OVERVIEW
Sean is a systems leader with nearly two decades of experience across the nonprofit, education, and government sectors, focusing on strengthening organizational infrastructure, aligning strategy with operations, and building systems that enable institutions to grow and navigate change. His work has included realigning organizational and financial models, advancing operational excellence, and supporting institutions through periods of complexity and transformation.
Most recently, Sean served as chief of organizational development and strategy and chief of staff for the Columbia Climate School at Columbia University, the university’s first new school in more than 25 years and the nation’s first climate-focused school. In this role, he partnered with senior leadership and the school’s advisory board to align leadership teams and build the systems, structures, and operational capacity needed to support rapid growth. During his tenure, the school doubled its enrollment, quadrupled its faculty, and launched two new degree programs.
Previously, Sean served as chief of staff to the inaugural senior vice president for Global Inclusion and Strategic Innovation at New York University, where he helped establish foundational operating systems for a start-up division, led strategic initiatives across the university’s global network, and advised senior leadership on complex institutional priorities.
Earlier in his career, Sean held leadership roles within New York City Public Schools, the largest public school system in the United States. He served as chief of staff to the inaugural first deputy chancellor, supporting oversight of more than 1,700 schools serving 1.1 million students, and as chief of staff to the deputy chancellor for inclusive and accessible learning, where he supported systemwide efforts to advance equitable and inclusive education.
He began his career as an advocate, counselor, and special educator in New York City public schools.
