CAL State LA Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to academic excellence and student success, CAL State LA fosters an inclusive environment that drives regional economic growth and social mobility through accessible higher education programs.

Leadership Roles at CAL State LA

  • Vice President of Admin and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Cal State LA - Claudio Lindow
  • Chief Operating Officer - Ramona Martinez
  • President - Gabriel Galvan
  • President - James Rosser
  • 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 administrative integrity of the institution. Overseeing the university budget and long-term financial planning, the Vice President of Admin and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Cal State LA ensures that capital investments align with strategic academic goals. This leadership role involves navigating complex state funding models and diversifying revenue streams to support campus expansion. By maintaining transparent financial reporting, Claudio Lindow builds trust with stakeholders and regulatory bodies. The Vice President of Admin and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Cal State LA directs the procurement and human resources departments to maximize cost-efficiency. Through prudent fiscal oversight, Lindow protects the university against economic volatility. This dedication to financial stewardship enables the institution to provide high-quality education while maintaining fiscal responsibility across all regional operations.

    Ramona Martinez - Chief Operating Officer

    Ramona Martinez, the Chief Operating Officer at CAL State LA, directs all internal business processes and campus infrastructure initiatives. Overseeing the daily operational efficiency of the university, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that administrative workflows support the broader academic mission. This leadership role involves managing complex facility requirements and optimizing resource allocation across the Los Angeles campus. By streamlining cross-departmental communication, Ramona Martinez directly impacts the quality of the student experience. The Chief Operating Officer maintains rigorous standards for campus safety and operational sustainability. Through the implementation of data-driven management strategies, Martinez improves institutional agility. This focus on operational excellence allows the university to maintain its commitment to public education while scaling services to meet the needs of a diverse student body. Ultimately, Martinez secures the foundational stability required for long-term academic growth and institutional success.

    Gabriel Galvan - President

    Gabriel Galvan, the President at CAL State LA, defines the overarching strategic vision and academic priorities for the university. Overseeing the executive leadership team, the President ensures that all institutional activities align with the core mission of providing accessible, high-quality public education. This leadership role involves engaging with community partners and state officials to advocate for the needs of the student population. By fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity, Gabriel Galvan drives the university toward greater regional impact. The President manages the relationship with the Board of Trustees and sets the tone for campus-wide initiatives. Through the promotion of academic excellence, Galvan elevates the reputation of the institution within the California State University system. This commitment to leadership excellence allows the university to address the evolving demands of the workforce while maintaining a focus on student-centered learning and community engagement.

    James Rosser - President

    James Rosser, the President at CAL State LA, focuses on the long-term development of academic programs and the expansion of research capabilities. Overseeing the faculty senate and academic affairs, the President ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to the needs of the diverse student body. This leadership role involves cultivating partnerships with industry leaders to create pathways for student career advancement. By championing academic rigor, James Rosser directly impacts the success of graduates entering the workforce. The President directs the development of new degree programs that address emerging market trends and societal challenges. Through the promotion of scholarly activity, Rosser enhances the intellectual profile of the university. This dedication to academic growth allows the institution to maintain its status as a leader in public higher education. Ultimately, Rosser secures the future of the university by fostering an environment where teaching and research thrive in tandem.

    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 and technological roadmap for the entire campus. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems and cybersecurity protocols, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools necessary for modern academic success. This leadership role involves managing large-scale data networks and cloud-based services that support the university mission. By modernizing campus technology, Berhanu Tadesse directly impacts the efficiency of research and administrative functions. The Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation initiatives that enhance connectivity across the Los Angeles region. Through the implementation of robust IT governance, Tadesse secures sensitive institutional data. This focus on technological innovation allows the university to remain competitive in an increasingly digital educational landscape while providing seamless access to essential academic resources.
    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 Ramona Martinez (Chief Operating Officer) and Gabriel Galvan (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), Ramona Martinez (Chief Operating Officer), Gabriel Galvan (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.