Staff Directory

Martha E. Schall

Associate Vice President for Institutional Affairs

martha.schall@yale.edu

Martha Schall leads the Office of Institutional Affairs in supporting the work of the Yale Corporation, the University Council and other governance activities of the university. 

Prior to joining Yale’s governance team in 2015, Martha was president of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Foundation. Previously, Martha served in a variety of roles in the Yale Office of Development, including as an associate vice president for development and as the managing director of the Yale Alumni Fund. She earned a B.A. in History from Yale University, and an M.B.A. in Finance and Management from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Christen Ruff

Associate Director for Institutional Affairs

christen.ruff@yale.edu

Christen Ruff supports the work of the Yale Corporation and University Council as the operational leader for the Office of Institutional Affairs. She manages all logistics for their meetings and engagement with campus life.  She also oversees the annual alumni fellow election.

Prior to joining the Office of Institutional Affairs in 2018, Christen was Chief of Staff and Administration for the Department of Urology at Yale School of Medicine. Christen received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Education from the University of Georgia.

Sarah Thieneman

Assistant Director of Institutional Affairs

sarah.thieneman@yale.edu

Sarah Thieneman joined the Office of Institutional Affairs in August 2023. She supports the work of the Yale Corporation, University Council, and the Honorary Degrees Committee.

Previously, Sarah advanced Yale’s international fundraising efforts as a program coordinator (2017-2023) and supported faculty at the Yale School of Management (2016-2017). Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Barnard College, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Southern Connecticut State University.

Kristine Rubano

Senior Administrative Assistant

kristine.rubano@yale.edu

Kristine Rubano joined Yale in March 2016. In her role, she assists with the logistical operations of meetings and events for the Yale Corporation and University Council. She is responsible for all Yale Corporation and University Council related travel arrangements.

Prior to joining Yale, Kristine worked in a variety of office settings in higher education, including admissions and residential life. She earned a B.S. in Liberal Studies from Southern Connecticut State University.

Amy Shaw

Senior Administrative Assistant

amy.shaw@yale.edu

Amy Shaw joined Yale in March 2024. She assists with the logistical operations of meetings and events for the Yale Corporation and University Council.

Prior to joining Yale, Amy served in various administrative roles, most recently as the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of the Del Norte County Unified School District and Del Norte County Office of Education. She earned a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Phoenix.