Lafayette College Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lafayette College has 10 executives leading key functions including administration, information technology, and institutional leadership.

Driven by academic rigor, Lafayette College is dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity and preparing students for impactful careers through a blend of liberal arts and engineering disciplines, shaping minds through interdisciplinary scholarship and a rich history of achievement.

Leadership Roles at Lafayette College

  • President - Benjamin Franco
  • President, Women In Law - Samantha Marchica
  • Co-President, Forensics Team (Lafayette) - William Moncada-Luna
  • President - Charlotte Carter
  • Founder and President of Women's Basketball Club - Charlotte Kinsella
  • President - Gisele Ismail
  • President - Nicole Hurd
  • President, Food & Farm Cooperative (Lafayette) - Harrison Zoller
  • Administrative To The Office of The Operations Coordinator & Chief Information Officer - Tracey Itterly
  • Vice President, Chief Information Officer - David Lifka
  • Benjamin Franco - President

    Benjamin Franco, the President at Lafayette College, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Franco guides the college's mission to offer a unique combination of liberal arts and engineering programs, fostering academic excellence and community engagement. This executive role involves setting the vision for interdisciplinary scholarship and shaping the college's commitment to preparing students for impactful careers. Benjamin Franco oversees all major institutional initiatives, ensuring alignment with the college's dedication to innovation and undergraduate research opportunities. The President works closely with faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees to advance the college's educational objectives and enhance its national reputation. Franco's leadership is central to maintaining Lafayette College's vibrant campus life and its commitment to shaping the minds of a diverse student body from across the nation and globe.

    Samantha Marchica - President, Women In Law

    Samantha Marchica, the President, Women In Law at Lafayette College, leads an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering female students pursuing legal careers. Marchica spearheads initiatives aimed at fostering professional development, networking opportunities, and mentorship within the legal field for women. This leadership position involves organizing events, workshops, and guest speaker sessions that provide valuable insights into the legal profession. Samantha Marchica works to create a supportive community where aspiring female lawyers can connect with peers and established professionals. The role emphasizes building confidence and providing resources to navigate the challenges and opportunities within law school and future legal practice. Marchica's efforts contribute to the college's broader goal of shaping well-rounded individuals prepared for diverse career paths.

    William Moncada-Luna - Co-President, Forensics Team (Lafayette)

    William Moncada-Luna, the Co-President, Forensics Team (Lafayette) at Lafayette College, shares leadership responsibilities for the college's competitive forensics program. Moncada-Luna collaborates with fellow co-presidents to organize team activities, manage participation in competitions, and foster skill development in public speaking, debate, and argumentation. This role is crucial for enhancing students' communication abilities and critical thinking skills, directly supporting the college's emphasis on interdisciplinary scholarship. William Moncada-Luna oversees the team's operational aspects, ensuring effective practice sessions and strategic preparation for various forensic events. The co-presidency involves motivating team members and representing the forensics team within the broader campus community. Moncada-Luna's dedication contributes to the vibrant campus life and the development of well-articulated students.

    Charlotte Carter - President

    Charlotte Carter, the President at Lafayette College, provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for the institution's academic and operational functions. Carter is instrumental in advancing the college's unique blend of liberal arts and engineering programs, ensuring a commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. This leadership position involves guiding the college's mission to shape students' minds through interdisciplinary scholarship and opportunities for undergraduate research. Charlotte Carter collaborates with faculty and administrators to foster an innovative learning environment that prepares students for diverse and impactful careers. The President's role is central to maintaining the college's vibrant campus life and its dedication to serving a diverse student body. Carter's strategic vision drives the college's continued pursuit of academic achievement and its role in fostering intellectual growth.

    Charlotte Kinsella - Founder and President of Women's Basketball Club

    Charlotte Kinsella, the Founder and President of Women's Basketball Club at Lafayette College, established and leads the organization dedicated to promoting women's participation in basketball. Kinsella drives the club's mission to provide a platform for student-athletes to engage in the sport, develop teamwork, and foster a spirit of camaraderie. This leadership role involves organizing practices, coordinating games, and managing club operations to ensure a positive and engaging experience for all members. Charlotte Kinsella works to build a strong community around women's basketball, encouraging skill development and sportsmanship. The founder's vision is key to enhancing the vibrant campus life and offering diverse extracurricular opportunities. Kinsella's initiative supports the college's commitment to holistic student development and active community engagement.

