Lafayette College Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lafayette College has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, and operations coordination.

Driven by a 200-year legacy, Lafayette College is dedicated to academic excellence, fostering undergraduate research, community engagement, and innovation across its unique liberal arts and engineering programs.

Leadership Roles at Lafayette College

  • Chief of Staff To the President - Nicole Eramo
  • President of LRAJE - Rebekah Lazar
  • President - Marquis Scholars and Fellows - Sarah Newman
  • Founder and President of Women's Basketball Club - Charlotte Kinsella
  • President, Women In Law - Samantha Marchica
  • President, Activities Forum (Lafayette) - Lauren Finlay
  • President - Gisele Ismail
  • President of Women's Club Soccer - Isabella Reid
  • Vice President, Chief Information Officer - David Lifka
  • Administrative To The Office of The Operations Coordinator & Chief Information Officer - Tracey Itterly
  • Nicole Eramo - Chief of Staff To the President

    Nicole Eramo, the Chief of Staff To the President at Lafayette College, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment for the presidential office. Eramo manages key projects and facilitates communication between the president and various college departments, ensuring smooth execution of institutional priorities. This role involves close collaboration with senior leadership to advance the college's mission of academic excellence and innovation. Overseeing critical administrative functions, Nicole Eramo supports the president's agenda by streamlining processes and enhancing organizational efficiency. The position demands a comprehensive understanding of the college's academic and administrative structures, enabling effective problem-solving and strategic planning. Eramo's leadership ensures that the presidential office operates with maximum effectiveness, contributing directly to the college's educational and research objectives.

    Rebekah Lazar - President of LRAJE

    Rebekah Lazar, the President of LRAJE at Lafayette College, leads a significant student organization focused on fostering engagement and development within its membership. Lazar directs the strategic planning and operational execution for LRAJE, ensuring its programs and initiatives align with the broader goals of student life and academic enrichment at the college. This leadership role involves overseeing club activities, managing member relations, and representing the organization's interests to college administration. By championing the objectives of LRAJE, Rebekah Lazar enhances the student experience and promotes leadership opportunities. The President of LRAJE's responsibilities include guiding the organization's growth, fostering a strong sense of community, and ensuring the successful delivery of its core mission. Lazar's dedication directly supports the vibrant campus life and personal development objectives central to Lafayette College's educational philosophy.

    Sarah Newman - President - Marquis Scholars and Fellows

    Sarah Newman, the President - Marquis Scholars and Fellows at Lafayette College, spearheads the leadership and strategic direction for a distinguished academic cohort. Newman guides the Marquis Scholars and Fellows program, focusing on cultivating academic excellence, fostering intellectual curiosity, and promoting leadership development among its members. This role involves organizing enrichment activities, facilitating peer-to-peer learning, and ensuring the program's continued success in supporting high-achieving students. By championing the Marquis Scholars and Fellows, Sarah Newman enhances the academic profile of Lafayette College and provides exceptional opportunities for student growth. The President's responsibilities include advocating for the program's resources, mentoring student participants, and ensuring alignment with the college's commitment to innovation and research. Newman's leadership directly contributes to the college's mission of shaping future leaders through rigorous academic engagement.

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

    Charlotte Kinsella, the Founder and President of Women's Basketball Club at Lafayette College, establishes and directs the strategic vision for a key student athletic organization. Kinsella leads the development and execution of club operations, focusing on promoting athletic participation, teamwork, and community engagement among student athletes. This leadership position involves overseeing team activities, managing club resources, and fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all members. By founding and leading the Women's Basketball Club, Charlotte Kinsella significantly contributes to the vibrant Division I athletics program and the overall campus life at Lafayette College. The President's responsibilities include recruiting new members, organizing training sessions, and representing the club's interests within the college's athletic framework. Kinsella's initiative directly supports the college's commitment to personal growth and holistic student development through sports.

    Samantha Marchica - President, Women In Law

    Samantha Marchica, the President, Women In Law at Lafayette College, leads a pivotal student organization dedicated to supporting and advancing women interested in legal careers. Marchica directs the strategic initiatives and operational activities of the Women In Law group, focusing on professional development, networking opportunities, and advocacy for its members. This role involves organizing workshops, inviting guest speakers from the legal profession, and fostering a supportive community for students exploring legal studies. By championing the Women In Law organization, Samantha Marchica enhances career preparedness and provides valuable resources for students at Lafayette College. The President's responsibilities include cultivating relationships with legal professionals, guiding the organization's growth, and ensuring its programs align with the college's mission of academic and professional excellence. Marchica's leadership directly supports students pursuing diverse career paths within the legal field.

