Leadership Overview
Essex County College has 10 executives leading key functions including administrative strategy, financial oversight, information technology, and academic governance.
Committed to accessible higher education, Essex County College fosters academic excellence through diverse programs and state-of-the-art facilities across multiple New Jersey campuses to empower student success.
Committed to accessible higher education, Essex County College fosters academic excellence through diverse programs and state-of-the-art facilities across multiple New Jersey campuses to empower student success.
Leadership Roles at Essex County College
Kaprou Kiswendsida - Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer
Kaprou Kiswendsida, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer at Essex County College, directs the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the institution. Kiswendsida oversees the allocation of funds to support high-tech classrooms and advanced laboratories, ensuring that financial resources align with educational objectives. By managing complex audit processes and regulatory compliance, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer secures the long-term economic stability of the college. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of revenue streams and expenditure patterns to maintain affordability for students from diverse backgrounds. Kaprou Kiswendsida implements robust financial controls that protect institutional assets while enabling expansion into specialized areas like the Police Academy. The Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board of Trustees to present transparent financial reports. Through strategic fiscal management, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar invested contributes to the mission of providing accessible, life-long learning opportunities.
Kiswendsida Parkouda - Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer
Kiswendsida Parkouda, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer at Essex County College, manages the procurement and supply chain logistics required for campus operations. Parkouda optimizes the purchasing power of the institution to acquire state-of-the-art equipment for academic departments. By analyzing cost-efficiency across the Newark and West Caldwell locations, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer reduces overhead expenses without compromising educational quality. This role involves negotiating vendor contracts and overseeing the financial aspects of capital improvement projects. Kiswendsida Parkouda ensures that all fiscal activities adhere to state guidelines and institutional policies. The Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer provides critical data to the executive team to support informed decision-making regarding future growth. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial integrity of the college, allowing the institution to focus on its core commitment to student success and community development.
Ketan Gandhi - Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer
Ketan Gandhi, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer at Essex County College, manages the grant administration and federal funding programs that support student financial aid. Gandhi ensures that all financial assistance initiatives comply with rigorous reporting standards, maximizing the impact of available resources. By overseeing the financial health of specialized programs, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer enables the college to maintain its open-door policy for students with diverse abilities. This role involves coordinating with state and federal agencies to secure funding for academic expansion and facility upgrades. Ketan Gandhi provides the financial analysis necessary to sustain the college's mission of affordability. The Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer works closely with the administration to balance the budget while investing in student-centered services. Through strategic financial planning, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer secures the resources required to foster a nurturing atmosphere where students can excel academically.
Shalia Story - Liaison To President and Board of Trustees
Shalia Story, the Liaison To President and Board of Trustees at Essex County College, facilitates communication between executive leadership and the governing board. Story manages the preparation of board agendas and ensures that all policy discussions align with the college's strategic mission. By coordinating meetings and documenting key decisions, the Liaison To President and Board of Trustees maintains the continuity of institutional governance. This role involves tracking legislative updates that affect higher education in New Jersey and advising the President on potential impacts. Shalia Story ensures that the Board of Trustees receives accurate, timely information to guide their oversight responsibilities. The Liaison To President and Board of Trustees acts as a central point of contact for external stakeholders, promoting the college's reputation for excellence. Through effective management of board relations, the Liaison To President and Board of Trustees supports the long-term vision of providing accessible, high-quality education to the community.
Daisy Paucar - President of the Chemistry Club
Daisy Paucar, the President of the Chemistry Club at Essex County College, leads student-driven initiatives that promote scientific inquiry and academic engagement. Paucar organizes workshops and laboratory demonstrations that complement the curriculum, providing students with hands-on experience in chemistry. By fostering a collaborative environment, the President of the Chemistry Club encourages students to explore research opportunities and pursue careers in STEM fields. This role involves coordinating with faculty advisors to ensure that club activities align with the college's high-tech teaching modalities. Daisy Paucar manages the club's budget and event planning, ensuring that all activities remain accessible to the diverse student body. The President of the Chemistry Club serves as a bridge between the student population and the science department, advocating for resources that enhance the learning experience. Through active leadership, the President of the Chemistry Club contributes to the vibrant, nurturing atmosphere that defines the college's commitment to student success.
Phyllis Walker - NJEA Local President
Phyllis Walker, the NJEA Local President at Essex County College, represents the interests of faculty and staff to ensure a productive and supportive work environment. Walker negotiates collective bargaining agreements and advocates for professional development opportunities that enhance teaching quality. By maintaining open lines of communication with the administration, the NJEA Local President addresses workplace concerns and promotes institutional stability. This role involves participating in committees that shape academic policies and campus culture. Phyllis Walker ensures that the voices of educators are heard in discussions regarding the college's mission and operational goals. The NJEA Local President works to align staff needs with the objective of providing affordable, high-quality education to students. Through dedicated advocacy, the NJEA Local President fosters a collaborative atmosphere where faculty can focus on student achievement. The NJEA Local President remains committed to upholding the standards of excellence that define the college's role in the community.
