Seth Grossman Chief of Staff
Seth currently serves as the Chief of Staff and Counselor to the President of American University and as an adjunct professor of law at AU's Washington College of Law. At AU, Seth supervises the unive…
Welcome to the President's Office
The staff in the President's Office serve as a liaison between various constituencies (students, parents, faculty, neighbors, alumni) and the university administration. The office is open between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The building once served as the residence for American University's chancellors (later called presidents). The building was completed in 1925 and is a reproduction of the Macey House, built in 1854 on Nantucket Island. The building stands in what was the front yard of the General Murdock Home, The Old Farmhouse, which originally stood on this property.
We welcome your questions and comments at president@american.edu.
President's Office Staff
Sarah Evans Special Assistant
Sarah Evans joined the Office of the President in June 2019 as Special Assistant. During her time as a graduate student at the School of Public Affairs, she served as a research assistant at The Lab @…
Sherri Kum Administrative Coordinator
Sherri Kum joined American University June 2018 to provide direct support to the Chief of Staff & Counselor to the President and to the Secretary to the Board of Trustees. Sherri has more than 20 year…
Community and Government Relations
Edward Fisher AVP, Community & Government Relations
Maria Barry Director of Community Relations
Maria Barry joined American University in June 2019. Maria discovered a dedication to community development and social justice after working on a state-wide referendum in Maryland and completing her B…
Special Events
Lisa Arakaki Senior Director of Special Events
Lisa Arakaki works closely with campus partners to coordinate large-scale events including commencement, All-American Weekend, Staff Appreciation, Celebrate AU, and the Faculty-Staff Holiday Party. In…
Strategic Implementation
Geralynn Franceschini Executive Director of Strategic Implementation
Geralynn serves as Executive Director supporting the President and Chief of Staff of American University in the implementation of the Strategic Plan. She has extensive global corporate and management …
Katherine Van Order Project Manager
Kate serves as Project Manager supporting the Executive Director of Strategy Implementation in the Office of the President. She has extensive management consulting experience and a successful track re…