Padula has served for 22 years in the Division of Human Resources, most recently as Director of Benefits, Retirement, and Human Resources information systems.

Padula has implemented various state-of-the-art platforms to streamline critical HR processes, and has introduced best-in-class retirement programs for all faculty and staff.  He was instrumental in the implementation of the first New Employee Orientation Program and new generation retiree health program for over 1,000 retirees.

Prior to joining Rensselaer in 2001, Padula worked for 10 years as vice president and trustee in the investment services division at Bank of America (formally Fleet Financial Corp.), and seven years as an actuarial, benefits, and compensation consultant with Milliman Inc. and Coopers & Lybrand, LLC.

Padula obtained his B.A. in mathematics from the College of St. Rose and his master's degree in management with a concentration in international business from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.