North Central College Welcomes New Leaders in Finance and Enrollment Strategy Divisions

President Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá announced two new members to the North Central College leadership team. After extensive national searches, Sandra Zurawski has been appointed vice president for finance and chief financial officer (CFO), and Dr. Michelle Kronfeld has been appointed vice president for enrollment strategy. These leaders began their new roles on July 1, 2026.

“I am delighted to welcome these veteran higher education leaders to our leadership team and to the broader Cardinal community,” said President Gòkè-Paríolá. “Sandra and Michelle join North Central College at an exciting time. In a competitive higher education landscape, we continue to stand out from the crowd by offering students a highly personalized experience that prioritizes community, connection, and the development of career-ready skills within our wonderful hometown of Naperville. Our entire institution will benefit from the knowledge, experience, and leadership that Sandra and Michelle bring to their new roles.”

Zurawski was previously director, national laboratories, finance strategy & compliance, at the University of Chicago, where she provided strategic financial and operational support for a complex portfolio of scientific research and national laboratory partnerships. She also served as executive director, budget and financial planning, at Governors State University in University Park, Ill., leading budgeting and long-range financial planning. In addition, Zurawski brings more than two decades of private sector experience as a finance manager at Motorola Solutions, Inc. Zurawski earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from DePaul University and her MBA in finance from DePaul’s Kellstadt School of Business.

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to contribute to North Central College’s continued financial strength, strategic advancement, and long-term success in support of the NCForward strategic plan,” said Zurawski. “Education has the power to transform lives by creating opportunities for growth, knowledge, and financial well-being. It has shaped my own career, and I am grateful to use my experience to help create those same opportunities for others. I am honored to join the Cardinal family and excited to help advance North Central’s mission and future.”

Kronfeld most recently served as vice president for enrollment management at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisc., with responsibility for student recruitment and admissions, financial aid, marketing, academic advising, and enrollment operations. Prior to Viterbo, she directed graduate student recruitment and admissions at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. Kronfeld earned her bachelor’s degree in international business from Illinois State University, her MBA from St. Ambrose, and her PhD in educational policy and leadership studies from the University of Iowa.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead such a talented and experienced enrollment team at North Central College,” said Kronfeld. “I look forward to partnering closely with colleagues across the Cardinal community to continue to build upon recent enrollment successes. This is an exciting time to join President Gòkè-Paríolá and his leadership team to continue to strengthen North Central for future generations of students.”