Occidental College Executive and Leadership Team

Amos Himmelstein, the Chief Operating Officer at Occidental College, directs the administrative and financial infrastructure supporting the institution. Himmelstein manages the daily operational requirements of the campus, ensuring that facilities and fiscal resources align with the broader mission of providing a high-quality liberal arts education. By overseeing the allocation of capital and the maintenance of physical assets, the Chief Operating Officer creates an environment conducive to student success. Amos Himmelstein also coordinates with other executive leaders to streamline institutional processes and improve organizational efficiency across the Los Angeles campus. This role involves balancing the immediate needs of the college with long-term strategic goals, ultimately securing the financial health of the institution. Through rigorous oversight of campus services, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational standards necessary for a premier urban liberal arts college to thrive in a competitive educational landscape.

Nicholas McHugh, the President at Occidental College, serves as the primary architect of the institutional vision and long-term strategic direction. McHugh manages the relationships with external stakeholders, including donors, alumni, and the broader academic community, to secure the resources necessary for growth. By overseeing the implementation of academic policies, the President ensures that the college maintains its reputation for excellence in the liberal arts. Nicholas McHugh also fosters a culture of inclusivity and intellectual rigor, guiding the institution through the challenges of a pluralistic society. This leadership role involves balancing the diverse needs of faculty, students, and staff while maintaining the financial stability of the college. Through the strategic guidance of the President, the institution continues to prepare students for leadership in an interdependent world, ensuring that the mission of the college remains central to every decision made at the executive level.

Marlene Lozano, the President at Occidental College, directs the administrative and academic initiatives that define the student experience. Lozano manages the implementation of strategic plans designed to enhance the national profile of the college as a premier liberal arts institution. By overseeing the recruitment of top-tier faculty, the President ensures that the academic programs remain rigorous and relevant in a changing world. Marlene Lozano also engages with the local community to strengthen the urban presence of the college, creating opportunities for student research and service. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to ensure that the financial and operational goals of the institution are met with precision. Through the dedicated efforts of the President, the college continues to provide a transformative educational experience, preparing students to navigate the complexities of a pluralistic society with confidence and intellectual depth.

Tom Stritikus, the President at Occidental College, leads the strategic vision and operational execution of the institution. Stritikus manages the development of academic partnerships that expand the reach and influence of the college within the higher education sector. By overseeing the allocation of resources, the President ensures that the mission of providing a high-quality liberal arts education remains the top priority. Tom Stritikus also works to enhance the campus culture, promoting an environment where diversity and academic inquiry flourish. This leadership role involves communicating the value of the college to external audiences and securing the support necessary for continued growth. Through the strategic direction provided by the President, the institution remains committed to preparing students for leadership in an increasingly complex world, ensuring that the legacy of the college continues to evolve and thrive in the modern era.

Thomas Slobko, the Chief Information Officer at Occidental College, architects the digital framework that supports academic research and administrative workflows. Slobko manages the integration of advanced computing systems, ensuring that faculty and students possess the tools required for modern scholarship. By prioritizing cybersecurity and data integrity, the Chief Information Officer protects the intellectual property and personal information of the entire campus community. Thomas Slobko also collaborates with academic departments to implement innovative software solutions that enhance the learning experience. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging technologies to maintain the competitive edge of the college within the higher education sector. Through the strategic deployment of network infrastructure, the Chief Information Officer facilitates seamless communication and data access across all departments. Slobko ensures that the technological foundation remains robust, scalable, and aligned with the evolving needs of a diverse and intellectually curious student body.

Melissa Gamba, the Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Occidental College, directs the talent acquisition and employee development strategies for the institution. Gamba manages the recruitment of diverse faculty and staff, ensuring that the workforce reflects the values of the college. By overseeing benefits administration and labor relations, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and retention. Melissa Gamba also implements policies that promote equity and inclusion across all departments, directly impacting the organizational culture. This leadership role involves navigating complex employment regulations while maintaining high standards of service for the entire campus community. Through the strategic management of human capital, the Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer supports the mission of the college by ensuring that the people driving the educational experience remain engaged, motivated, and aligned with the long-term goals of the institution.

Steven Gilman, the Assistant VP, Technical Services & Chief Technology Officer at Occidental College, oversees the implementation of specialized hardware and software solutions across the campus. Gilman manages the technical support teams responsible for maintaining the integrity of classroom technology and research laboratories. By architecting scalable cloud infrastructure, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that digital resources remain accessible to students and faculty at all times. Steven Gilman also coordinates with the IT department to troubleshoot complex system issues and optimize performance for academic applications. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between technical requirements and pedagogical needs, ensuring that the college remains at the forefront of educational innovation. Through the continuous improvement of technical services, the Assistant VP, Technical Services & Chief Technology Officer supports the research and teaching objectives of the institution, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of the educational experience provided to the student body.

James Uhrich, the Vice President, ITS & Chief Information Officer at Occidental College, directs the overarching information technology strategy for the entire institution. Uhrich manages the alignment of digital initiatives with the academic mission, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for learning and discovery. By overseeing the development of enterprise-wide systems, the Chief Information Officer facilitates efficient data management and administrative reporting. James Uhrich also leads the planning for future technology investments, ensuring that the college remains prepared for the demands of an increasingly digital world. This leadership role involves working closely with the Board and other executives to prioritize projects that maximize institutional impact. Through the strategic oversight of information technology services, the Vice President, ITS & Chief Information Officer ensures that the campus remains connected, secure, and capable of supporting the complex needs of a modern liberal arts college in a globalized environment.

Leslie Dennis, the Board of Governors at Occidental College, provides the essential oversight and fiduciary responsibility required to maintain the institutional mission. Dennis participates in the governance of the college, ensuring that all strategic decisions align with the long-term interests of the student body and the faculty. By reviewing financial reports and institutional performance, the Board of Governors holds the executive leadership accountable for achieving key objectives. Leslie Dennis also contributes to the development of policies that shape the future of the college, focusing on sustainability and academic quality. This leadership role involves representing the interests of the broader community while providing guidance on major capital projects and endowment management. Through the active participation of the Board of Governors, the college maintains its commitment to providing a distinctive liberal arts education, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in the higher education landscape for generations to come.