Vanderbilt University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Vanderbilt University has 10 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, operational management, administrative oversight, and institutional coordination.

Committed to academic excellence and immersive learning, Vanderbilt University fosters a transformative environment where research and education converge to address complex global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

Leadership Roles at Vanderbilt University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Asdaf Zdasf
  • Vice Chancellor, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Richard Petillo
  • Chief Operating Officer - Cynthia Lewis
  • Division Chief Operating Officer, Administration & Associate & Auxiliary Services Vice Chancellor - David Kuile
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Office of The Chancellor - Lauren Rodgers
  • Division of Administration Chief of Staff - Amy Huffman
  • Office of Investments Chief of Staff - LeAnne Huber
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Sarah Beck
  • Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor - Dawn Turton
  • Chief of Staff - Football - Benjamin Cauthen
  • Asdaf Zdasf - Chief Financial Officer

    Asdaf Zdasf, the Chief Financial Officer at Vanderbilt University, directs the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Zdasf manages complex budgetary frameworks, ensuring resources align with the university's mission of academic excellence and research advancement. By overseeing capital allocation and financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of liberal arts and engineering programs. Zdasf maintains rigorous oversight of institutional assets, balancing immediate operational needs with future growth objectives. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Board to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility across all departments. Through strategic financial modeling, Asdaf Zdasf secures the necessary funding to maintain the university's competitive position in the higher education landscape. Ultimately, Zdasf drives the financial stability required for sustained institutional success.

    Richard Petillo - Vice Chancellor, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Richard Petillo, the Vice Chancellor, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Vanderbilt University, directs the comprehensive financial strategy and fiscal management of the institution. Petillo oversees the university's budget, financial reporting, and long-term economic planning to ensure the sustainability of academic and research programs. The Vice Chancellor, Finance & Chief Financial Officer manages the allocation of resources across the liberal arts, engineering, and education divisions. By implementing robust financial controls, Petillo supports the university's commitment to an immersive undergraduate experience. Richard Petillo collaborates with the Board and executive leadership to drive financial growth and operational efficiency. This role involves managing complex financial risks and opportunities to maintain the university's competitive standing. Through strategic financial leadership, Petillo ensures the institution possesses the necessary resources to achieve its mission of excellence.
    Richard Petillo

    Cynthia Lewis - Chief Operating Officer

    Cynthia Lewis, the Chief Operating Officer at Vanderbilt University, manages the daily operational infrastructure that supports the university's diverse academic and research programs. Lewis coordinates cross-departmental workflows, ensuring that facilities, technology, and administrative services function seamlessly to provide an immersive living-learning experience. The Chief Operating Officer optimizes resource utilization across the campus, driving efficiency in support of the liberal arts, sciences, and professional schools. By aligning operational output with the university's strategic goals, Lewis facilitates a productive environment for students and faculty. Cynthia Lewis monitors performance metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement and service enhancement. This role requires constant engagement with various stakeholders to maintain high standards of operational excellence. Through proactive management, Lewis ensures the university remains a premier destination for education and human development.

    David Kuile - Division Chief Operating Officer, Administration & Associate & Auxiliary Services Vice Chancellor

    David Kuile, the Division Chief Operating Officer, Administration & Associate & Auxiliary Services Vice Chancellor at Vanderbilt University, oversees the operational management of auxiliary services and administrative functions. Kuile directs the delivery of essential campus services, ensuring that infrastructure and support systems enhance the student living-learning experience. The Division Chief Operating Officer, Administration & Associate & Auxiliary Services Vice Chancellor manages complex service portfolios, including housing, dining, and campus facilities, to support the university's academic mission. By driving operational excellence, Kuile ensures that auxiliary services contribute to the overall success of the liberal arts and sciences programs. David Kuile coordinates with other executive leaders to align service delivery with institutional growth strategies. This role involves managing large-scale operations that impact the daily lives of students and faculty. Through strategic leadership, Kuile maintains high-quality campus environments.

    Lauren Rodgers - Deputy Chief of Staff & Office of The Chancellor

    Lauren Rodgers, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Office of The Chancellor at Vanderbilt University, facilitates the strategic initiatives and daily operations of the Chancellor's office. Rodgers manages high-level communications and coordinates institutional priorities to ensure alignment with the university's core mission. The Deputy Chief of Staff & Office of The Chancellor bridges the gap between executive leadership and various academic divisions, fostering collaboration across the liberal arts, engineering, and education sectors. By streamlining administrative processes, Rodgers enhances the efficiency of the executive team. Lauren Rodgers monitors emerging institutional needs, providing critical support for decision-making and policy implementation. This role involves managing complex projects that impact the university's broader market position and academic reputation. Through meticulous coordination, Rodgers ensures the Chancellor's vision translates into actionable outcomes across the entire campus community.

