Essex County College Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Essex County College has 10 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, financial oversight, administrative operations, and board governance.

Committed to academic excellence and workforce development, Essex County College provides accessible education through diverse associate degree programs and customized training for students across the region.

Leadership Roles at Essex County College

  • Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer - Kiswendsida Kaprou
  • Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer - Ketan Gandhi
  • President - Augustine Boakye
  • President Emeritus - A. Yamba
  • President & Chairperson - Lynne Cummins
  • Senior President, Essex County Services Advisory Council - Beverly Oliphant
  • Liaison To President and Board of Trustees - Shalia Story
  • Chief of Staff - Pavi Jalloh
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Teresa Ruiz
  • Executive Dean and Chief Information Officer of Administrative and Learn - Mohamed Seddiki
  • Kiswendsida Kaprou - Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer

    Kiswendsida Kaprou, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer at Essex County College, directs the fiscal strategy and budgetary planning for the entire institution. Kaprou manages the allocation of financial resources to support academic programs, facility maintenance, and workforce development initiatives. By implementing robust accounting controls, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and fiscal responsibility across all departments. Kiswendsida Kaprou also analyzes revenue streams and expenditure patterns to maintain the college's long-term financial health. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Trustees to present accurate financial reports and secure funding for future growth. Through careful management of institutional assets, Kaprou enables the college to provide affordable education to a wide demographic of students. Ultimately, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer safeguards the financial integrity of the institution, ensuring that resources remain available to support the diverse educational needs of the community.

    Ketan Gandhi - Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer

    Ketan Gandhi, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer at Essex County College, focuses on internal auditing and the optimization of financial reporting systems. Gandhi manages the compliance framework for all institutional grants and state funding, ensuring that every dollar supports the college's educational mission. By refining procurement processes, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer reduces operational costs and improves resource efficiency. Ketan Gandhi also works closely with external auditors to maintain the highest standards of financial accountability. This leadership role involves analyzing the economic impact of workforce development partnerships to ensure sustainable growth for the institution. Through the strategic management of cash flow and investment portfolios, Gandhi provides the financial stability required for the college to serve its diverse student demographic effectively. Ultimately, the Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer strengthens the fiscal foundation of the college, allowing for continued investment in academic programs and student support services.

    Augustine Boakye - President

    Augustine Boakye, the President at Essex County College, defines the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Boakye leads the executive team in advancing the college's commitment to providing quality, affordable education to the community. By fostering partnerships with local businesses and four-year universities, the President expands opportunities for student transfer and workforce placement. Augustine Boakye also represents the college in regional and national forums, advocating for policies that support accessibility and lifelong learning. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Trustees to ensure that institutional goals align with the evolving needs of students and the labor market. Through the promotion of academic excellence and inclusive growth, the President drives the institution's mission forward. Ultimately, Boakye secures the long-term viability of the college, ensuring that it remains a vital resource for traditional students, adult learners, and veterans alike.

    A. Yamba - President Emeritus

    A. Yamba, the President Emeritus at Essex County College, provides historical context and strategic counsel to the current leadership team. Yamba supports the institution by offering insights into long-term academic development and community engagement strategies. By maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and alumni, the President Emeritus helps preserve the college's legacy of accessibility and educational quality. A. Yamba also participates in advisory capacities, assisting the administration in navigating complex institutional challenges. This role involves mentoring emerging leaders and ensuring that the core values of the college remain central to all decision-making processes. Through the application of extensive experience, the President Emeritus contributes to the stability and continuity of the institution's mission. Ultimately, Yamba serves as a bridge between the college's past achievements and its future aspirations, ensuring that the commitment to student success remains the primary focus of all administrative efforts.

    Lynne Cummins - President & Chairperson

    Lynne Cummins, the President & Chairperson at Essex County College, governs the board activities while overseeing the executive leadership of the institution. Cummins directs the strategic planning process, ensuring that all academic and administrative initiatives support the college's mission of providing affordable education. By chairing board meetings, the President & Chairperson facilitates consensus on critical policy decisions and resource allocation. Lynne Cummins also monitors the performance of the college against its stated goals, providing accountability and guidance to the executive team. This leadership role involves balancing the needs of diverse student groups with the requirements of local business partners and workforce development programs. Through the effective management of board relations and institutional governance, Cummins ensures that the college remains responsive to the community. Ultimately, the President & Chairperson drives the strategic vision that enables the institution to maintain its reputation for academic excellence and student support.

