Lehman College Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lehman College has 10 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, administrative operations, information technology, academic support, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence, Lehman College provides diverse undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences while fostering student success through rigorous intellectual engagement and community-focused educational initiatives.

Leadership Roles at Lehman College

  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Galindo
  • Founder & President - Samrin Alam
  • President - José Cruz
  • President - Kadiatou Diallo
  • President - Miriam Bernal
  • President - Lisbeth Figueroa
  • President- Psychology Club - Sakib Shikder
  • Chief of Staff - William Murray
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Ediltrudys Ruiz
  • Chief of Staff To the Provost - Beba Alvarado-Torrech
  • Michael Galindo - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Galindo, the Chief Financial Officer at Lehman College, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the institution. Overseeing the allocation of resources across various liberal arts and science departments, the Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment with long-term institutional goals. This leadership role involves monitoring complex funding streams and optimizing operational expenditures to support the academic mission. By implementing robust financial controls, Michael Galindo directly impacts the ability of the college to provide high-quality education. Furthermore, Galindo coordinates with the broader administrative team to secure funding for campus infrastructure and research initiatives. Through meticulous oversight of the budget, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the economic stability necessary for the college to thrive within the competitive landscape of higher education. This position requires constant vigilance regarding state funding and private grants to sustain the diverse academic programs offered to the student body.

    Samrin Alam - Founder & President

    Samrin Alam, the Founder & President at Lehman College, establishes the foundational vision and strategic direction for specific student-led initiatives. Overseeing the development of organizational frameworks, the Founder & President ensures that student groups contribute meaningfully to the campus culture. This leadership role involves mentoring student members and fostering an environment of collaborative learning. By initiating programs that bridge the gap between theory and practice, Samrin Alam directly impacts the extracurricular experience of the student body. Furthermore, Alam coordinates with university administration to secure resources and support for student-led projects. Through the creation of sustainable organizational structures, the Founder & President promotes long-term engagement and leadership development among students. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying student needs and translating those needs into actionable programs that enhance the overall educational experience at the college.

    José Cruz - President

    José Cruz, the President at Lehman College, provides the overarching strategic vision and executive leadership for the entire institution. Overseeing the long-term growth and academic reputation of the college, the President ensures that all departments remain aligned with the mission of providing high-quality liberal arts and science education. This leadership role involves engaging with external stakeholders, government officials, and the broader community to secure support for institutional goals. By championing initiatives that promote student success and faculty research, José Cruz directly impacts the trajectory of the college. Furthermore, Cruz manages the executive team to ensure operational excellence across all administrative and academic units. Through the implementation of comprehensive strategic plans, the President drives the college toward greater regional and national prominence. This position requires a deep commitment to the values of public education and the ability to lead a diverse community toward shared success.

    Kadiatou Diallo - President

    Kadiatou Diallo, the President at Lehman College, focuses on the expansion of international partnerships and global academic outreach. Overseeing the development of cross-cultural programs, the President ensures that the college remains connected to global educational trends. This leadership role involves fostering relationships with international institutions to facilitate student exchange and collaborative research. By promoting a global perspective within the liberal arts curriculum, Kadiatou Diallo directly impacts the cultural competency of the student body. Furthermore, Diallo manages the integration of international initiatives into the broader strategic framework of the college. Through the cultivation of global networks, the President enhances the reputation of the institution as a center for diverse and inclusive learning. This position requires a strategic approach to international relations and the ability to leverage global opportunities to benefit the local campus community in the Bronx.
    Kadiatou Diallo

    Miriam Bernal - President

    Miriam Bernal, the President at Lehman College, directs the community engagement and local outreach efforts for the institution. Overseeing the development of partnerships with local organizations and businesses, the President ensures that the college remains a vital resource for the surrounding community. This leadership role involves creating programs that provide students with real-world experience through local internships and service-learning opportunities. By strengthening the ties between the college and the Bronx, Miriam Bernal directly impacts the social and economic development of the region. Furthermore, Bernal manages the public relations strategy to highlight the contributions of the college to the local area. Through the promotion of community-based initiatives, the President fosters a sense of civic responsibility among students and faculty. This position requires a deep understanding of the local landscape and the ability to translate community needs into effective institutional programs.

