Empire State College Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Empire State College has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, communications, and presidential leadership.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Empire State College provides flexible online degrees and personalized support, empowering diverse students to achieve their academic and professional aspirations across the nation.

Leadership Roles at Empire State College

  • To The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer - Pamela Malone
  • President - James Hall
  • President - Alfred Ntoko
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Danielle McMullen
  • Chief Communications Officer (Cco) - Cherie Haughney
  • Pamela Malone - To The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer

    Pamela Malone, the To The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer at Empire State College, architects the institution's financial strategy and provides essential advisory counsel on fiscal matters. Malone oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring the university maintains its commitment to affordability and accessibility. This leadership position involves developing financial models that support the expansion of online undergraduate and graduate programs, certificates, and microcredentials. Pamela Malone's expertise is crucial in navigating the complex financial landscape of higher education, enabling SUNY Empire to offer robust support services and financial aid to its diverse student population. The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer drives financial sustainability, allowing the university to invest in innovative educational technologies and maintain its high standards of student success across the United States.
    Pamela Malone

    James Hall - President

    James Hall, the President at Empire State College, provides executive leadership and strategic vision for the entire institution. Hall directs the university's mission to deliver flexible, accessible, and affordable online degrees and credentials to a broad spectrum of students, including first-time, transfer, and returning learners, as well as military personnel and veterans. This presidential role involves fostering an environment of academic excellence and personalized support, ensuring that over 120 online programs meet the evolving needs of the student body. James Hall's leadership guides the institution's commitment to innovation in online education and the expansion of resources such as financial aid and academic advising. The President ensures that Empire State College remains at the forefront of accessible higher education, driving student success and empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals nationwide.

    Alfred Ntoko - President

    Alfred Ntoko, the President at Empire State College, provides executive leadership and strategic vision for the entire institution. Ntoko directs the university's mission to deliver flexible, accessible, and affordable online degrees and credentials to a broad spectrum of students, including first-time, transfer, and returning learners, as well as military personnel and veterans. This presidential role involves fostering an environment of academic excellence and personalized support, ensuring that over 120 online programs meet the evolving needs of the student body. Alfred Ntoko's leadership guides the institution's commitment to innovation in online education and the expansion of resources such as financial aid and academic advising. The President ensures that Empire State College remains at the forefront of accessible higher education, driving student success and empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals nationwide.

    Danielle McMullen - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Danielle McMullen, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Empire State College, directs critical operational initiatives and supports the strategic direction of the institution. McMullen manages key projects that enhance the university's administrative efficiency and student support services, aligning departmental efforts with overarching institutional goals. This role involves close collaboration with various departments to ensure seamless execution of strategic plans and to foster an environment of continuous improvement. Danielle McMullen's focus remains on optimizing internal processes and facilitating effective communication across all levels of the university, thereby strengthening the delivery of affordable and accessible online education. The Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that the university's operational framework effectively supports its mission to serve a diverse student body, including military personnel and veterans, by providing robust academic advising and resources.

    Cherie Haughney - Chief Communications Officer (Cco)

    Cherie Haughney, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) at Empire State College, directs the institution's comprehensive communication strategies and public relations efforts. Haughney shapes the university's brand narrative, ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms to highlight SUNY Empire's commitment to flexible online degrees and personalized student support. This role is vital in articulating the value proposition of the university's extensive offerings, from undergraduate and graduate programs to microcredentials, to prospective students, alumni, and stakeholders. Cherie Haughney oversees internal and external communications, managing media relations, digital content, and institutional messaging to enhance the university's reputation and reach. The Chief Communications Officer (Cco) plays a pivotal part in promoting the accessibility and affordability of education, reinforcing the institution's dedication to student success for diverse learners across the United States.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Empire State College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Empire State College?
    Empire State College is led by Pamela Malone (To The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as James Hall (President) and Alfred Ntoko (President).
    Who is part of Empire State College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Empire State College includes leaders such as Pamela Malone (To The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer), James Hall (President), Alfred Ntoko (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Empire State College have?
    Empire State College has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Empire State College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Empire State College includes roles such as To The Strategic Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, President, President, Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Communications Officer (Cco).