Washington and Lee University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Washington and Lee University has 8 executives leading key functions including technology infrastructure, information systems, academic leadership, student advocacy, legal compliance, and institutional governance.

Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence since 1749, Washington and Lee University delivers comprehensive educational services while fostering a rigorous intellectual environment for students across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Washington and Lee University

  • Interim President - Kenneth Ruscio
  • SPEAK President - Mariyyah Daniel
  • President & Board of Directors - Daniel Einstein
  • Founder & President - Bridget Plank
  • President - Riley Bryant
  • Chief Technology Officer - Eric Peterson
  • Chief Information Officer - David Saacke
  • Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel - Maria Feeley
  • Kenneth Ruscio - Interim President

    Kenneth Ruscio, the Interim President at Washington and Lee University, provides executive leadership during transitional periods to ensure continuity in academic and administrative operations. Ruscio guides the faculty and staff toward achieving long-term institutional goals while maintaining the university's historical standards of excellence. By facilitating communication between the Board of Directors and the academic community, the Interim President fosters a collaborative environment conducive to scholarly growth. This leadership role involves managing high-level university initiatives and representing the institution in external academic forums. Kenneth Ruscio oversees the implementation of strategic policies that enhance the student experience and promote academic rigor. The Interim President directs the allocation of resources to support key research and teaching programs. Through steady guidance and a focus on institutional stability, Ruscio ensures that the university continues to deliver exceptional educational services to students throughout the academic year.

    Mariyyah Daniel - SPEAK President

    Mariyyah Daniel, the SPEAK President at Washington and Lee University, leads student-focused advocacy initiatives that promote inclusive dialogue and community engagement. Daniel directs the organization of forums and workshops designed to amplify student voices within the broader university framework. By overseeing the development of outreach programs, the SPEAK President ensures that diverse perspectives contribute to the campus culture. This leadership role involves coordinating with student organizations to address pressing social and academic concerns. Mariyyah Daniel manages the strategic planning for events that foster intellectual exchange and personal development among the student body. The SPEAK President maintains active partnerships with university administration to advocate for policies that improve the overall student experience. Through the promotion of open communication and active participation, Daniel drives a culture of inclusivity and civic responsibility, ensuring that the university remains a vibrant, supportive environment for all students.

    Daniel Einstein - President & Board of Directors

    Daniel Einstein, the President & Board of Directors at Washington and Lee University, holds ultimate responsibility for the strategic direction and governance of the institution. Einstein architects the long-term vision for the university, ensuring that all academic and financial activities align with the core mission established in 1749. By presiding over the Board of Directors, the President & Board of Directors facilitates high-level decision-making regarding capital investments and institutional growth. This leadership role involves managing relationships with major stakeholders, alumni, and donors to secure the financial future of the university. Daniel Einstein oversees the executive team to ensure that operational goals are met with precision and integrity. The President & Board of Directors drives the implementation of policies that uphold the university's reputation for academic excellence. Through decisive leadership and careful oversight, Einstein maintains the institution's position as a premier provider of educational services.
    Daniel Einstein

    Bridget Plank - Founder & President

    Bridget Plank, the Founder & President at Washington and Lee University, drives the creation and execution of specialized programs that enhance the university's educational offerings. Plank oversees the development of unique initiatives that bridge the gap between traditional academic study and practical application. By managing the strategic growth of these programs, the Founder & President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of educational innovation. This leadership role involves cultivating partnerships with industry leaders to provide students with real-world experience and professional development opportunities. Bridget Plank directs the allocation of resources to support the expansion of these specialized academic tracks. The Founder & President maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that new programs align with the university's historical commitment to excellence. Through visionary leadership and a focus on student outcomes, Plank contributes to the university's reputation as a leader in higher education.

    Riley Bryant - President

    Riley Bryant, the President at Washington and Lee University, manages the day-to-day operations and administrative functions of the university. Bryant oversees the implementation of academic policies and ensures that all departments function in harmony to support the student body. By coordinating with the faculty and administrative staff, the President maintains the high standards of instruction and research that define the institution. This leadership role involves managing the university's budget and ensuring that financial resources are directed toward key academic priorities. Riley Bryant leads the efforts to enhance campus facilities and improve the overall quality of the educational environment. The President directs the strategic planning process, identifying opportunities for growth and improvement in all areas of university life. Through consistent oversight and a commitment to operational excellence, Bryant ensures that the university continues to provide exceptional educational services to students every year.

    Eric Peterson - Chief Technology Officer

    Eric Peterson, the Chief Technology Officer at Washington and Lee University, directs the development and maintenance of all campus-wide digital infrastructure. Peterson architects scalable network solutions that support the evolving educational requirements of the student body and faculty. By overseeing the integration of advanced computing resources, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless access to research databases and collaborative platforms. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the higher education sector. Eric Peterson manages the technical teams responsible for cybersecurity protocols and data integrity across the institution. Through the implementation of robust hardware and software frameworks, the Chief Technology Officer drives operational efficiency. Peterson maintains alignment with the broader academic mission by providing reliable, high-performance digital tools that empower scholars to achieve excellence in a modern, technology-driven learning environment.

    David Saacke - Chief Information Officer

    David Saacke, the Chief Information Officer at Washington and Lee University, manages the strategic deployment of information systems and data management policies. Saacke oversees the administrative software suites that facilitate student enrollment, financial aid processing, and academic record-keeping. By coordinating with various departments, the Chief Information Officer ensures that data architecture remains secure and accessible for institutional decision-making. This role involves optimizing the flow of information to enhance administrative transparency and operational speed. David Saacke leads the efforts to modernize legacy systems, replacing outdated processes with efficient, cloud-based solutions. The Chief Information Officer maintains rigorous standards for data privacy, protecting sensitive institutional information from unauthorized access. Through the systematic improvement of information workflows, Saacke supports the university's commitment to providing high-quality educational services while maintaining the integrity of the vast data ecosystem required for daily operations.
    Maria Feeley, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Washington and Lee University, manages all legal affairs and regulatory compliance matters for the institution. Feeley provides expert guidance on governance, risk management, and contractual obligations to ensure the university operates within the bounds of state and federal law. By overseeing the legal department, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel protects the university's interests in all litigation and transactional activities. This leadership role involves advising the Board of Directors on complex legal issues that impact institutional policy and strategic planning. Maria Feeley directs the development of internal protocols to mitigate liability and ensure ethical conduct across all departments. The Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel maintains a focus on regulatory updates, adapting university policies to meet evolving legal standards. Through proactive legal strategy, Feeley supports the university's mission by creating a secure and compliant environment for academic and administrative operations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Washington and Lee University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Washington and Lee University?
    Washington and Lee University is led by Kenneth Ruscio (Interim President), along with executives such as Mariyyah Daniel (SPEAK President) and Daniel Einstein (President & Board of Directors).
    Who is part of Washington and Lee University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Washington and Lee University includes leaders such as Kenneth Ruscio (Interim President), Mariyyah Daniel (SPEAK President), Daniel Einstein (President & Board of Directors) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Washington and Lee University have?
    Washington and Lee University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Washington and Lee University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Washington and Lee University includes roles such as Interim President, SPEAK President, President & Board of Directors, Founder & President, President.