With the recent change in University leadership, along with a goal of better aligning strategic responsibilities and operations, the Office of the Chancellor announces a new organizational structure and several new team members.
The Chancellor’s Office, which is located on the sixth floor of Crouse-Hinds Hall, focuses on providing foundational support to Chancellor Kent Syverud and key leadership in stewarding the University. The office serves as a resource in service of students, staff, faculty, trustees and alumni of Syracuse University.
Hoang-Anh Tran
Assistant Chancellor and Chief of Staff Hoang-Anh L. Tran is responsible for oversight of all staff in the Chancellor’s Office. As assistant chancellor and chief of staff, Tran works directly with Chancellor Syverud in addressing his goals and those of the University and its constituencies. She serves as a senior advisor to the Chancellor and oversees and directs the operations of the Chancellor’s office.
Tran, who joined the Chancellor’s office in January 2014, previously served as executive administrator in the dean’s office at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.
In her work with the Chancellor’s office, Tran oversees the office’s budget, space allocation and design, equipment, workflow and operational philosophy. She works to balance the office’s strategic objectives with the educational and missional vision of the University. She also directs the planning, design, implementation and updating of the policies, programs, projects and procedures in the office.
Tran provides critical, high-level support to optimize the Chancellor’s time and represents the executive office to deans, directors, faculty, staff, students, external organizations and the public. She also serves when needed as the Chancellor’s representative on committees and task forces, and works closely with the Office of the Board of Trustees, senior management, deans and administrative units.
Raymond Abdella Jr.
Raymond (Ray) J. Abdella Jr., the office’s IT support analyst, is responsible for planning, implementing and managing all aspects of information technology for the Office of the Chancellor. He serves as the point of contact for all computer hardware and software and peripheral needs.
Abdella, who assists in computer and application training for the Chancellor’s staff, also works with the chief of staff to ensure the office’s technical processes are aligned with operational goals. Abdella, who previously supported Business, Finance and Administrative Services, joined the Chancellor’s office in 2011.
Judy Bragg
Judy A. Bragg, executive administrator and office supervisor, oversees the planning and management of the Chancellor’s office budgets and the compensation process in conjunction with the chief of staff. She works with the chief of staff to manage onboarding, training and evaluation activities and documents the office’s systems and procedures.
Prior to joining the Chancellor’s office in 2012, Bragg provided administrative support to deans and senior leadership in student services and advancement. For the Chancellor’s office, she also provides administrative support for ad hoc or special projects, serves when needed to back up the work of the presidential scheduler and the executive administrator for correspondence and communication, and provides administrative support to the chief of staff.
Jean Brooks
Jean Brooks, director of operations and special events for the Chancellor’s house, oversees the Chancellor’s house in regard to its upkeep, events, safety and function, including its public and private spaces. She manages the residence’s daily operations, including coordination of University personnel from multiple departments and outside vendors.
Brooks is also responsible for planning, organizing and managing all University events, such as receptions, luncheons, dinners and concerts hosted at the house. She was director of special events and donor relations at the Newhouse School of Public Communications before joining the Chancellor’s office in March 2014. In addition to reporting to Tran, Brooks dually reports to the Chancellor and Dr. Ruth Chen.
Gretchen Goldstein
Gretchen Goldstein, executive administrator for correspondence and communications, manages the systems of communication and the files and records systems. She corresponds with the various institutional units and organizations on campus and external constituencies as a representative of the Chancellor’s office.
Goldstein’s responsibilities include collaborating with the chief of staff to develop strategic communications to the campus, community, alumni, donors and friends of the University, working closely with committees and task forces, and providing back-up support for the presidential scheduler as well as the executive administrator and office supervisor. Goldstein joined the Chancellor’s office in 1991 and served under Chancellors Shaw and Cantor in progressively more responsible roles.
Linda Pitonzo
Linda A. Pitonzo, director of events for the Office of the Chancellor, is responsible for a new division of functions and duties. She manages, coordinates and implements all events and programs hosted by the Chancellor’s office. Some of these events include the University Scholars Program, the Chancellor’s Award for Public Engagement and Scholarship (CAPES) Program and On My Own Time.
Pitonzo, who joined the Chancellor’s office in 1996, provides leadership, professional expertise and direction in the planning and execution of these events and provides the platform for recognition of distinguished accomplishments or guests. She also assists with Commencement events and activities as pertaining to the Chancellor’s office, and is a liaison between the Chancellor’s office and a variety of guests for events, as well as a liaison to University offices and off-campus businesses for events coordination.
Megan Travis
Megan T. Travis, executive assistant and presidential scheduler, provides the Chancellor with primary executive-level administrative support and manages the Chancellor’s schedules for working projects, appointments and special events. Travis, who joined the Chancellor’s office in April 2014, previously served as assistant to the dean in the College of Arts and Sciences.
As a member of the Chancellor’s support team, she is also responsible for the Chancellor’s preparation for and participation in major events both on and off campus with other offices. She coordinates travel arrangements, including organizing for the Chancellor’s engagement and participation in meetings, conferences and symposia.
The Chancellor’s Office is located on the sixth floor of Crouse-Hinds Hall. The Chancellor’s office staff may be reached via phone at 315-443-2235 or via email at chancellor@syr.edu.
