Leadership team announcement

Dear Colleagues,

Recently, I had the privilege of announcing the formation of Rider’s Senior Leadership Team. Building on that important step, I am now pleased to share the formation of our extended Leadership Team, a group that includes not only the senior leaders I introduced earlier, but also additional colleagues from across the University. The members of the Leadership Team are:

• Drew Aromando, Vice President of Enrollment Management
• Nick Barbati, Vice President for Student Affairs
• Dr. Kelly Bidle, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
• Wilda Bleakley, Executive Secretary to the President
• Kristine Brown, Vice President of External Affairs
• Dr. Jeannine Dingus-Eason, Dean of the College of Education and Human Services
• Don Harnum, Athletic Director
• Dr. Eugene Kutcher, Dean of the Norm Brodsky College of Business
• Dr. Darryl Mace, Vice President of Community Engagement and Belonging
• Christine Mehlhorn, Dean of Students
• Mary-Alice Ozechoski, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff for Student Experience
• Tom Papa, Interim Vice President for Finance and Chief Administrative Officer
• Mike Reca, Vice President of University Operations
• Keith Richardson, Vice President of Advancement
• Mark Solomon, Esq., General Counsel and Vice President for Legal Affairs
• Debbie Stasolla, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Planning & Secretary to the Board  
• Dr. Sharon Whitfield, Dean of the Libraries
• Erika Worthy, Vice President of Human Resources

Over the past two days, the full Leadership Team came together to strengthen our connections, deepen our understanding of one another, and establish how we will work collectively to guide Rider’s future. This time allowed us not only to build stronger relationships, but also to develop a shared approach to leadership, one that is intentional, collaborative, and aligned with our commitment to students. We have turned the page, and our focus is squarely on the future.

Together, we are committed to supporting our students, breaking down silos, and aligning our efforts for lasting success. Central to this commitment is a shared leadership model we created and affirmed during our time together. This model reflects both the values we hold as leaders, and the behaviors and expectations we agree to uphold as we move forward. At its heart, the model is grounded in who we are and is built on three essential pillars:

• Innovative Stewards – embracing responsibility to wisely use our resources and create opportunities for growth.
• Accountable Leaders – committing to transparency, trust, and follow through in everything we do.
• Trusted Collaborators – working across divisions to eliminate silos, strengthen partnerships, and focus on what is best for our students.

In addition, the model includes an operating agreement we, as a leadership team, have pledged to uphold. These points are organized around the themes of teamwork and collaboration, planning and execution, and conflict resolution. Collectively, they represent the standards of how we will work together in service to our students and the University. You will find the full leadership model outlined in the attached document.

This work represents more than a plan — it is a commitment. Each leader on this team will cascade this model throughout their functional areas, ensuring that it becomes part of how we all operate. This is how we will move forward together: eliminating silos, aligning for success, and leading with integrity, collaboration and accountability. And this is just the beginning. As we carry this work forward, a key milestone on the horizon will be a comprehensive strategic planning process, one that engages the entire Rider community and results in a renewed mission, vision, and set of values.

I am confident in this Leadership Team and in our collective ability to move Rider forward. We are committed to making a difference, for our students and for the future of this University.

Sincerely,

John R. Loyack, CPA, MBA
President