President's Executive Council
, Vice President and General Counsel
Rita Colucci, Esq., joined Salem State in December 2017, as the university’s general counsel. In her role, she also oversees human resources and equal opportunity and information technology services. She is also responsible for implementation of the university’s 2023-2028 strategic plan, risk management and serves as the university’s records access officer. Her 17 years of experience in public higher education include roles as general counsel, chief of staff and board secretary, while also overseeing marketing and communications, public safety and human resources. Prior to joining the world of higher education, Colucci worked as a labor attorney and human resources director for several state agencies. Colucci holds a JD from New England/Boston and bachelor's of science in political science from Southern Connecticut State University.
, Vice President of Student Success
Bonnie Galinski has been at Salem State since 2010 and is committed to paving pathways for student success. Bonnie has worked in higher education for over 25 years, successfully leading teams in meeting enrollment and graduation goals at Salem State, Lesley University's Art Institute of Boston, Notre Dame College in New Hampshire, Newbury College and Boston University. She is a collaborative and strategic leader who is energized by the impact that education has on transforming individuals and communities. Bonnie received her education masters in policy, planning and administration from Boston University, her bachelor of arts in communication arts at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and studied at Laval University in Quebec City, Canada. She chaired and serves on the Board of the ACE Women's Network of MA and co-leads the Women's Employee Resource Group at Salem State.
, Vice President of Finance and Facilities and Chief Financial Officer
Sallyann Lopez joined 51³Ô¹Ï in 2017 and is responsible for the development of the university’s annual budget, the multi-year financial plan, and for overall fiscal accountability. As well as oversight of capital planning and facilities. Sallyann Lopez has more than two decades of financial leadership and operational expertise and has been instrumental in advancing strategic financial planning initiatives, budget transparency and continuous process improvements at Salem State as well as at the University of Massachusetts Boston, Parkwell Healthcare and Commonwealth Communities. Known for her collaborative approach, Sallyann is committed to data-informed decision-making and institutional sustainability. Her deep understanding of public higher education finance and her dedication to student-centered resource planning continue to shape Salem State’s financial strategy and infrastructure development. Sallyann received her masters of business administration from the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she also earned her bachelors of arts in anthropology, graduating cum laude.
Senior Associate Vice President and Dean of Students
Shawn A. Newton serves as senior associate vice president and dean of students at 51³Ô¹Ï, where he leads a broad portfolio within the division of Student Success. His areas of oversight include athletics, counseling and health services, residence life and housing, the Center for Justice and Liberation, campus life and recreation, career services, community standards and restorative practices, orientation and family programs, student leadership and operations, student wellness care and the student shuttle. As a member of the President’s Executive Council, he also supports critical university-wide initiatives in conference and event services, Title IX, equal opportunity, bias response, and inclusive excellence.
A proud Salem State alum, Shawn first joined the university in 1996 and held several progressively responsible roles, including assistant dean of students, before departing in 2016 to serve as associate dean of students at Suffolk University. He returned to Salem State in 2022, bringing nearly 30 years of higher education experience. Shawn holds a master of science in community economic development from Southern Hampshire University and a bachelor of science in criminal justice from 51³Ô¹Ï.
Shawn is a committed educator and practitioner, having taught courses in student affairs assessment, higher education leadership, and racial justice at institutions including Suffolk University, Merrimack College, and Salem State. His dedication to equity and community engagement is reflected in his former service as chairperson of the City of Salem Race Equity Task Force. He has also served on the boards of Spark Share (Boston, MA), St. Jean’s Credit Union, and the Salem Chamber of Commerce.
, Vice President of Advancement
With over 22 years of experience in fundraising and engagement, Mandy Ray is a dedicated advocate for accessible education and community building. She leads key areas including alumni relations, annual giving, board development, and advancement communications, while also serving as a frontline fundraiser. Her strategic leadership has contributed to the university's success in launching two major campaigns and achieving three consecutive record-breaking fundraising years, including securing the largest gift in Massachusetts State University history. Ray is committed to continuous professional growth, holding certifications such as the transformative inclusive leadership certification and completing the plus delta partners discipline in frontline fundraising program. She also holds a graduate certificate in business administration from Salem State, a fundraising certification from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and degrees in hospitality and culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University.
, Provost and Academic Vice President
With over 15 years of administrative experience, Provost David Silva, PhD joined Salem State in March 2015. He has served in numerous capacities at the University of Texas at Arlington, including his role as founding department chair of the newly established department of linguistics. In 2007, he was appointed vice provost for academic affairs where he was responsible for a broad portfolio of academic initiatives, and then went on to become the university’s vice provost for faculty affairs. As a scholar of linguistics, Silva has an extensive research portfolio that focuses on phonetic variation and language change in Korean. He has also published and presented on issues germane to university-level teaching and assessment. His scholarly work has been funded by the Fulbright Program, the Korea Foundation, and the Academy of Korean Studies, among many others. Silva holds a bachelor of arts degree from Harvard University, a master of arts in linguistics degree and a doctor of philosophy degree in linguistics, both from Cornell University. His teaching career began at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he became a full professor of linguistics.