Leadership Team
Under the supervision of Dean Kyongbum Lee, the leadership at Tufts School of Engineering consists of Deans and Directors, representing their respective areas of responsibility within the schools. These leaders work together as a team to promote and advance best practices of academic administration within the school.
Brandon Mennillo
Senior Director of Administration
Working closely with the Executive Administrative Dean, Brandon Mennillo provides oversight on all administrative and financial matters pertaining to the school with specific emphasis on policy development, employee compensation and equity, core facility management, online academic programs, and summer course administration. Additionally, Brandon represents the School on several University-wide committees pertaining to Human Resources, IT, and space and facilities management.
John O'Keefe
Senior Associate Dean of Academic Advising
John O’Keefe leads a team of advisors who provide holistic academic support to undergraduate students in the School of Engineering. With more than two decades of experience in academic advising, student success, and undergraduate education leadership, he helps students achieve their academic and personal goals, make full use of campus resources, and navigate academic and personal challenges. His responsibilities include helping students with the full range of academic situations and decisions, from choosing a major to coping with difficult personal circumstances. In addition, he leads updates to undergraduate academic policies, degree requirements, and related processes.
Kevin Oye
Executive Director, Tufts Gordon Institute
Tufts Gordon Institute develops technology leaders, providing training in vital skills and educating leaders who will go on to be innovators and problem solvers. As Executive Director, Kevin Oye oversees the institute’s academic programs and connections with industry.
Karen Panetta
Dean of Graduate Education
As Dean of Graduate Education for the School of Engineering, Karen Panetta leads efforts to develop and strengthen engineering graduate programs. She works closely with faculty, students, administrators, and staff to recruit highly talented graduate students, to support current students in their academic studies and research, and to continue to develop graduate programs that prepare students for success in their fields.
Matthew Panzer
Dean of Research
Dean of Research Matthew Panzer works collaboratively with faculty, fostering research between departments, other schools, and outside sponsors, while working with the Director of Research Administration on all aspects of research administration, including compliance and financial issues.
Merredith Portsmore
Director, Center for Engineering Education and Outreach
Merredith Portsmore is the Director of Tufts Center for Engineering Education and Outreach (CEEO). A leader in K-College engineering education, the CEEO works to prepare the next generation of problem-solvers by conducting cutting-edge educational research and transforming that research into tools, interventions, and outreach services. Merredith oversees the overall Center mission, managing the overall operations, finances, and outreach services as well as providing the infrastructure and support for the cohort of faculty in engineering and education that have research housed at the Center.
C. Andrew Ramsburg
Dean of Undergraduate Education
C. Andrew Ramsburg is directly responsible for developing, implementing and assessing academic advising and the administration of the degrees awarded in 13 engineering disciplines. He serves as the School of Engineering's point person on educational policy.
Leila C. Rice
Senior Director of Development
Leila brings over 20 years of higher education fundraising and management experience, most recently at Merrimack College as Vice President and Special Assistant to the President, where she managed the school’s top philanthropic relationships. Her experience also includes serving as Senior Associate Vice President at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and overseeing planned giving programs at both Rochester Institute of Technology and Syracuse University. She has extensive knowledge of all aspects of fundraising, including working closely with engineering alumni, parents and friends. Leila received her BA in Economics from Syracuse University and an MS in Finance from Bentley College.
Keleigh Sanford
Senior Director of Research Administration & Strategy Development
As Senior Director of Research Administration & Strategy Development for the School of Engineering, Keleigh Sanford provides administrative leadership for research activities, including pre- and post-award support for sponsored projects and guidance on issues related to compliance.
James Sarazen
Executive Administrative Dean
As the Executive Administrative Dean, Jim Sarazen serves as chief financial officer and chief operating officer for the School of Engineering, and also as the school's lead administrative representative on all university-wide matters.
Chris Swan
Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusive Excellence (ADDIE)
As an ADDIE, Chris Swan leads the School of Engineering's efforts for inclusive excellence in engineering, developing strategies to build community and enhance belonging for all students, staff, and faculty.
Craig Thomas
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
As the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Craig Thomas leads the digital, traditional, and social media marketing strategy for, and manages all internal and external communications within, the School of Engineering.