University at Albany Executive and Leadership Team

John Naumann, the Chief Executive Officer at University at Albany, directs the overarching strategic vision for this public research institution. Overseeing the alignment of academic departments with long-term institutional goals, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the university maintains high standards in clinical psychology and criminal justice research. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships across the New York region and beyond to secure funding and support for critical public health initiatives. By fostering partnerships with government entities and private organizations, John Naumann drives the expansion of the university's research footprint. The Chief Executive Officer prioritizes the integration of sociology and social work programs into the broader community framework, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in public affairs. Through consistent oversight of administrative performance, Naumann secures the financial and operational stability necessary for sustained academic growth and excellence in higher education.

Anthony Modica, the Chief Operating Officer at University at Albany, manages the daily operational infrastructure supporting the university's diverse research and academic programs. Overseeing campus facilities and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that departments specializing in public health and sociology possess the necessary tools for high-level inquiry. This role involves streamlining administrative processes to improve efficiency across the Albany campus and broader regional operations. By optimizing the utilization of physical and digital assets, Anthony Modica supports the university's mission to provide top-tier undergraduate and postgraduate education. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with academic leadership to align operational capacity with the evolving needs of the student body and faculty. Through rigorous management of institutional logistics, Modica facilitates a productive environment that enables the university to maintain its status as a premier public research institution while meeting complex operational demands.

Christopher Nolin, the Associate Director and Chief Operating Officer, AI Plus Institute at University at Albany, directs the operational framework for the university's artificial intelligence research initiatives. Overseeing the integration of AI technologies into existing programs like clinical psychology and public health, the Chief Operating Officer, AI Plus Institute ensures that the institute remains at the forefront of technological innovation. This role involves managing the technical infrastructure and research partnerships that define the institute's regional and national presence. By aligning AI research with the university's core strengths in sociology and public affairs, Christopher Nolin facilitates interdisciplinary breakthroughs. The Associate Director and Chief Operating Officer, AI Plus Institute coordinates with faculty to secure resources for advanced computational studies. Through strategic management of the institute's assets, Nolin drives the development of scalable solutions that enhance the university's research capabilities and contribute to the advancement of modern academic inquiry.

Bruce Szelest, the Chief of Staff & President, Office at University at Albany, manages the administrative functions of the president's office while overseeing key institutional projects. Overseeing the execution of university-wide policies, the Chief of Staff & President, Office ensures that the institution's research mission in criminal justice and public health remains a top priority. This role involves facilitating communication between the board and the executive leadership team to ensure cohesive governance. By managing complex administrative workflows, Bruce Szelest supports the university's commitment to academic excellence and public service. The Chief of Staff & President, Office coordinates with various departments to ensure that institutional resources are directed toward high-impact research areas. Through careful oversight of executive operations, Szelest maintains the stability and focus required for the university to thrive in a competitive educational environment, ensuring that all administrative actions align with the long-term goals of the institution.

Vaishnavi Bagade, the President of SHRM at University at Albany, directs the student-led initiatives focused on human resource management and professional development. Overseeing the organization's activities, the President of SHRM ensures that students gain practical experience in HR practices that complement their studies in sociology and public affairs. This role involves managing partnerships with industry professionals to provide networking opportunities and career guidance for the student body. By fostering a culture of professional excellence, Vaishnavi Bagade prepares students for successful careers in the public and private sectors. The President of SHRM coordinates with faculty advisors to align the organization's programs with the university's academic curriculum. Through active leadership, Bagade enhances the student experience and strengthens the university's connection to the professional community, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to contribute to the field of human resources and beyond.

Michael Simon, the President's Fellow at University at Albany, supports the executive leadership team by conducting research and analysis on key institutional priorities. Overseeing specific projects related to academic growth and public health initiatives, the President's Fellow provides the data-driven insights necessary for informed decision-making. This role involves collaborating with various departments to evaluate the effectiveness of current programs and identify opportunities for improvement. By assisting the president in the development of strategic plans, Michael Simon contributes to the university's mission of excellence in research and education. The President's Fellow coordinates with administrative staff to ensure that institutional goals are met through rigorous analysis and thoughtful planning. Through dedicated service, Simon supports the university's efforts to maintain its status as a premier public research institution, ensuring that the leadership team has the information required to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the higher education sector.

Claudia Hernández, the Chief of Staff at University at Albany, coordinates executive communications and facilitates the implementation of strategic initiatives across the university. Overseeing the flow of information between the president's office and various academic departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional priorities regarding criminal justice and public affairs receive consistent attention. This role involves managing high-level projects that require cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring that the university's research goals remain central to all administrative actions. By streamlining decision-making processes, Claudia Hernández enables the leadership team to respond effectively to emerging challenges in the higher education landscape. The Chief of Staff maintains oversight of internal policy development, ensuring alignment with the university's long-standing commitment to public service. Through meticulous planning and execution, Hernández supports the university's mission to foster excellence in social work and clinical psychology, ultimately strengthening the institution's impact on the broader community.

Michael Sweeney, the Portfolio Manager, Service & Chief Information Officer, Office of The, Information Technology Services at University at Albany, directs the digital infrastructure and technology services supporting the university's research and academic mission. Overseeing the implementation of secure data systems for clinical psychology and public health studies, the Chief Information Officer, Office of The, Information Technology Services ensures that faculty and students have access to robust technological resources. This role involves managing the university's IT portfolio to optimize service delivery across all departments. By aligning technology investments with the institution's research goals, Michael Sweeney facilitates the digital transformation of academic processes. The Portfolio Manager, Service & Chief Information Officer, Office of The, Information Technology Services coordinates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that cybersecurity and data integrity remain central to the university's operations. Through strategic oversight of IT services, Sweeney enables the university to maintain its competitive edge in public research.

Gary Evans, the Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at University at Albany, directs the human capital strategy for the university's diverse workforce. Overseeing talent acquisition and faculty development, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the institution attracts and retains top-tier researchers in fields such as sociology and social work. This role involves managing labor relations and organizational culture to support a productive academic environment. By implementing comprehensive training and wellness programs, Gary Evans fosters a workplace that aligns with the university's mission of public service and excellence. The Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer coordinates with department heads to ensure that staffing levels meet the needs of the university's growing research programs. Through strategic management of human resources, Evans supports the university's commitment to providing high-quality education and research, ensuring that the faculty and staff are equipped to meet the evolving demands of the higher education sector.

Douglas Sweet, the Deputy Chief of Staff at University at Albany, assists in the management of executive operations and the implementation of institutional strategy. Overseeing the coordination of special projects, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that the university's initiatives in public affairs and criminal justice receive the necessary administrative support. This role involves managing internal communications and facilitating meetings that drive the university's research agenda forward. By providing operational support to the president's office, Douglas Sweet enables the leadership team to focus on long-term strategic goals. The Deputy Chief of Staff coordinates with various administrative units to ensure that university policies are executed efficiently and effectively. Through diligent oversight of daily operations, Sweet contributes to the overall stability and success of the institution, ensuring that the university remains a leader in public research and education while navigating the complexities of the modern academic landscape.