Williams College Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Williams College has 10 executives leading key functions including financial management, human resources, communications, institutional leadership, and student organization governance.

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
  • Founder & Co-President - Riley McHugh
  • President - Seth Perlman
  • President - Paul Chadbourne
  • President & History Program In Jewish Studies Professor - Maud Mandel
  • President - Thomas Garrity
  • BRASA President - Lucas Da Silva
  • 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 endowment funds and operational capital, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial sustainability of the institution. This leadership role involves managing complex budgetary cycles across 24 academic departments and 33 majors. By optimizing resource distribution, Jamie Mazzacco directly impacts the ability of the college to maintain high-quality research facilities and faculty support. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to align fiscal strategies with the broader mission of providing a premier liberal arts education. Through rigorous oversight of institutional spending, Mazzacco secures the economic foundation necessary for academic innovation. This position requires constant monitoring of market trends to protect the financial health of the college while supporting the diverse needs of the humanities, sciences, and social sciences divisions.

    Riley McHugh - Founder & Co-President

    Riley McHugh, the Founder & Co-President at Williams College, architects the strategic vision for new academic initiatives and institutional growth. Overseeing the development of interdisciplinary programs, the Founder & Co-President ensures that the college remains at the forefront of liberal arts education. This leadership role involves identifying emerging fields of study within the sciences and social sciences to expand the current 33 majors. By fostering partnerships with external research organizations, Riley McHugh directly impacts the expansion of the academic footprint. The Founder & Co-President collaborates with the faculty senate to integrate new pedagogical methods into the existing curriculum. Through the pursuit of innovative educational models, McHugh drives the long-term evolution of the institution. This position requires a focus on future-proofing the academic offerings, ensuring that the college continues to provide a transformative experience for students across all departments and master's degree programs.

    Seth Perlman - President

    Seth Perlman, the President at Williams College, directs the overall strategic direction and academic policy of the institution. Overseeing the implementation of the long-term vision, the President ensures that the college maintains its status as a premier liberal arts destination. This leadership role involves managing the relationship with the Board of Trustees and setting the agenda for academic excellence. By championing the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, Seth Perlman directly impacts the quality of the 33 majors and the two master's degree programs. The President collaborates with the provost to recruit distinguished faculty and support groundbreaking research. Through the oversight of institutional fundraising and donor relations, Perlman secures the resources necessary for campus development. This position requires a commitment to the core mission of the college, ensuring that every decision supports the intellectual growth of the student body and the advancement of the liberal arts.

    Paul Chadbourne - President

    Paul Chadbourne, the President at Williams College, directs the operational efficiency and administrative oversight of the college. Overseeing the integration of technology into the classroom, the President ensures that the academic infrastructure supports modern pedagogical needs. This leadership role involves managing the physical campus assets and planning for future facility expansions. By prioritizing the needs of the 24 departments, Paul Chadbourne directly impacts the daily learning environment for students and faculty. The President collaborates with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure that operational budgets align with strategic priorities. Through the management of campus services and auxiliary operations, Chadbourne maintains a functional and supportive environment. This position requires a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the college provides the necessary resources for students to excel in their chosen majors while maintaining the historic character of the institution.

    Maud Mandel - President & History Program In Jewish Studies Professor

    Maud Mandel, the President & History Program In Jewish Studies Professor at Williams College, directs the academic integrity and scholarly output of the institution. Overseeing the curriculum development within the humanities, the President & History Program In Jewish Studies Professor ensures that the liberal arts tradition remains vibrant and relevant. This leadership role involves teaching and mentoring students while simultaneously managing the administrative responsibilities of the presidency. By fostering a culture of rigorous inquiry, Maud Mandel directly impacts the intellectual depth of the history and social sciences departments. The President & History Program In Jewish Studies Professor collaborates with other academic leaders to promote interdisciplinary research. Through the promotion of scholarly excellence, Mandel elevates the national profile of the college. This position requires a balance between academic leadership and administrative duty, ensuring that the college remains a center for critical thinking and historical analysis.

