Christen Ruff
Director of Institutional Affairs
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
Associate Director of Institutional Affairs
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 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.
Jenny Paul
Senior Administrative Assistant
Jenny Paul joined Yale in January 2026. In her role, she supports the planning and execution of meetings and events for the Yale Corporation and University Council.
Previously, Jenny provided administrative and event support to the Computer Science Department at Brown University. She brings over ten years of experience in event logistics and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Villanova University.