Carolyn Stefanco

Former University President - Women's Leadership Expert - Executive Coach - Global Strategist - Certified Board Advisor

Carolyn Stefanco, Ph.D., is a prominent leader in higher education and currently serves as a Member at Chief, an organization dedicated to supporting women in executive roles. With a strong background in academia and leadership, she has made significant contributions to various institutions and initiatives.

Professional Background

Education: Carolyn Stefanco is a first-generation college graduate who earned her Ph.D. in women's history. Her academic journey has been marked by a commitment to advancing women's leadership in higher education.
Leadership Roles: She was the president of The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, from 2014 to 2020. During her tenure, she launched innovative student success programs and expanded the institution's diversity initiatives, achieving record enrollment figures and fundraising milestones for women's leadership programs.1 2 4

Consulting and Coaching

In addition to her role at Chief, Stefanco is the founder of Baret Leadership Consulting, where she provides executive coaching and strategic guidance to leaders across various sectors. Her consulting work focuses on navigating leadership challenges, enhancing governance diversity, and fostering global educational partnerships.1 2

Achievements and Recognition

Awards: She received the Helen Gurley Brown Foundation Genius Award for her visionary leadership in higher education.
Thought Leadership: Carolyn is recognized as a thought leader in women's issues and global higher education, frequently speaking at national conferences and contributing to scholarly discussions on these topics.1 2 4

Community Engagement

Stefanco is involved with several boards and organizations aimed at promoting educational equity and women's leadership. Her extensive experience includes serving as a board member for the International Leadership Association and participating in various initiatives to support women's advancement in academia.2 3

Overall, Carolyn Stefanco exemplifies a commitment to leadership development and advocacy for women in higher education, making her a valuable member of Chief and an influential figure in her field.