    Amy Huffman - Division of Administration Chief of Staff

    Amy Huffman, the Division of Administration Chief of Staff at Vanderbilt University, directs the administrative operations and strategic planning for the division. Huffman coordinates internal resources to support the university's commitment to an immersive undergraduate experience. The Division of Administration Chief of Staff manages cross-functional teams, ensuring that administrative services effectively serve the needs of the liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs. By optimizing internal processes, Huffman drives operational efficiency and supports the university's broader institutional goals. Amy Huffman facilitates communication between administrative units and executive leadership, ensuring alignment on key initiatives. This role involves overseeing project management and resource allocation to maintain high standards of service delivery. Through strategic oversight, Huffman ensures the division remains responsive to the evolving requirements of the university's diverse academic and research community.

    LeAnne Huber - Office of Investments Chief of Staff

    LeAnne Huber, the Office of Investments Chief of Staff at Vanderbilt University, manages the operational and administrative functions of the investment office. Huber coordinates the strategic activities of the investment team, ensuring that financial resources are managed to support the university's long-term endowment goals. The Office of Investments Chief of Staff facilitates communication between the investment office and the university's leadership, providing critical data for financial decision-making. By streamlining internal processes, Huber enhances the efficiency of investment operations. LeAnne Huber monitors market trends and institutional requirements, ensuring that investment strategies align with the university's mission of academic excellence. This role involves managing complex administrative workflows that support the growth of the university's financial assets. Through meticulous coordination, Huber ensures the investment office operates effectively to secure the university's future.

    Sarah Beck - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Sarah Beck, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Vanderbilt University, coordinates administrative initiatives and supports the executive leadership team in executing institutional priorities. Beck manages cross-departmental projects, ensuring that the university's strategic goals are met through effective collaboration. The Deputy Chief of Staff facilitates communication across various divisions, including the liberal arts and sciences, to ensure alignment with the Chancellor's vision. By streamlining administrative workflows, Beck enhances the efficiency of the executive office. Sarah Beck monitors institutional performance and provides critical support for decision-making processes. This role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring that executive directives are implemented across the campus. Through proactive coordination, Beck supports the university's mission of providing a high-quality educational experience. Ultimately, Beck drives the operational success of the executive leadership team.

    Dawn Turton - Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor

    Dawn Turton, the Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor at Vanderbilt University, directs the strategic operations and administrative functions of the Chancellor's office. Turton coordinates institutional initiatives, ensuring that the university's mission of academic excellence is reflected in all executive actions. The Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor manages the flow of information and priorities between the Chancellor and the broader university community. By facilitating collaboration across academic and administrative divisions, Turton ensures that the university's strategic goals are achieved. Dawn Turton monitors emerging issues and provides critical support for executive decision-making. This role involves managing complex projects that impact the university's reputation and market position. Through meticulous coordination, Turton ensures the Chancellor's vision is effectively implemented across the institution. Ultimately, Turton drives the operational efficiency of the executive office.

    Benjamin Cauthen - Chief of Staff - Football

    Benjamin Cauthen, the Chief of Staff - Football at Vanderbilt University, directs the administrative and operational functions of the football program. Cauthen coordinates the logistics, scheduling, and resource management required to support the team's competitive goals. The Chief of Staff - Football manages the program's internal processes, ensuring that staff and student-athletes have the necessary support to succeed both on and off the field. By aligning the football program's operations with the university's broader mission, Cauthen contributes to the institution's overall athletic and academic reputation. Benjamin Cauthen facilitates communication between the coaching staff and university administration, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. This role involves managing complex logistical challenges to support the program's growth. Through strategic oversight, Cauthen ensures the football program operates at a high level of excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Vanderbilt University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Vanderbilt University?
    Vanderbilt University is led by Asdaf Zdasf (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Richard Petillo (Vice Chancellor, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Cynthia Lewis (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Vanderbilt University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Vanderbilt University includes leaders such as Asdaf Zdasf (Chief Financial Officer), Richard Petillo (Vice Chancellor, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Cynthia Lewis (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Vanderbilt University have?
    Vanderbilt University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Vanderbilt University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Vanderbilt University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Vice Chancellor, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Division Chief Operating Officer, Administration & Associate & Auxiliary Services Vice Chancellor, Deputy Chief of Staff & Office of The Chancellor.