Kimberlee Eberle-Sudré named Pitt Chancellor Joan Gabel’s chief of staff

University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Joan Gabel has named Kimberlee Eberle-Sudré (EDUC '20G), senior director of strategic initiatives, as chief of staff.

"Since I first worked with Kimberlee Eberle-Sudré at the Association of American Universities, I have been impressed with her expertise in educational policy, collaborative approach and can-do attitude, which she has brought in abundance in her return to the University of Pittsburgh. Kimberlee has proven to be a valuable partner in several strategic initiatives, and I look forward to working with her in this new capacity," said Chancellor Gabel. "I want to thank Kevin Washo for his remarkable service to me and to the chancellor's office, along with his work to ensure a smooth leadership transition. In a short period of time, Kevin has stood up a strong external relations organization, and I look forward to continuing to partner with him to advance Pitt's reach, reputation, and key initiatives of the Plan for Pitt 2028."

Eberle-Sudré joined Chancellor Gabel's office in February in a role created to help advance high-impact priorities that align with the chancellor's strategic vision and support Pitt's long-term goals. The hire marked a return to the University for Eberle-Sudré, who first worked at Pitt as a K-12 outreach instructor and coordinator for the Center for Latin American Studies from 2009 to 2012 and later earned a PhD in administrative and policy studies from the School of Education in 2020.

As chief of staff, Eberle-Sudré joins the chancellor's senior leadership team and assumes a role formerly held by Kevin Washo, who was elevated to senior vice chancellor of external relations in April.

"Since she returned to Pitt, Kimberlee has been exceptional to work with," said Washo. "She's smart, collaborative and has a real knack for strategic action and getting things done. As a fellow Pitt alumnus, I know the unique passion and commitment she brings to serving this institution, her alma mater, at the highest level. I am personally looking forward to continuing our close partnership to ensure a seamless transition."

In this role, Eberle-Sudré will add to her existing responsibilities: ensuring that institutional priorities are clearly defined, aligned and effectively implemented across the University, and partnering with the chancellor and senior leadership team to anticipate change, identify opportunities and guide Pitt.

"I'm grateful for Chancellor Gabel's confidence in me, and I appreciate the warm welcome that I've received across campus," said Eberle-Sudré. "I'm excited to return to Pitt as a proud graduate and to work alongside our campus community to help transform the chancellor's vision into action that delivers lasting impact."

Before returning to the University, Eberle-Sudré was the program director of education at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, where she led a revitalization of the academy's education portfolio. Her leadership resulted in the launch of the Commission on Opportunities After High School and expansion of the academy's signature Higher Education Forum in Aspen, Colorado.

Previously, at the Association of American Universities, Eberle-Sudré directed a broad portfolio that included membership policy and processes, policy research and other initiatives across the nation's leading research universities.

Her career in higher education spans the federal, state and institutional levels, including roles with EdTrust, the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the U.S. Department of Education, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Kansas.

Eberle-Sudré holds a bachelor's degree in English and women's studies from Wittenberg University, a master's degree in higher education administration from the University of Kansas and a PhD in administrative and policy studies from Pitt.