    Lauren Finlay - President, Activities Forum (Lafayette)

    Lauren Finlay, the President, Activities Forum (Lafayette) at Lafayette College, directs the planning and execution of a wide array of student-centered events and activities. Finlay oversees the strategic development and operational management of the Activities Forum, ensuring a dynamic and engaging campus life for the student body. This leadership role involves coordinating event logistics, managing budgets, and collaborating with various student organizations to create diverse programming. By leading the Activities Forum, Lauren Finlay significantly enhances the extracurricular experience and fosters a vibrant community atmosphere at Lafayette College. The President's responsibilities include identifying student interests, securing necessary resources, and ensuring the successful implementation of engaging activities that contribute to personal growth and student well-being. Finlay's efforts directly support the college's commitment to a holistic educational environment.

    Gisele Ismail - President

    Gisele Ismail, the President at Lafayette College, holds a key leadership position responsible for driving institutional strategy and operational excellence. Ismail directs the overarching vision and strategic planning that guides the college's academic and administrative functions, ensuring alignment with its mission of fostering innovation and research. This executive role involves overseeing critical departments, managing stakeholder relationships, and championing initiatives that advance the college's educational objectives. By leading Lafayette College, Gisele Ismail ensures its continued commitment to academic rigor and student development. The President's responsibilities encompass fostering a culture of inquiry, promoting community engagement, and securing the resources necessary for the institution's sustained growth and impact. Ismail's leadership is instrumental in shaping the future of education and preparing students for impactful careers.

    Isabella Reid - President of Women's Club Soccer

    Isabella Reid, the President of Women's Club Soccer at Lafayette College, leads a significant student athletic organization focused on promoting participation and skill development. Reid directs the operational framework and strategic goals for the Women's Club Soccer team, emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, and community engagement. This leadership role involves managing team activities, coordinating practice schedules, and fostering a positive environment for student athletes. By leading the Women's Club Soccer program, Isabella Reid contributes to the vibrant athletic landscape and the overall student experience at Lafayette College. The President's responsibilities include recruiting new players, organizing matches, and ensuring the club operates effectively within the college's extracurricular guidelines. Reid's dedication supports the college's commitment to holistic development and active campus life.

    David Lifka - Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    David Lifka, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Lafayette College, architects the institution's technology strategy and oversees all information systems. Lifka drives the implementation of innovative technological solutions that support academic research, student learning, and administrative operations. This leadership position involves managing the IT department, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures, and enhancing digital infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of a diverse student body and faculty. By focusing on technological advancement, David Lifka ensures that Lafayette College remains at the forefront of educational technology. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include developing and executing a comprehensive IT roadmap, fostering digital literacy across campus, and optimizing resource allocation for technology investments. Lifka's strategic vision directly impacts the college's ability to deliver cutting-edge educational experiences and maintain operational efficiency.

    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 essential support for critical operational and technological functions. Itterly manages administrative tasks that ensure the seamless operation of both the Operations Coordinator's and the Chief Information Officer's offices. This role is vital for maintaining organizational efficiency and facilitating the execution of strategic projects within these key departments. By coordinating schedules, managing communications, and organizing essential documentation, Tracey Itterly directly contributes to the effective functioning of technology and operations at the college. The administrative support provided by Itterly is crucial for enabling the leadership teams to focus on their strategic objectives, thereby enhancing the overall operational capacity and technological advancement of Lafayette College.
    Tracey Itterly

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lafayette College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Lafayette College?
    Lafayette College is led by Nicole Eramo (Chief of Staff To the President), along with executives such as Rebekah Lazar (President of LRAJE) and Sarah Newman (President - Marquis Scholars and Fellows).
    Who is part of Lafayette College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lafayette College includes leaders such as Nicole Eramo (Chief of Staff To the President), Rebekah Lazar (President of LRAJE), Sarah Newman (President - Marquis Scholars and Fellows) 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 Chief of Staff To the President, President of LRAJE, President - Marquis Scholars and Fellows, Founder and President of Women's Basketball Club, President, Women In Law.