The Vanderbilt University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Vanderbilt University has 10 executives leading key functions including technology, operations, football, administration, chancellor's office, finance, medical, and student leadership.

Driven by academic excellence, The Vanderbilt University provides an immersive living-learning undergraduate experience, fostering innovation across liberal arts, sciences, engineering, music, and education.

Leadership Roles at The Vanderbilt University

  • Vice Chancellor, Finance & Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer - Brett Sweet
  • Chief Operating Officer - Cynthia Lewis
  • President - Ria Mirchandani
  • President & Co-Founder - Coleson Messer
  • Co-President - Dylan Tovitz
  • Chief Information Officer - Shane Callahan
  • Chief of Staff - Football - Benjamin Cauthen
  • Division of Administration Chief of Staff - Amy Huffman
  • Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor - Dawn Turton
  • Chief Medical Officer - Nathaniel Clark
  • Brett Sweet - Vice Chancellor, Finance & Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer

    Brett Sweet, the Vice Chancellor, Finance & Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer at The Vanderbilt University, holds dual responsibility for the institution's financial health and its technological infrastructure. Overseeing all financial planning, budgeting, and investment strategies, Sweet ensures fiscal sustainability and responsible resource allocation. Concurrently, the Vice Chancellor, Finance & Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer directs the university's IT strategy, encompassing information systems, cybersecurity, and technology innovation to support academic and research pursuits. This comprehensive leadership role involves integrating financial acumen with technological foresight to drive institutional growth and operational efficiency. By managing significant financial assets and technological resources, Brett Sweet directly impacts The Vanderbilt University's capacity to deliver its educational programs and advance its research objectives.

    Cynthia Lewis - Chief Operating Officer

    Cynthia Lewis, the Chief Operating Officer at The Vanderbilt University, manages the day-to-day operational execution of the university's strategic initiatives. Overseeing critical administrative departments, Lewis ensures efficient resource allocation and the smooth functioning of campus services that underpin the academic mission. This executive role involves optimizing business processes, enhancing operational workflows, and driving productivity across various university divisions. By fostering collaboration between departments and implementing best practices, Cynthia Lewis directly supports the university's commitment to an immersive living-learning undergraduate experience. The Chief Operating Officer's focus on operational excellence enables The Vanderbilt University to effectively deliver its programs in the liberal arts and sciences, engineering, music, and education.

    Ria Mirchandani - President

    Ria Mirchandani, the President at The Vanderbilt University, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the institution. Guiding the university's mission and vision, Mirchandani oversees all academic, research, and administrative functions to foster an environment of intellectual inquiry and innovation. This paramount role involves setting institutional priorities, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring the university's continued growth and impact. By championing educational excellence and advancing research frontiers, Ria Mirchandani directly shapes the future of The Vanderbilt University. The President's leadership is fundamental to maintaining the university's standing as a premier institution for higher learning and discovery.

    Coleson Messer - President & Co-Founder

    Coleson Messer, the President & Co-Founder at The Vanderbilt University, spearheads the strategic vision and foundational development of the institution. Driving the core mission and operational framework, Messer guides the university's growth and establishes its unique educational offerings. This leadership position involves fostering innovation, cultivating partnerships, and ensuring the effective implementation of strategic objectives. By leading with a commitment to academic excellence and student success, Coleson Messer directly influences the trajectory and impact of The Vanderbilt University. The President & Co-Founder's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication are central to the university's ongoing development and its contribution to higher education.

    Dylan Tovitz - Co-President

    Dylan Tovitz, the Co-President at The Vanderbilt University, collaborates with the President to define and execute the university's strategic direction. Sharing responsibility for institutional leadership, Tovitz focuses on advancing key initiatives and ensuring operational alignment with the university's core values. This executive role involves contributing to strategic planning, fostering a dynamic campus environment, and overseeing critical programs that enhance the student experience. By working in tandem to drive institutional progress, Dylan Tovitz directly supports The Vanderbilt University's commitment to academic rigor and holistic development. The Co-President's collaborative leadership is essential for navigating the complexities of modern higher education.