Augustine Boakye - President
Augustine Boakye, the President at Essex County College, defines the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Boakye oversees all academic and administrative functions, ensuring that the college remains committed to its mission of providing affordable, high-quality education. By leading the executive team, the President drives initiatives that expand the college's reach, including the development of the Police Academy and the enhancement of the Newark and West Caldwell campuses. This role involves engaging with community leaders and stakeholders to secure support for student-centered programs. Augustine Boakye prioritizes the creation of a nurturing atmosphere that encourages students from diverse backgrounds to excel. The President monitors institutional performance metrics to ensure that the college meets the evolving needs of the workforce. Through decisive leadership, the President guides the institution toward long-term growth and sustainability, ensuring that the college continues to serve as a vital resource for higher education in the region.
Michael Cioce - President
Michael Cioce, the President at Essex County College, focuses on the operational scaling and infrastructure development required to support a growing student population. Cioce directs the modernization of campus facilities, ensuring that classrooms and laboratories utilize the latest teaching modalities. By analyzing market trends in higher education, the President identifies new opportunities for program expansion and community partnerships. This role involves managing the college's external relations and promoting the value of an Essex County College education to prospective students. Michael Cioce implements policies that streamline student services, from enrollment to graduation, to improve retention rates. The President collaborates with the Board of Trustees to ensure that all strategic decisions align with the college's commitment to affordability and accessibility. Through a focus on operational excellence, the President strengthens the college's position as a leader in community-based higher education, ensuring that the institution remains responsive to the needs of the local workforce.
Teresa Ruiz - Deputy Chief of Staff
Teresa Ruiz, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Essex County College, coordinates high-level administrative operations to ensure institutional efficiency. Ruiz manages internal communications and aligns departmental workflows with the broader mission of providing affordable, high-quality education. By facilitating collaboration between the President and various academic divisions, the Deputy Chief of Staff optimizes resource allocation across the Newark and West Caldwell campuses. This role involves monitoring project timelines and ensuring that administrative policies support the diverse student body. Teresa Ruiz maintains rigorous standards for operational transparency, which directly impacts the college's ability to serve the community effectively. Through careful oversight of daily administrative functions, the Deputy Chief of Staff strengthens the organizational framework necessary for academic growth. The Deputy Chief of Staff remains focused on streamlining processes to enhance the overall experience for students and faculty alike, ensuring that institutional goals remain the primary priority.
Mohamed Seddiki - IT Executive Dean & Chief Information Officer
Mohamed Seddiki, the IT Executive Dean & Chief Information Officer at Essex County College, architects the digital infrastructure that supports modern teaching modalities. Seddiki oversees the deployment of high-tech classroom technology and secure network systems across all campus locations. By integrating advanced software solutions, the IT Executive Dean & Chief Information Officer enhances the learning environment for students and faculty. This role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive institutional data and student records. Mohamed Seddiki leads the digital transformation initiatives that enable remote and hybrid learning opportunities, expanding the reach of the college. The IT Executive Dean & Chief Information Officer collaborates with academic leaders to ensure that technology remains a catalyst for educational innovation. Through the implementation of scalable IT systems, the IT Executive Dean & Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency and supports the college's commitment to providing a cutting-edge educational experience for every student.
Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities
Ranked #7 in Australia and among the top 100 universities globally, UTS offers industry-led degrees with a strong emphasis on career-ready skills. The university is located in Sydney's tech precinct and collaborates with industry leaders to develop practice-based learning approaches. UTS serves a diverse range of students, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and international students, while also engaging in cutting-edge research and sustainability initiatives. With a high graduate employment rate, UTS is committed to driving positive change in society through education and innovation.
Company Leadership
NK
OS
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a diverse range of innovative, hands-on practical skills and modern theoretical learning across various fields including agriculture, engineering, hospitality, and the arts. The institution provides qualifications from certificates to higher education degrees, catering to both local and international students. With a commitment to supporting students through scholarships and job placement services, Melbourne Polytechnic aims to enhance career pathways for its learners. Recognized as the Large Training Provider of the Year at the 2024 Victorian Training Awards, it continues to expand its offerings, including Free TAFE courses.
Company Leadership FC
AQ
PK
MM
Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Pensacola, Florida, Pensacola Christian College is an educational establishment that offers secondary education for those seeking to obtain a degree while maintaining Christian values.
Company Leadership BG
EK
RM
Seminole State College is a comprehensive community college established in 1931 that serves a diverse student population through a broad range of academic and career-focused programs. The institution offers general education and university-parallel coursework designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions, alongside one- and two-year programs of collegiate-level technical and occupational education that equip individuals for direct workforce entry. Seminole State College also provides remedial and developmental education to support student success, formal and informal continuing education programs tailored to community needs, and special support services that enrich the overall educational experience. The college is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that values student agency and self-directed goal achievement, with institutional policies and procedures prioritized around measurable student impact. To maximize educational quality and accessibility, Seminole State College employs diverse teaching methodologies and technology-enabled delivery to serve students of varying backgrounds and experiences while maintaining partnerships with regional colleges, universities, and employers to enhance program quality and service breadth. The institution dedicates resources exclusively to high-quality offerings and operates an institutional research function to continuously improve operational efficiency and effectiveness. Guided by principles of professionalism, compassion, mutual respect, and integrity, Seminole State College positions itself as a catalyst for academic success, personal development, and lifelong learning within its service area, recognizing that student achievement remains the foremost consideration in all institutional decision-making and resource allocation.
Company Leadership GH
LR
SM
LR
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Essex County College Top Executives and Leadership Team
