communication between executive departments. By streamlining internal processes, Blair David directly impacts the efficiency of campus operations and resource management. David monitors progress on critical infrastructure initiatives and provides analytical support for decision-making. Through meticulous oversight of administrative tasks, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Operating Officer enables the leadership team to focus on long-term strategic growth and the successful implementation of university-wide policies that support research and academic excellence.

Wilfred Ferbos, the Vice President, University Relations & Deputy Chief of Staff to the President at Tulane University, manages institutional communications and strategic messaging. Overseeing external partnerships and internal stakeholder engagement, the Vice President, University Relations & Deputy Chief of Staff to the President ensures alignment between university initiatives and public perception. This leadership role involves coordinating high-level administrative projects that support the office of the President. By streamlining communication channels, Wilfred Ferbos directly impacts the visibility and reputation of the university within the broader academic community. Ferbos facilitates collaboration across departments to promote research achievements and community outreach programs. Through consistent engagement strategies, the Vice President, University Relations & Deputy Chief of Staff to the President strengthens the connection between the institution and its diverse stakeholders, ensuring that the mission of the university remains central to all public-facing activities.

Thaleia Dufrene, the President at Tulane University, provides vision and leadership for the academic and research mission of the institution. Overseeing the strategic direction of the university, the President ensures that academic programs in public health and the humanities remain at the forefront of innovation. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty and administrative leaders to advance the university's reputation as a premier research center. By fostering an environment of intellectual inquiry, Thaleia Dufrene directly impacts the quality of education and research output. Dufrene manages institutional partnerships and represents the university in national academic forums. Through a commitment to excellence, the President drives initiatives that expand the university's influence in environmental science and professional studies. This leadership role requires balancing the needs of diverse departments while maintaining a unified focus on the core mission of the university.

Paresh Kolluru, the President at Tulane University, directs the implementation of academic policies and institutional growth strategies. Overseeing the development of professional programs and engineering initiatives, the President ensures that the university meets the evolving needs of the global workforce. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board and external partners to secure funding for research and campus development. By championing interdisciplinary collaboration, Paresh Kolluru directly impacts the university's ability to solve complex societal problems. Kolluru monitors academic performance metrics and drives improvements in student outcomes across all colleges. Through strategic planning, the President aligns the university's resources with its long-term goals for excellence in research and teaching. This leadership role requires a focus on maintaining the university's competitive position in the higher education landscape while fostering a culture of innovation and academic rigor.

Jessica Korotkin, the President Elect at Tulane University, prepares for the transition of leadership and the oversight of long-term strategic initiatives. Overseeing the assessment of current academic programs, the President Elect ensures that the university remains prepared for future challenges in higher education. This leadership role involves working closely with the current administration to understand the complexities of university governance and research management. By evaluating institutional priorities, Jessica Korotkin directly impacts the planning for upcoming academic cycles. Korotkin participates in high-level discussions regarding the future of public health and environmental science programs. Through careful preparation, the President Elect ensures continuity in the university's mission and operational stability. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of the university's history and a forward-looking approach to maintaining its status as a leading research institution in the region.

Antonia Cantillo, the President at Tulane University, leads the university's efforts in expanding its research footprint and academic reach. Overseeing the integration of new technologies into the curriculum, the President ensures that students and faculty have the tools necessary for cutting-edge discovery. This leadership role involves managing relationships with donors and alumni to support the university's financial goals. By promoting a culture of inclusivity and academic freedom, Antonia Cantillo directly impacts the university's ability to attract top-tier talent. Cantillo coordinates with department heads to align research objectives with the university's broader mission. Through strategic oversight, the President drives the development of new programs in the humanities and social sciences. This leadership role requires a focus on maintaining the university's reputation for excellence while navigating the complexities of modern higher education and global research demands.

Melanie Ehrlich, the President at Tulane University, focuses on the advancement of medical research and scientific innovation within the university. Overseeing the collaboration between the medical school and other research departments, the President ensures that scientific breakthroughs are translated into practical applications. This leadership role involves managing the university's research portfolio and ensuring compliance with academic standards. By fostering partnerships with healthcare organizations, Melanie Ehrlich directly impacts the university's contribution to public health. Ehrlich monitors the progress of clinical trials and laboratory research to ensure alignment with institutional goals. Through a commitment to scientific rigor, the President drives the university's efforts in medical education and research. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of the scientific landscape and a dedication to maintaining the university's position as a leader in medical and health-related research.

Melody Haskell, the President of Gold Krewe Board at Tulane University, manages the engagement and support initiatives for the university's community and alumni networks. Overseeing the coordination of events and fundraising efforts, the President of Gold Krewe Board ensures that the university maintains strong ties with its supporters. This leadership role involves organizing volunteer activities and promoting the university's mission to a wider audience. By fostering a sense of community, Melody Haskell directly impacts the university's ability to secure philanthropic support. Haskell collaborates with university leadership to align board activities with institutional priorities. Through consistent outreach, the President of Gold Krewe Board strengthens the university's brand and encourages active participation from the alumni base. This leadership role requires a focus on building relationships and creating meaningful opportunities for engagement that support the university's long-term success.

Lekh Parekh, the Co-founder and President of Tulane Table Tennis Club at Tulane University, directs the operations and growth of the student organization. Overseeing the recruitment of members and the organization of competitive events, the Co-founder and President of Tulane Table Tennis Club ensures that the club provides a valuable extracurricular experience for students. This leadership role involves managing the club's budget and coordinating with university administration for facility access. By promoting physical activity and social engagement, Lekh Parekh directly impacts the student experience on campus. Parekh facilitates matches and tournaments that foster a sense of community among participants. Through active management, the Co-founder and President of Tulane Table Tennis Club maintains the club's presence as a vibrant part of the university's student life. This leadership role requires a focus on organizational development and the creation of inclusive environments for all students.