Senior leadership announcement

Dear Colleagues,

As we begin a new chapter in Rider University’s leadership, I am pleased to announce the formation of my Senior Leadership Team. This group replaces what has traditionally been called the “Cabinet” and will serve as the central body of senior leaders who will work closely with me to guide the University’s strategic direction, ensure alignment and elimination of silos across divisions, and advance our shared mission to maintain Rider as an independent and viable institution for years to come.

I am pleased to share that Dr. Kelly Bidle will serve as Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. In this role, Kelly and I will work in close partnership to strengthen Rider’s academic mission by supporting faculty in their teaching and scholarship, fostering innovation and excellence across our programs, and advancing the success of our students.

I am equally pleased to announce the appointment of Mary-Alice Ozechoski as Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff for Student Experience. In this role, Mary-Alice will lead initiatives to attract, enroll and retain students by developing innovative strategies that expand Rider’s reach into new markets while enhancing the student journey from recruitment through graduation. She will lead enrollment strategies and plans, analyze trends and design solutions that align with the University’s mission and long-term growth.

In addition, Mary-Alice will guide efforts to enrich campus life by fostering a holistic model that integrates academics with social, personal and wellness support. Through strengthened programs in residence life, student engagement, community standards, and health and wellness, she will ensure that students are connected, supported and prepared for success both in and out of the classroom. She will also play a key role in reimagining and expanding Rider’s athletic programs, recognizing their importance in student life, school spirit and enrollment growth.

Mary-Alice brings more than three decades of higher education leadership with a distinguished record of advancing student success, enrollment growth and institutional development. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Alvernia University where she enrolled the largest class in the university’s history, significantly increased international enrollment and launched new academic and athletic programs to strengthen the institution’s profile.

Her earlier leadership roles at Cedar Crest College, Wesley College, West Chester University and Post University further highlight her ability to increase enrollment, improve retention and build inclusive student-centered environments. In addition, she has contributed to the national dialogue in higher education as a speaker, consultant and author with professional service to organizations such as NASPA, the professional association for the field of student affairs.

Mary-Alice holds a master’s degree in counseling and student personnel services from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She will officially join Rider on September 29. Please join me in welcoming her to our community.

I also want to share that Jim Hartman has left Rider to pursue other professional opportunities. We are grateful for his service and wish him well. While a national search is being conducted for his successor, Thomas S. Papa will serve as Interim Vice President for Finance and Chief Administrative Officer.

Tom brings more than 25 years of executive leadership and financial management experience across higher education, government and the nonprofit sector. His career includes senior roles at several large organizations as well as the New Jersey Department of Human Services where he managed a $1.7 billion budget and oversaw more than 8,000 employees. A Certified Public Accountant and graduate of the University of Delaware, Tom is widely recognized for stabilizing organizations, leading financial transformation and fostering collaborative stakeholder relationships. In his interim role he will provide strategic financial leadership and guide administrative operations during this important period. Tom will join Rider on September 15.

Additional members of the Senior Leadership Team are:

• Kristine Brown, Vice President of External Affairs
• Darryl Mace, Vice President for Community Engagement and Belonging
• Keith Richardson, Vice President of Advancement
• Mark Solomon, Esq., Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel
• Debbie Stasolla, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Planning & Secretary to the Board
• Erika Worthy, Vice President of Human Resources

Erika joined Rider in December 2024 as Associate Vice President for Human Resources and was officially appointed Vice President on July 1, 2025. Erika brings nearly two decades of HR leadership in higher education and independent schools with a strong record of advancing employee engagement, organizational effectiveness and inclusive workplace culture. Most recently, she served as Chief Human Resources Officer at New College of Florida. Her earlier leadership roles at The Lawrenceville School, The College of New Jersey and Mercer County Community College reflect her deep expertise in organizational design, talent management and HR systems implementation. Erika holds an MBA in human relations from Walden University and multiple senior-level HR certifications, including a Chief Human Resources Officer certification from the Wharton School of Business.

In her new role, Erika will lead Rider’s HR strategy, champion employee engagement and wellbeing and strengthen a workplace culture rooted in respect, collaboration and excellence. Erika and the Human Resources function will report to me.

The Senior Leadership Team represents a strong and collaborative group of professionals dedicated to advancing Rider’s mission and ensuring our continued success. While much important work lies ahead, I am confident in the collective expertise, energy and vision of this group. Together we will build on Rider’s strengths, embrace new opportunities and move the University forward with purpose.

I look forward to sharing updates on our progress in the weeks and months to come.

Sincerely,

John R. Loyack, CPA, MBA
President