    Thomas Garrity - President

    Thomas Garrity, the President at Williams College, directs the external partnerships and global outreach initiatives of the college. Overseeing the expansion of international study programs, the President ensures that students gain a global perspective within their liberal arts education. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with peer institutions and research organizations worldwide. By facilitating global exchange opportunities, Thomas Garrity directly impacts the diversity of the academic experience. The President collaborates with the admissions office to attract a global student body. Through the promotion of the college on the international stage, Garrity enhances the reputation of the institution. This position requires a focus on global market reach, ensuring that the college remains competitive in an increasingly interconnected world while maintaining its commitment to the core values of the liberal arts and the specific needs of the 33 majors.

    Lucas Da Silva - BRASA President

    Lucas Da Silva, the BRASA President at Williams College, directs student-led initiatives focused on cultural exchange and academic support for the Brazilian student community. Overseeing the organization of workshops and networking events, the BRASA President ensures that students have access to resources that enhance their academic and professional development. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between the student body and the administration to address specific needs. By fostering a supportive community, Lucas Da Silva directly impacts the retention and success of international students. The BRASA President collaborates with other student organizations to promote diversity and inclusion across the 24 departments. Through the coordination of cultural events, Da Silva enriches the campus life. This position requires a focus on student advocacy, ensuring that the college remains an inclusive environment where all students can thrive in their chosen majors and contribute to the broader academic community.

    Danielle Gonzalez - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Danielle Gonzalez, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Williams College, architects talent acquisition and faculty development strategies. Overseeing the recruitment of world-class scholars and administrative staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures a high-performance culture across all academic divisions. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits packages and professional growth programs that attract top-tier talent to the institution. By fostering an inclusive workplace environment, Danielle Gonzalez directly impacts the retention of faculty members who drive the 33 majors offered. The Chief Human Resources Officer coordinates with department chairs to align staffing levels with curricular demands. Through the implementation of modern human capital management systems, Gonzalez streamlines administrative efficiency. This position requires deep engagement with institutional policy to maintain compliance and promote equity, ensuring that the workforce remains fully equipped to support the rigorous academic mission of the college.

    James Reische - Chief Communications Officer

    James Reische, the Chief Communications Officer at Williams College, directs all external messaging and institutional branding initiatives. Overseeing the dissemination of research achievements and academic milestones, the Chief Communications Officer ensures consistent representation of the college in national and international media. This leadership role involves managing public relations strategies that highlight the unique value of the liberal arts curriculum. By crafting compelling narratives about the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, James Reische directly impacts the reputation and visibility of the institution. The Chief Communications Officer collaborates with the admissions office to attract prospective students through targeted digital campaigns. Through the management of institutional publications and web presence, Reische maintains a cohesive brand identity. This position requires constant engagement with stakeholders to communicate the impact of the college, ensuring that the public understands the significance of the academic programs and the overall mission.
    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, faculty, and student body, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) ensures transparency and alignment with institutional goals. This leadership role involves managing crisis communications and internal messaging regarding policy changes or academic updates. By facilitating open dialogue across the 24 departments, Meike Kaan directly impacts the cohesion of the campus community. The Chief Communications Officer (Cco) coordinates with student leadership to ensure that institutional values are clearly articulated and understood. Through the development of internal newsletters and digital platforms, Kaan maintains a robust communication network. This position requires a deep understanding of the campus culture, ensuring that all stakeholders remain informed and engaged with the ongoing mission of the college and its various academic divisions.

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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 Riley McHugh (Founder & Co-President) and Seth Perlman (President).
    Who is part of Williams College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Williams College includes leaders such as Jamie Mazzacco (Chief Financial Officer), Riley McHugh (Founder & Co-President), Seth Perlman (President) 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, Founder & Co-President, President, President, President & History Program In Jewish Studies Professor.