Bard College Executive and Leadership Team

Gideon Lester, the Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer at Bard College, directs the creative vision and operational strategy for the institution. Overseeing the integration of performing arts into the broader academic mission, the Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer ensures that artistic programming aligns with the rigorous liberal arts standards of the network. This leadership role involves managing complex partnerships with public school systems to foster student engagement through high-level cultural immersion. By coordinating with the Board and academic leadership, Gideon Lester drives the expansion of the Fisher Center initiatives. The Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on sustainable growth across all campuses, ensuring that the unique educational model remains accessible to underrepresented communities. Through constant evaluation of artistic impact, the Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term relevance of the institution within the national educational landscape.

James Brudvig, the Vice President-Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer at Bard College, manages the fiscal health and administrative infrastructure of the entire network. Overseeing the allocation of resources across ten degree-granting campuses, the Vice President-Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial operations support the delivery of tuition-free college study. This leadership role involves balancing complex budgets while maintaining the integrity of the liberal arts curriculum. By implementing robust financial controls, James Brudvig secures the necessary funding to sustain partnerships with public school systems. The Vice President-Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to provide transparent reporting on institutional growth and asset management. Through strategic financial planning, the Vice President-Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to expand its reach to historically underrepresented communities, ensuring long-term fiscal stability for the entire academic enterprise.

Lean Botstein, the President at Bard College, provides the primary academic and institutional leadership for the entire multi-campus network. Overseeing the pedagogical standards and the expansion of the liberal arts curriculum, the President ensures that the immersion model remains rigorous and effective for all students. This leadership role involves setting the strategic direction for the organization, fostering partnerships with public school systems, and advocating for the importance of tuition-free college access. By guiding the executive team, Lean Botstein maintains the focus on serving low-income and historically underrepresented communities across the country. The President works directly with the Board to uphold the academic mission while navigating the challenges of higher education policy. Through consistent engagement with faculty and administrators, the President drives the growth of the network, ensuring that the institution continues to provide a seamless pathway to higher education for thousands of adolescents.

Malia Mont, the Vice President, Strategy & Policy Chief of Staff at Bard College, architects the long-term institutional roadmap and policy frameworks. Managing the execution of strategic initiatives, the Vice President, Strategy & Policy Chief of Staff ensures that the multi-campus network maintains operational consistency across five states and Washington, D.C. This role involves translating high-level academic goals into actionable policy, facilitating seamless pathways for students transitioning from public high schools to college-level study. By aligning departmental objectives with the overarching mission of tuition-free liberal arts access, Malia Mont optimizes organizational efficiency. The Vice President, Strategy & Policy Chief of Staff coordinates closely with executive leadership to navigate the complexities of public-private partnerships. Through rigorous data analysis and policy development, the Vice President, Strategy & Policy Chief of Staff strengthens the institutional capacity to serve low-income populations effectively while scaling the network footprint.

Debra Pemstein, the Vice President, Development Alumni & Chief Administrative Officer, AE Affairs, Fisher Center For The Performing Arts at Bard College, directs institutional advancement and alumni engagement efforts. Overseeing the fundraising strategies that support the network, the Vice President, Development Alumni & Chief Administrative Officer, AE Affairs, Fisher Center For The Performing Arts ensures that philanthropic resources align with the mission of providing tuition-free college study. This role involves cultivating relationships with donors to expand the reach of the liberal arts model into new public school systems. By managing administrative affairs for the Fisher Center, Debra Pemstein integrates performing arts into the broader student experience. The Vice President, Development Alumni & Chief Administrative Officer, AE Affairs, Fisher Center For The Performing Arts coordinates with academic leadership to highlight the success of graduates. Through targeted development campaigns, the Vice President, Development Alumni & Chief Administrative Officer, AE Affairs, Fisher Center For The Performing Arts secures the financial future of the institution.