    Beverly Oliphant - Senior President, Essex County Services Advisory Council

    Beverly Oliphant, the Senior President, Essex County Services Advisory Council at Essex County College, manages the integration of community services with the college's educational offerings. Oliphant coordinates with local organizations to ensure that students have access to necessary support systems, including career counseling and workforce training resources. By leading the advisory council, the Senior President, Essex County Services Advisory Council facilitates collaboration between the college and regional stakeholders to address the needs of adult learners and veterans. Beverly Oliphant also evaluates the effectiveness of community outreach programs, adjusting strategies to maximize student engagement and success. This role involves advocating for the college's role as a hub for lifelong learning and economic development. Through the alignment of external services with internal academic goals, Oliphant enhances the overall student experience. Ultimately, the Senior President, Essex County Services Advisory Council strengthens the connection between the institution and the broader community.

    Shalia Story - Liaison To President and Board of Trustees

    Shalia Story, the Liaison To President and Board of Trustees at Essex County College, manages the flow of information between the executive office and the governing board. Story ensures that all board members receive timely updates on institutional performance, academic initiatives, and financial status. By coordinating meeting schedules and documentation, the Liaison To President and Board of Trustees facilitates efficient governance and decision-making. Shalia Story also tracks the implementation of board-approved policies, ensuring that the administration remains aligned with the strategic vision of the college. This role involves maintaining clear communication channels to support transparency and accountability across the institution. Through the careful management of board relations, Story enables the leadership team to focus on delivering quality education to the diverse student body. Ultimately, the Liaison To President and Board of Trustees plays a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity and operational focus of the college.

    Pavi Jalloh - Chief of Staff

    Pavi Jalloh, the Chief of Staff at Essex County College, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across all academic departments. Jalloh manages the daily workflow of the president's office, ensuring alignment between institutional goals and departmental execution. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff enhances organizational efficiency and supports the college's mission of providing affordable, high-quality education. Pavi Jalloh also monitors key performance indicators to track progress on strategic initiatives, providing critical data to the leadership team for informed decision-making. This role involves frequent collaboration with the Board of Trustees to maintain institutional standards and compliance. Through rigorous oversight of internal projects, the Chief of Staff drives the successful implementation of policies that benefit both traditional students and adult learners. Ultimately, Jalloh secures the operational stability necessary for the institution to thrive within the competitive landscape of higher education.

    Teresa Ruiz - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Teresa Ruiz, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Essex County College, supports the executive office by managing complex administrative projects and cross-functional initiatives. Ruiz oversees the logistical execution of institutional priorities, ensuring that academic programs and workforce development training remain accessible to the diverse student body. By facilitating communication between faculty leadership and administrative staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff maintains organizational cohesion. Teresa Ruiz also monitors the progress of long-term strategic goals, providing essential support to the Chief of Staff in maintaining operational excellence. This position requires constant engagement with various stakeholders to ensure that college resources align with the needs of veterans and adult learners. Through meticulous planning and project management, Ruiz optimizes internal workflows, allowing the institution to focus on its core mission of student success. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief of Staff contributes to the overall effectiveness of the college's administrative framework.

    Mohamed Seddiki - Executive Dean and Chief Information Officer of Administrative and Learn

    Mohamed Seddiki, the Executive Dean and Chief Information Officer of Administrative and Learn at Essex County College, architects the digital infrastructure and administrative systems that support student learning. Seddiki oversees the integration of educational technology into the classroom, ensuring that both local and international students have access to modern learning tools. By managing the college's information systems, the Executive Dean and Chief Information Officer of Administrative and Learn optimizes data security and operational efficiency. Mohamed Seddiki also leads the development of administrative processes that simplify enrollment and academic tracking for the diverse student population. This role involves coordinating with faculty to align technological resources with curriculum requirements, thereby enhancing the overall educational experience. Through the implementation of scalable IT solutions, Seddiki supports the institution's commitment to accessibility and academic excellence. Ultimately, the Executive Dean and Chief Information Officer of Administrative and Learn drives the digital transformation necessary for modern community college success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Essex County College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Essex County College?
    Essex County College is led by Kiswendsida Kaprou (Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Ketan Gandhi (Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer) and Augustine Boakye (President).
    Who is part of Essex County College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Essex County College includes leaders such as Kiswendsida Kaprou (Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer), Ketan Gandhi (Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer), Augustine Boakye (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Essex County College have?
    Essex County College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Essex County College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Essex County College includes roles such as Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer, Senior Comptroller & Chief Financial Officer, President, President Emeritus, President & Chairperson.