    Lisbeth Figueroa - President

    Lisbeth Figueroa, the President at Lehman College, leads the efforts to enhance student support services and campus wellness initiatives. Overseeing the coordination of counseling, health services, and student life programs, the President ensures that the campus environment supports the holistic well-being of the student body. This leadership role involves implementing policies that improve student retention and graduation rates through targeted support mechanisms. By prioritizing the mental and physical health of students, Lisbeth Figueroa directly impacts the overall academic performance and satisfaction of the campus community. Furthermore, Figueroa manages the allocation of resources to student-centered facilities and programs. Through the development of a supportive campus culture, the President creates an environment where students can thrive both personally and academically. This position requires a compassionate approach to leadership and the ability to address the diverse needs of a large and active student population.

    Sakib Shikder - President- Psychology Club

    Sakib Shikder, the President- Psychology Club at Lehman College, manages the academic enrichment activities and peer-led research discussions within the psychology department. Overseeing the organization of guest lectures and workshops, the President- Psychology Club ensures that students have access to supplemental learning opportunities beyond the classroom. This leadership role involves facilitating student-led research projects and promoting professional development in the field of psychology. By creating a platform for intellectual exchange, Sakib Shikder directly impacts the academic engagement of psychology majors. Furthermore, Shikder coordinates with faculty advisors to ensure that club activities align with the broader academic goals of the department. Through the management of student-led initiatives, the President- Psychology Club fosters a vibrant community of learners dedicated to the study of human behavior. This position requires strong organizational skills and a passion for advancing the field of psychology among the student body.

    William Murray - Chief of Staff

    William Murray, the Chief of Staff at Lehman College, coordinates executive communications and streamlines administrative workflows across the campus. Managing the daily operations of the president's office, the Chief of Staff facilitates collaboration between academic departments and external stakeholders. This leadership role involves executing strategic initiatives that enhance the institutional reputation and operational efficiency. By organizing high-level meetings and managing critical projects, William Murray ensures that the college remains focused on its core mission of providing accessible education. Furthermore, Murray acts as a primary liaison for the board, translating institutional objectives into actionable tasks for faculty and staff. Through the management of complex administrative processes, the Chief of Staff supports the overall growth and development of the institution. This role demands a deep understanding of the academic environment to effectively navigate the challenges inherent in managing a large, multifaceted university unit.

    Ediltrudys Ruiz - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Ediltrudys Ruiz, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Lehman College, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy for the entire campus. Overseeing the implementation of advanced learning management systems and secure data networks, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools required for modern academic success. This leadership role involves modernizing campus-wide IT services to support both remote and in-person instruction. By integrating innovative software solutions, Ediltrudys Ruiz directly impacts the efficiency of administrative and academic functions. Furthermore, Ruiz manages cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive institutional data while facilitating seamless access to digital resources. Through the strategic deployment of technology, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation of the college. This position requires constant adaptation to emerging educational technologies to maintain the competitive edge of the institution in the digital age.

    Beba Alvarado-Torrech - Chief of Staff To the Provost

    Beba Alvarado-Torrech, the Chief of Staff To the Provost at Lehman College, manages the academic administrative functions and supports the provost in executing educational policies. Overseeing the coordination of faculty affairs and curriculum development, the Chief of Staff To the Provost ensures that academic programs align with the mission of the college. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the provost and department chairs to maintain high standards of instruction. By streamlining the academic review process, Beba Alvarado-Torrech directly impacts the quality of the liberal arts and science curriculum. Furthermore, Alvarado-Torrech manages the scheduling and implementation of academic initiatives that promote student retention and success. Through the careful management of academic operations, the Chief of Staff To the Provost supports the overall intellectual growth of the institution. This position requires a deep commitment to academic excellence and the ability to navigate the complexities of university governance.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lehman College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Lehman College?
    Lehman College is led by Michael Galindo (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Samrin Alam (Founder & President) and José Cruz (President).
    Who is part of Lehman College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lehman College includes leaders such as Michael Galindo (Chief Financial Officer), Samrin Alam (Founder & President), José Cruz (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lehman College have?
    Lehman College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Lehman College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Lehman College includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Founder & President, President, President, President.