Leadership Transitions at CUIMC

With the decision of Minouche Shafik to step down as president of Columbia University on Aug. 14, several leaders at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons have taken on interim and expanded roles.

Katrina Armstrong, who was appointed dean of VP&S and CEO of Columbia University Irving Medical Center in 2022, has agreed to serve as interim president of Columbia University. Armstrong will retain her roles as chief executive officer of CUIMC, executive vice president for health and biomedical sciences for Columbia University, and Harold and Margaret Hatch Professor of the University.

During Armstrong’s time as interim president, James McKiernan, senior vice dean for clinical affairs at VP&S and CEO of ColumbiaDoctors, has agreed to serve as interim dean of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

McKiernan also is the John K. Lattimer Professor of Urology, chair of the Department of Urology, and a 1993 graduate of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Wil McKoy, chief financial officer at CUIMC, and Jenn Williamson, associate vice dean for research policy and scientific strategy at VP&S, will also assume larger roles in the management of CUIMC. McKoy has been appointed interim chief operating officer of CUIMC, overseeing Facilities, Information Technology, Campus Services, Human Resources, Communications, and Community and Government Affairs. Williamson has taken on a newly created position as chief of staff for Katrina Armstrong, supporting initiatives across VP&S and CUIMC. Williamson also will continue to serve as associate vice dean of research policy and scientific strategy.