Rutgers-Newark Welcomes New Chief-of-Staff Amy Díaz

Amy Díaz, the new Chief of Staff at Rutgers University–Newark, has stepped into her role after arriving from Indiana University Northwest, where she served as Chief of Staff and Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and External Affairs.

At Rutgers-Newark, she will lead in areas such as administration and operations, strategic initiatives, systems-focused growth, innovation, and advancing internal and external partnerships. She will also serve on the Chancellor’s Cabinet.

“Rutgers University-Newark speaks to much of what I value in higher education, a dynamic urban anchor institution with the ambition and momentum to achieve R1 status,’’ said Díaz.  “The university’s deep commitment to student success, ensuring that every student has the resources and support to thrive and complete their journey, combined with its vision for leaning into its growing Big Ten identity, reflects the kind of forward-thinking institution where I am excited to contribute.”

“I look forward to helping advance a vision that opens doors for students who represent the full promise of what higher education can and should be,’’ she added.

“We are excited to have a highly experienced and talented leader,’’ said Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson.“Dr. Díaz, welcome to the land of the Scarlet Raiders and to Brick City/Newark. We look forward to your many contributions as a member of this special family -- the RU Scarlet Nation.”

Díaz, who has worked in higher education for more than 15 years, holds an EdD in Leadership and Innovation from New York University, and a Master of Public Administration (Public Management) and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Anthropology, both from DePaul University (Chicago).

Prior to IU Northwest, she was Chief of Staff to the Dean of the Driehaus College of Business at DePaul University for nine years. At previous institutions, Díaz has been responsible for campus budgets, strategic planning and implementation, organizational systems analysis, data management, business operations, government relations, development and fundraising, community engagement, inclusive excellence initiatives, and economic development.  

She also has several years of experience in the banking and financial industries from her time at Fidelity National Financial and Credit Suisse.