Williams College Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Williams College has 10 executives leading key functions including financial management, human resources, strategic communications, and academic leadership.

Committed to academic excellence, Williams College fosters a rigorous liberal arts environment across humanities, sciences, and social sciences to prepare students for global leadership.

Leadership Roles at Williams College

  • Chief Financial Officer - Jamie Mazzacco
  • President - Seth Perlman
  • President - Purple Valley Productions - Ava Solis
  • BRASA President - Lucas Da Silva
  • President - Thomas Garrity
  • President & History Program In Jewish Studies Professor - Maud Mandel
  • Founder & President - Ingrid Colafati
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Danielle Gonzalez
  • Chief Communications Officer - James Reische
  • Chief Communications Officer (Cco) - Meike Kaan
  • Jamie Mazzacco - Chief Financial Officer

    Jamie Mazzacco, the Chief Financial Officer at Williams College, directs all fiscal operations and long-term budgetary planning. Overseeing the allocation of institutional resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial sustainability of the 24 academic departments and 33 majors. This leadership role involves managing endowment growth and optimizing operational expenditures to support the college's mission. By implementing robust financial controls, Jamie Mazzacco directly impacts the ability of the institution to provide high-quality education. Ultimately, Mazzacco secures the necessary capital to maintain the campus infrastructure and support the diverse master's degree programs in art history and development economics, ensuring that the college remains a premier destination for liberal arts study within the competitive North American higher education landscape.

    Seth Perlman - President

    Seth Perlman, the President at Williams College, provides executive leadership for the entire academic enterprise and sets the strategic vision for the institution. Overseeing the integration of the three academic curricular divisions, the President ensures that the college maintains its status as a leader in liberal arts education. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Trustees to advance the long-term goals of the college and its various departments. By championing academic innovation and research, Seth Perlman directly impacts the quality of the student experience and the success of the master's degree programs. Ultimately, Perlman guides the institution through the evolving landscape of higher education, ensuring that the college continues to produce graduates prepared for complex global challenges.

    Ava Solis - President - Purple Valley Productions

    Ava Solis, the President - Purple Valley Productions at Williams College, leads the creative and media production arm of the institution. Overseeing the development of multimedia content, the President - Purple Valley Productions ensures that the college's artistic and academic projects are showcased effectively to the public. This leadership role involves managing production teams and coordinating with the art history department to document and promote scholarly work. By leveraging digital media to expand the reach of the college's intellectual output, Ava Solis directly impacts the visibility of the institution's creative endeavors. Ultimately, Solis drives the production strategy that brings the vibrant life of the college to a wider audience, enhancing the brand presence of the institution through high-quality visual storytelling.

    Lucas Da Silva - BRASA President

    Lucas Da Silva, the BRASA President at Williams College, directs the initiatives of the Brazilian Student Association and fosters cultural exchange within the campus community. Overseeing student-led programming and networking events, the BRASA President ensures that international students have a platform to share their perspectives and contribute to the college's diverse environment. This leadership role involves organizing academic forums and social gatherings that bridge the gap between different cultural groups on campus. By promoting cross-cultural understanding, Lucas Da Silva directly impacts the inclusivity of the student experience. Ultimately, Da Silva strengthens the global footprint of the college by facilitating connections that enrich the academic and social life of the student body, ensuring that international voices remain central to the liberal arts discourse.

    Thomas Garrity - President

    Thomas Garrity, the President at Williams College, oversees specific administrative functions and academic governance within the institution. Directing the implementation of academic policies, the President ensures that the curriculum remains rigorous and responsive to the needs of the 24 departments. This leadership role involves working closely with faculty committees to maintain the high standards of the liberal arts program. By fostering an environment of intellectual inquiry, Thomas Garrity directly impacts the academic success of the student body. Ultimately, Garrity supports the mission of the college by ensuring that the administrative framework effectively serves the needs of both students and faculty, maintaining the institution's reputation for excellence in the competitive landscape of higher education.

    Maud Mandel - President & History Program In Jewish Studies Professor

    Maud Mandel, the President & History Program In Jewish Studies Professor at Williams College, leads the institution while maintaining a commitment to scholarly research and teaching. Overseeing the academic direction of the college, the President & History Program In Jewish Studies Professor ensures that the curriculum reflects the latest developments in the humanities and social sciences. This leadership role involves balancing administrative duties with the demands of academic instruction and research. By bridging the gap between executive leadership and the classroom, Maud Mandel directly impacts the intellectual culture of the college. Ultimately, Mandel drives the strategic vision of the institution, ensuring that the college remains a center for rigorous academic inquiry and a leader in the liberal arts tradition.

    Ingrid Colafati - Founder & President

    Ingrid Colafati, the Founder & President at Williams College, directs the development of new initiatives and programs that expand the college's reach. Overseeing the launch of innovative projects, the Founder & President ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of educational advancement. This leadership role involves identifying new opportunities for growth and securing the resources necessary to implement these visions. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship within the academic community, Ingrid Colafati directly impacts the ability of the college to adapt to changing market demands. Ultimately, Colafati drives the strategic growth of the institution, ensuring that the college continues to evolve while maintaining its core commitment to providing a world-class liberal arts education to its students.

    Danielle Gonzalez - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Danielle Gonzalez, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Williams College, manages talent acquisition, faculty development, and organizational culture. Overseeing the recruitment of top-tier academic and administrative staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures alignment with the college's commitment to inclusive excellence. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits packages and professional development programs that attract world-class scholars to the Williamstown campus. By fostering a supportive work environment, Danielle Gonzalez directly impacts the retention of faculty members across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences divisions. Ultimately, Gonzalez drives the human capital strategy that sustains the intellectual vitality of the institution, ensuring that the workforce remains capable of delivering the rigorous educational experience expected at this private liberal arts college.

    James Reische - Chief Communications Officer

    James Reische, the Chief Communications Officer at Williams College, architects the institutional brand and manages external messaging across all media platforms. Overseeing public relations and digital outreach, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the college's academic achievements and research contributions reach a global audience. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to highlight the impact of the 33 majors and specialized master's programs. By crafting compelling narratives about the liberal arts experience, James Reische directly impacts the college's reputation and student recruitment efforts. Ultimately, Reische maintains the integrity of the institutional voice, ensuring that the values of the college resonate with prospective students, alumni, and the broader academic community while navigating the complexities of modern higher education communications.
    James Reische

    Meike Kaan - Chief Communications Officer (Cco)

    Meike Kaan, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) at Williams College, directs internal communications and community engagement strategies. Overseeing the flow of information between the administration and the student body, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) ensures transparency and alignment with the college's core mission. This leadership role involves managing crisis communications and promoting campus events that highlight the diverse academic offerings in the humanities and sciences. By facilitating effective dialogue across the campus, Meike Kaan directly impacts the cohesion of the college community. Ultimately, Kaan strengthens the connection between the institution and its stakeholders, ensuring that the strategic priorities of the college are clearly understood and supported by all members of the campus population.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Williams College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Williams College?
    Williams College is led by Jamie Mazzacco (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Seth Perlman (President) and Ava Solis (President - Purple Valley Productions).
    Who is part of Williams College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Williams College includes leaders such as Jamie Mazzacco (Chief Financial Officer), Seth Perlman (President), Ava Solis (President - Purple Valley Productions) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Williams College have?
    Williams College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Williams College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Williams College includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, President - Purple Valley Productions, BRASA President, President.