Dan Napolitano ’93, MSEd ’98 named Chief of Staff of The New School

ALFRED, NY – Dan Napolitano ’93, MSEd ’98 will depart Alfred University after 28 years of employment to become the Chief of Staff for The New School in Manhattan, New York City, effective May 2.

In his new role Napolitano will report directly to The New School Provost Dr. Renée White, who oversees academic affairs for their six schools, university-wide research, student affairs, enrollment management, and several other departments and initiatives.

Napolitano earned a B.F.A. from Alfred University in 1993 and a master’s in College Student Development, also from Alfred University, in 1998.

While at Alfred, Napolitano has served as the associate dean of the School of Art and Design and Performing Arts Division, chief diversity officer, director of Student Activities and A.L.A.N.A. (African, Latin, Asian, and Native-American) Affairs.

Napolitano’s accomplishments exemplify Alfred University’s “outside of ordinary” approach to education, often creating programming and opportunities beyond his job description. As a B.F.A. student, he co-created a popular late night comedy series called Friday Night Live. As the director of Student Activities, he co-produced the University’s version of the Oscars with the annual Alfie Awards program from 1995-15. In his role as chief diversity officer, his award-winning Art Force 5 program used art as an avenue to explore issues of power and privilege within numerous communities.

In his final five years with the School of Art and Design, the Women’s Empowerment Draft harnessed sports enthusiasm to honor women’s history icons. Napolitano takes pride in noting that these programs were strategically created to give students a brighter spotlight while building a community where all members felt valued. Napolitano will continue his Art Force 5 and Women’s Empowerment Draft social practice with the hopes that he finds opportunities to grow these programs within new communities, continuing his goal of broadening the impact.

“We are grateful that these programs thrived at Alfred University, which remains the birthplace of such important work,” shared Dean Lake. “We wish Dan much success and hope there will be opportunities for Alfred University to collaborate with Dan on future programming as he carries the projects forward.” 

Napolitano shares his sincere gratitude to the Alfred University community for the many growth opportunities and the hundreds of lasting friendships with colleagues, students, and alumni. He and his wife Tricia Debertolis (MSEd ’95, College Student Development,), and their children Sophie, Noah, and Ella cherish their involvement within the broader community—including Alfred-Almond School, St. Jude’s and Union University Churches, BSA Troop 19, ACC Fund for Women—alongside so many committed community neighbors and leaders. Dan and Tricia hope to provide an “Alfriendly” bridge between this special hometown and their new home in Brooklyn, NY.