    Gisele Ismail - President

    Gisele Ismail, the President at Lafayette College, directs the institution's strategic initiatives and operational management, upholding its commitment to academic excellence. Ismail guides the college's unique educational model, which integrates liberal arts with engineering, fostering interdisciplinary scholarship among students. This executive role focuses on enhancing the student experience through opportunities for undergraduate research and innovation. Gisele Ismail works to ensure the college effectively serves its diverse student body, promoting a vibrant campus life and robust community engagement. The President's leadership is critical in advancing the college's mission to shape informed and capable individuals prepared for future challenges. Ismail's strategic direction supports the college's ongoing pursuit of academic achievement and its impact on shaping future leaders.

    Nicole Hurd - President

    Nicole Hurd, the President at Lafayette College, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the institution's academic and operational endeavors. Hurd champions the college's distinctive approach, merging liberal arts education with engineering disciplines to cultivate interdisciplinary scholarship. This pivotal role involves overseeing initiatives that enrich student learning, including undergraduate research and global study opportunities. Nicole Hurd is dedicated to fostering a dynamic campus environment that supports a diverse student population and encourages active community engagement. The President's leadership is fundamental to advancing Lafayette College's mission of shaping intellectually curious individuals prepared for meaningful contributions to society. Hurd's strategic oversight ensures the college continues its legacy of academic distinction and impactful education.
    Nicole Hurd

    Harrison Zoller - President, Food & Farm Cooperative (Lafayette)

    Harrison Zoller, the President, Food & Farm Cooperative (Lafayette) at Lafayette College, leads an organization focused on sustainable agriculture and food systems within the campus community. Zoller directs initiatives related to the cooperative's operations, including cultivation, distribution, and educational outreach regarding food production. This role is vital for promoting practical learning experiences in agriculture and fostering a deeper understanding of food systems among students. Harrison Zoller works to enhance the cooperative's impact by organizing volunteer efforts, workshops, and events that connect students with sustainable farming practices. The leadership position involves managing resources and ensuring the cooperative's alignment with the college's broader goals for community engagement and interdisciplinary learning. Zoller's efforts contribute to a more sustainable campus and provide valuable hands-on experience.

    Tracey Itterly - Administrative To The Office of The Operations Coordinator & Chief Information Officer

    Tracey Itterly, the Administrative To The Office of The Operations Coordinator & Chief Information Officer at Lafayette College, provides critical administrative support for operational initiatives and information technology strategy. This role ensures the seamless functioning of key administrative processes, directly impacting the efficiency of both the operations coordinator and the Chief Information Officer. Overseeing daily administrative tasks, Tracey Itterly facilitates communication and workflow between departments, ensuring that operational directives are clearly understood and executed. The position demands meticulous attention to detail in managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and preparing essential documentation. By maintaining organized records and supporting the implementation of IT policies, Tracey Itterly contributes to the college's commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. This administrative function is vital for the smooth operation of the college's technological infrastructure and overall operational management.
    Tracey Itterly

    David Lifka - Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    David Lifka, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Lafayette College, directs the institution's comprehensive information technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all aspects of technology services, Lifka ensures that the college's digital environment robustly supports its mission of academic excellence and interdisciplinary scholarship. This leadership role involves architecting and implementing advanced technological solutions that enhance student learning, faculty research, and administrative operations. David Lifka guides the integration of innovative digital tools and platforms, fostering an environment where technology empowers educational outcomes. The Chief Information Officer is responsible for cybersecurity, data management, and the overall reliability of the college's IT systems, safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring uninterrupted access to critical resources. Lifka's strategic vision drives the college's digital transformation, aligning technology investments with the institution's long-term goals for growth and community engagement.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lafayette College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Lafayette College?
    Lafayette College is led by Benjamin Franco (President), along with executives such as Samantha Marchica (President, Women In Law) and William Moncada-Luna (Co-President, Forensics Team (Lafayette)).
    Who is part of Lafayette College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lafayette College includes leaders such as Benjamin Franco (President), Samantha Marchica (President, Women In Law), William Moncada-Luna (Co-President, Forensics Team (Lafayette)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lafayette College have?
    Lafayette College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Lafayette College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Lafayette College includes roles such as President, President, Women In Law, Co-President, Forensics Team (Lafayette), President, Founder and President of Women's Basketball Club.