CAL State LA Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

CAL State LA has 5 executives leading key functions including operations, financial administration, information technology, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and student success, CAL State LA provides accessible higher education programs while fostering a diverse learning environment that drives regional economic growth and social mobility across California.

Leadership Roles at CAL State LA

  • Vice President of Admin and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Cal State LA - Claudio Lindow
  • Chief Operating Officer - Stephen Mechlinski
  • President - James Rosser
  • President - Gabriel Galvan
  • Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Berhanu Tadesse
  • Claudio Lindow - Vice President of Admin and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Cal State LA

    Claudio Lindow, the Vice President of Admin and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Cal State LA at CAL State LA, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire institution. Lindow oversees the allocation of state funding and tuition revenue, ensuring long-term financial sustainability for academic programs. By architecting robust financial reporting systems, the Vice President of Admin and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Cal State LA provides transparency to the Board and external stakeholders. Claudio Lindow directs the administrative departments responsible for procurement, payroll, and human resources, creating a stable foundation for faculty and staff. This leadership role involves balancing complex budgetary requirements with the need for continuous investment in campus technology and infrastructure. Through strategic financial planning, Lindow supports the university's mission to provide affordable, high-quality education to a diverse student population while maintaining fiscal responsibility across all regional operations.

    Stephen Mechlinski - Chief Operating Officer

    Stephen Mechlinski, the Chief Operating Officer at CAL State LA, directs all internal campus operations to ensure seamless delivery of academic services. Mechlinski manages the physical infrastructure and facility maintenance, optimizing campus resources to support a high-quality student experience. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enhances operational efficiency across the university system. Stephen Mechlinski coordinates with department heads to align daily activities with the broader mission of providing accessible public education. This leadership role involves overseeing large-scale campus projects that improve safety and accessibility for the entire student body. Through rigorous oversight of logistical frameworks, Mechlinski maintains the functional integrity of the institution. The Chief Operating Officer consistently evaluates performance metrics to refine service delivery models, ensuring that the university remains a premier destination for academic advancement within the competitive landscape of California higher education.

    James Rosser - President

    James Rosser, the President at CAL State LA, defines the overarching strategic vision and academic mission for the university. Rosser leads the institution in fostering partnerships with community organizations and industry leaders to expand student opportunities. By setting high standards for academic excellence, the President ensures that the university remains a vital contributor to the regional workforce. James Rosser engages with the Board and faculty to promote research initiatives and student-centered programs that define the institution's market position. This leadership role involves representing the university in public forums and advocating for increased support for public higher education. Through consistent focus on student outcomes, Rosser drives the university's commitment to social mobility and inclusive excellence. The President maintains a clear focus on long-term growth, ensuring that the institution continues to provide high-value degrees that meet the evolving demands of the modern economy.

    Gabriel Galvan - President

    Gabriel Galvan, the President at CAL State LA, executes the strategic initiatives focused on campus culture and student engagement. Galvan oversees the development of extracurricular programs and student support services that enhance the overall university experience. By fostering an inclusive campus environment, the President ensures that all students have access to the resources needed for academic success. Gabriel Galvan collaborates with student government and faculty committees to address emerging needs and improve campus life. This leadership role involves managing external relations and promoting the university's achievements to a broader audience. Through active participation in community outreach, Galvan strengthens the connection between the institution and the surrounding region. The President prioritizes the expansion of student services, ensuring that the university remains a supportive and dynamic environment for learning. By focusing on student-centered growth, Galvan contributes to the university's reputation as a leader in public education.

    Berhanu Tadesse - Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Berhanu Tadesse, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer at CAL State LA, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern academic instruction and administrative efficiency. Tadesse manages the university's network security, data management systems, and instructional technology platforms. By implementing scalable cloud solutions, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty maintain reliable access to essential digital resources. Berhanu Tadesse collaborates with academic leadership to integrate innovative software tools into the classroom, enhancing the overall learning experience. This leadership role involves protecting sensitive institutional data while supporting the technological needs of a large, diverse campus community. Through the deployment of advanced cybersecurity protocols, Tadesse safeguards the university's digital assets. The Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation strategy, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of educational technology within the California higher education system.
    Berhanu Tadesse

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CAL State LA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CAL State LA?
    CAL State LA is led by Claudio Lindow (Vice President of Admin and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Cal State LA), along with executives such as Stephen Mechlinski (Chief Operating Officer) and James Rosser (President).
    Who is part of CAL State LA’s executive team?
    The executive team of CAL State LA includes leaders such as Claudio Lindow (Vice President of Admin and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Cal State LA), Stephen Mechlinski (Chief Operating Officer), James Rosser (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CAL State LA have?
    CAL State LA has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CAL State LA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CAL State LA includes roles such as Vice President of Admin and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Cal State LA, Chief Operating Officer, President, President, Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer.