Boston University’s Questrom School of Business is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kristal May as the Executive Director of the Ravi K. Mehrotra Institute for Business, Markets & Society. In this role, May will provide day-to-day leadership of the Institute, advancing its mission to explore the evolving role of business in society and to foster meaningful collaboration among researchers, students, and industry leaders.
Reporting to Institute Faculty Director Marcel Rindisbacher, Ravi K. Mehrotra Professor of Business, May will spearhead initiatives at the intersection of business, government, and social impact, and strengthen partnerships across academia, industry, and policy communities. She will also lead the Institute’s fundraising and development strategy, working with alumni, donors, and philanthropic partners to ensure long-term sustainability.
May brings to Boston University a distinguished track record of leadership in higher education, organizational management, and customer success strategy. Most recently, she served as the Head of Partner Success at Mantra Health where she led a team that developed and managed strategic wellness and mental health programs at universities across the country, including BU. She previously served as Director of Public Sector Customer Success at Pluralsight, where she led high-performing teams, developed innovative engagement strategies, and was recognized as a top-performing leader nationally. Prior to that, May spent nearly a decade as Executive Director of the Professional MBA and MBA Online programs at the University of Utah, where she managed all aspects of recruiting, admissions, alumni relations, and student services. Under her leadership, the programs consistently rose in national rankings, including achieving a top 10 placement for the MBA Online program. She also developed robust partnerships and program-related initiatives that expanded opportunities for students and faculty alike.
In addition to her administrative expertise, May is an accomplished academic and thought leader. She holds a PhD in Communication from the University of Utah and an MBA from Utah State University. Her research has focused on the persuasive power of storytelling, and her teaching experience includes courses in positive leadership, strategic communication, and international business. She currently teaches in DePaul University’s MAAPS program, guiding future leaders in positive leadership and graduate program success.
May also brings deep nonprofit governance and philanthropic leadership experience. She currently serves as Board President of YWCA Vermont, demonstrating her commitment to social equity, advocacy, and mission-driven fundraising. Her proven ability to mobilize resources and inspire stakeholder confidence will be invaluable as the Mehrotra Institute expands its research and thought leadership on sustainability, corporate governance, and the future of business in society.
“I am honored to join the Ravi K. Mehrotra Institute at such a pivotal moment in its growth,” said May. “The challenges and opportunities facing business today including sustainability, innovation, governance, and the relationship between corporations and society, require bold research, strong partnerships, and actionable insights. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, students, industry leaders, and donors to position the Mehrotra Institute as a leading voice in shaping the future of business and society.”
With May’s appointment, the Mehrotra Institute strengthens its commitment to fostering a vibrant research community, advancing applied projects with external partners, and showcasing Boston University’s leadership in business and social impact.
