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 North American higher education landscape to secure sustainable growth. By prioritizing resource allocation and faculty development, John Naumann strengthens the university's reputation as a premier center for public affairs and social work. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board to implement policies that enhance student outcomes and research output. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, Naumann drives the university toward achieving its mission of academic excellence and community impact, ensuring the institution remains a leader in postgraduate studies and public health initiatives.

Brendan Lapham, the Chief Operating Officer at University at Albany, manages the daily operational efficiency of the campus infrastructure. Overseeing facility maintenance and logistical support, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that academic departments possess the necessary resources to conduct high-level research in sociology and public health. This leadership role involves optimizing internal processes to support the university's expansive undergraduate and postgraduate programs. By streamlining administrative workflows, Brendan Lapham improves the overall effectiveness of campus services across the New York region. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with department heads to align operational capacity with the strategic objectives of the university. Through meticulous management of physical and digital assets, Lapham maintains a productive environment for students and faculty. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational stability required for the university to excel in its mission of providing world-class education and research opportunities.

Christopher Nolin, the Associate Director and Chief Operating Officer, AI Plus Institute at University at Albany, manages the operational framework for the university's artificial intelligence research initiatives. Overseeing the integration of AI technologies into existing academic programs, the Associate Director and Chief Operating Officer, AI Plus Institute ensures that research in fields like sociology and public affairs benefits from cutting-edge computational tools. This leadership role involves coordinating resources to support interdisciplinary projects that leverage AI for social good. By streamlining the operations of the institute, Christopher Nolin drives the expansion of research capabilities across the university. The Associate Director and Chief Operating Officer, AI Plus Institute collaborates with faculty to translate complex technical requirements into actionable research outcomes. Through diligent management of the institute's assets, Nolin supports the university's mission to remain at the forefront of technological and social research, ensuring that the institution leads in modern academic innovation.

Bruce Szelest, the Chief of Staff & President, Office at University at Albany, manages the executive functions of the President's office while overseeing critical institutional initiatives. Coordinating the strategic agenda for the university, the Chief of Staff & President, Office ensures that leadership decisions reflect the core values of the institution. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between academic research goals and administrative execution in fields like public health and sociology. By facilitating communication across the university, Bruce Szelest drives the implementation of long-term development plans. The Chief of Staff & President, Office monitors the effectiveness of university programs to ensure they meet the needs of the student body and the broader community. Through careful oversight of executive operations, Szelest supports the university's mission to provide high-quality education. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff & President, Office maintains the organizational integrity required for the university to thrive as a public research institution.

Michael Simon, the President's Fellow at University at Albany, conducts specialized research and supports the President in executing high-priority institutional projects. Overseeing the analysis of academic trends and public policy, the President's Fellow ensures that the university's leadership remains informed on critical developments in public affairs and sociology. This leadership role involves providing strategic insights that guide the university's long-term planning and community engagement efforts. By synthesizing complex data into actionable recommendations, Michael Simon drives the university's ability to respond to evolving educational needs. The President's Fellow collaborates with senior administrators to advance the university's mission of research excellence. Through rigorous investigation and strategic support, Simon contributes to the institution's reputation as a leader in postgraduate studies. Ultimately, the President's Fellow provides the intellectual support necessary for the university to maintain its commitment to academic innovation and public service within the broader higher education landscape.

Mukesh Khare, the President, S Industrial & Economic Development Advisory Board at University at Albany, leads the strategic engagement between the university and industrial partners to foster economic growth. Overseeing the development of collaborative research programs, the President, S Industrial & Economic Development Advisory Board ensures that the university's expertise in public health and social work translates into tangible economic benefits. This leadership role involves managing relationships with key stakeholders to align academic research with industrial needs. By driving initiatives that promote innovation and economic development, Mukesh Khare strengthens the university's impact on the regional economy. The President, S Industrial & Economic Development Advisory Board collaborates with university leadership to identify opportunities for growth and partnership. Through strategic oversight of industrial relations, Khare supports the university's mission to serve as a catalyst for progress. Ultimately, the President, S Industrial & Economic Development Advisory Board secures the partnerships necessary for the university to maintain its leadership.

Claudia Hernández, the Chief of Staff at University at Albany, coordinates executive communications and facilitates strategic initiatives across the university leadership team. Overseeing the flow of information between the President's office and various academic departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional priorities remain clear and actionable. This leadership role involves managing high-level projects that impact the university's standing in criminal justice and public affairs. By fostering collaboration among senior administrators, Claudia Hernández drives the execution of complex policy changes and organizational improvements. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on key performance indicators to ensure alignment with the broader mission of the institution. Through proactive engagement with internal and external stakeholders, Hernández supports the university's commitment to excellence in social work and clinical psychology. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff provides the necessary structure to maintain institutional focus and operational agility within the competitive landscape of public research universities.

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 scalable IT solutions, the Portfolio Manager, Service & Chief Information Officer, Office of The, Information Technology Services ensures that faculty and students have access to robust data systems for studies in clinical psychology and criminal justice. This leadership role involves managing the technology portfolio to optimize service delivery across the campus. By integrating advanced digital tools, Michael Sweeney drives innovation in how the university manages information and supports public health research. The Portfolio Manager, Service & Chief Information Officer, Office of The, Information Technology Services collaborates with academic leaders to align technology investments with institutional goals. Through strategic oversight of IT operations, Sweeney secures the digital foundation necessary for the university to maintain its competitive edge in higher education.

Douglas Sweet, the Deputy Chief of Staff at University at Albany, assists in the coordination of executive operations and supports the implementation of university-wide strategic initiatives. Overseeing administrative projects that enhance the efficiency of the President's office, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that institutional goals are met with precision. This leadership role involves managing communication channels between various departments to support research in criminal justice and public health. By facilitating the execution of key policies, Douglas Sweet drives the university's commitment to academic excellence. The Deputy Chief of Staff monitors the progress of critical tasks to ensure alignment with the broader mission of the institution. Through proactive problem-solving and organizational support, Sweet maintains the operational flow necessary for the university to succeed. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief of Staff provides the essential support required for the university to continue its legacy of providing high-quality education and 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 faculty and staff. Overseeing talent acquisition, professional development, and employee relations, the Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the institution attracts and retains top-tier talent in fields like clinical psychology and social work. This leadership role involves creating a supportive work environment that fosters academic and administrative excellence. By implementing comprehensive HR policies, Gary Evans drives the university's ability to maintain a high-performing workforce. The Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with department heads to align staffing needs with the university's strategic objectives. Through strategic management of human resources, Evans supports the university's mission to provide a world-class educational experience. Ultimately, the Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer secures the organizational health necessary for the university to thrive.