Robert Kasdin to Join the University Leadership Team

Dear members of the Columbia community:

I would like to offer several updates regarding our leadership team as we prepare for the fall term. I am delighted to share that I have appointed Robert Kasdin as Senior Executive Vice President, beginning August 18, 2025, through this academic year. Many long-time Columbians know Robert, and he is excited to return home to join Columbia’s leadership team to help with a number of strategic initiatives and oversee Facilities and Operations, Human Resources, and Columbia Technology Ventures.

As many of you know, this summer, Cas Holloway informed me of his desire to step down as Chief Operating Officer. He is now serving as a Special Advisor to me on multiple issues and is working to ensure a smooth transition during this period. Since joining Columbia in early 2024, Cas has been a thoughtful steward who has helped the University navigate this difficult moment with resilience and always with our community at heart.

I have asked our Chief Financial Officer Anne Sullivan, who reports directly to me, to broaden her portfolio and oversee Information Technology at a critical time. Anne has been an invaluable partner during my tenure, and I’m grateful for her willingness to take this on and draw from her experience previously overseeing this important function at the University. David Greenberg, Executive Vice President for University Facilities and Operations, will work closely with Robert Kasdin as a strategic partner as he continues to manage our facilities operations, and he will remain part of my leadership group. I am grateful for the many ways that this institution continues to benefit from David’s expertise. At this moment for Columbia, his vision and his expertise in planning for student and faculty priorities, and the capital investments needed to support them, is vital.

Robert is similarly known for centering students, staff, and faculty in all that he does. A native New Yorker, he joined Columbia in 2002 with President Bollinger, after serving as Executive Vice President at the University of Michigan. During this period, he was a critical partner in several areas, including transformational projects such as the development of the Manhattanville campus. In 2015, Robert left Columbia to serve as Chief Operating Officer of Johns Hopkins Medicine, and a few years later, he was also given the role of Chief Financial Officer. He retired in 2022. A graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School, Robert possesses a depth of nonprofit and higher education administration experience that is exceptional. He also serves as a trustee of Barnard College.

As we head into the fall, it will be particularly meaningful to have Robert’s expertise and counsel. I am grateful for his willingness to return to Columbia. I also want to express my deep thanks to our talented colleagues who continue to contribute to the University’s essential day-to-day functions. I especially want to thank the leadership team for their tireless efforts.

Please join me in thanking the leadership team and in welcoming Robert back to the Columbia community.

Sincerely,

Claire Shipman
Acting President, Columbia University in the City of New York