    Shane Callahan - Chief Information Officer

    Shane Callahan, the Chief Information Officer at The Vanderbilt University, directs the university's comprehensive technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all IT operations, Callahan ensures the seamless integration of digital tools and platforms that support academic, research, and administrative functions across the institution. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols, data governance, and the development of scalable technology solutions to enhance the learning environment. By optimizing network performance and implementing innovative software, Shane Callahan directly supports the university's mission of providing an immersive living-learning undergraduate experience. The Chief Information Officer's strategic vision drives technological advancement, ensuring The Vanderbilt University remains at the forefront of educational technology and operational efficiency.
    Shane Callahan

    Benjamin Cauthen - Chief of Staff - Football

    Benjamin Cauthen, the Chief of Staff - Football at The Vanderbilt University, provides strategic support and operational oversight for the football program. Managing key initiatives and administrative functions, Cauthen ensures the program's alignment with university policies and athletic department goals. This role involves coordinating schedules, facilitating communication among staff and stakeholders, and driving the execution of strategic plans for team development and success. By streamlining operations and enhancing program efficiency, Benjamin Cauthen directly contributes to the competitive performance and overall student-athlete experience within the football program. The Chief of Staff - Football's dedicated focus supports the athletic endeavors integral to the broader university environment.

    Amy Huffman - Division of Administration Chief of Staff

    Amy Huffman, the Division of Administration Chief of Staff at The Vanderbilt University, directs strategic operations and administrative functions within the Division of Administration. Overseeing critical projects and ensuring efficient workflow, Huffman supports the division's mandate to provide essential services across the university. This leadership position involves managing cross-functional initiatives, enhancing internal communication, and driving process improvements to support the university's academic and research endeavors. By facilitating effective resource management and strategic planning, Amy Huffman directly contributes to the operational integrity of the university. The Division of Administration Chief of Staff's role is vital in maintaining the robust support systems necessary for The Vanderbilt University's educational mission.

    Dawn Turton - Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor

    Dawn Turton, the Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor at The Vanderbilt University, provides executive-level strategic counsel and operational management for the Chancellor's office. Overseeing key projects and ensuring seamless execution of the Chancellor's agenda, Turton facilitates high-level decision-making and institutional advancement. This critical role involves managing stakeholder relations, coordinating institutional priorities, and driving initiatives that align with the university's long-term vision. By ensuring effective communication and operational efficiency within the Chancellor's purview, Dawn Turton directly supports the strategic direction of The Vanderbilt University. The Chief of Staff's expertise is essential in navigating complex institutional challenges and advancing the university's mission.

    Nathaniel Clark - Chief Medical Officer

    Nathaniel Clark, the Chief Medical Officer at The Vanderbilt University, leads the strategic direction and clinical operations of the university's medical enterprises. Overseeing patient care, medical research, and health education initiatives, Clark ensures the highest standards of healthcare delivery and medical innovation. This executive position involves managing clinical departments, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and driving advancements in medical science and practice. By championing evidence-based medicine and patient-centered care, Nathaniel Clark directly contributes to the health and well-being of the university community and beyond. The Chief Medical Officer's leadership is integral to The Vanderbilt University's commitment to excellence in healthcare and medical education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Vanderbilt University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Vanderbilt University?
    The Vanderbilt University is led by Brett Sweet (Vice Chancellor, Finance & Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Cynthia Lewis (Chief Operating Officer) and Ria Mirchandani (President).
    Who is part of The Vanderbilt University’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Vanderbilt University includes leaders such as Brett Sweet (Vice Chancellor, Finance & Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer), Cynthia Lewis (Chief Operating Officer), Ria Mirchandani (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Vanderbilt University have?
    The Vanderbilt University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Vanderbilt University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Vanderbilt University includes roles such as Vice Chancellor, Finance & Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, President & Co-Founder, Co-President.