Palm Beach State College Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Palm Beach State College has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, human resources, and campus operations.

Driven by academic excellence, Palm Beach State College provides a supportive learning environment and a variety of resources to help students achieve their educational and career goals, fostering personal growth and lifelong learning across its multiple campuses and online options.

Leadership Roles at Palm Beach State College

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mohammed Ashara
  • Campus Provost (President) and Dean - Palm Beach Gardens Campus - Stephen Joyner
  • President - David Drinkwater
  • President - Ronald Wong
  • President - Amanda McFarlane
  • President - Ava Parker
  • Chief Information Officer - Russell Kaufman
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Michael Pustizzi
  • Mohammed Ashara - Chief Executive Officer

    Mohammed Ashara, the Chief Executive Officer at Palm Beach State College, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional direction. Ashara guides the college's commitment to academic excellence and student success, ensuring the delivery of diverse degree and certificate programs. This leadership role involves fostering a supportive learning environment and overseeing the allocation of resources to meet student educational and career objectives. By championing innovation and accessibility across multiple campuses and online platforms, Mohammed Ashara drives the college's mission to serve a vibrant community and promote personal growth, professional development, and lifelong learning throughout Florida.

    Stephen Joyner - Campus Provost (President) and Dean - Palm Beach Gardens Campus

    Stephen Joyner, the Campus Provost (President) and Dean - Palm Beach Gardens Campus at Palm Beach State College, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the Palm Beach Gardens location. Joyner ensures the delivery of high-quality academic programs and student support services tailored to the needs of the surrounding community. This leadership involves fostering a vibrant campus culture, managing faculty and staff, and driving enrollment growth. By aligning campus initiatives with the college's broader mission of academic excellence and student success, Stephen Joyner enhances the educational opportunities available to students in the northern Palm Beach County region.

    David Drinkwater - President

    David Drinkwater, the President at Palm Beach State College, provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for the institution's overall operations and mission. Drinkwater champions the college's commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement across all campuses. This role involves guiding institutional planning, resource allocation, and fostering partnerships to expand educational opportunities. By ensuring a supportive learning environment and promoting lifelong learning, David Drinkwater significantly contributes to the personal and professional development of students throughout Palm Beach County and beyond.

    Ronald Wong - President

    Ronald Wong, the President at Palm Beach State College, directs the strategic vision and operational execution of the institution. Wong is dedicated to advancing academic excellence and ensuring student success through comprehensive degree and certificate programs. This leadership position involves overseeing campus operations, faculty development, and resource management to create a supportive learning environment. By fostering innovation and accessibility, Ronald Wong strengthens Palm Beach State College's role in promoting personal growth, professional development, and lifelong learning within the vibrant Florida community it serves.
    Ronald Wong

    Amanda McFarlane - President

    Amanda McFarlane, the President at Palm Beach State College, provides critical leadership in advancing the institution's educational mission and strategic objectives. McFarlane focuses on enhancing academic programs, fostering student success, and ensuring the college remains a vital resource for the community. This role involves overseeing operational efficiency, faculty support, and the development of resources that promote personal growth and professional advancement. By championing a supportive learning environment, Amanda McFarlane reinforces Palm Beach State College's commitment to lifelong learning and career development for all students.

    Ava Parker - President

    Ava Parker, the President at Palm Beach State College, leads the institution with a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and student achievement. Parker drives strategic initiatives that enhance the college's diverse range of degree and certificate programs, ensuring a supportive learning environment for all students. This leadership role involves overseeing institutional development, fostering community partnerships, and championing lifelong learning opportunities. By guiding Palm Beach State College, Ava Parker significantly contributes to the personal growth and professional development of individuals across Palm Beach County and the broader Florida region.
    Ava Parker

    Russell Kaufman - Chief Information Officer

    Russell Kaufman, the Chief Information Officer at Palm Beach State College, architects and executes the institution's technology strategy. Kaufman oversees all aspects of information technology infrastructure, ensuring robust and secure systems that support academic and administrative functions across all campuses and online learning environments. This leadership involves managing digital resources, implementing innovative technological solutions, and safeguarding sensitive data to enhance student success and operational efficiency. By driving digital transformation initiatives, Russell Kaufman ensures Palm Beach State College remains at the forefront of educational technology, providing students and faculty with cutting-edge tools for learning and development.
    Russell Kaufman

    Michael Pustizzi - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Michael Pustizzi, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Palm Beach State College, directs all human capital management strategies and operations. Pustizzi is responsible for cultivating a positive and productive work environment, overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and benefits programs for faculty and staff across the institution. This role is critical in supporting the college's mission by ensuring a skilled and dedicated workforce committed to student success and academic excellence. By developing and implementing effective HR policies, Michael Pustizzi fosters professional development and supports the college's commitment to providing a supportive learning environment for all.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Palm Beach State College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Palm Beach State College?
    Palm Beach State College is led by Mohammed Ashara (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Stephen Joyner (Campus Provost (President) and Dean - Palm Beach Gardens Campus) and David Drinkwater (President).
    Who is part of Palm Beach State College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Palm Beach State College includes leaders such as Mohammed Ashara (Chief Executive Officer), Stephen Joyner (Campus Provost (President) and Dean - Palm Beach Gardens Campus), David Drinkwater (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Palm Beach State College have?
    Palm Beach State College has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Palm Beach State College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Palm Beach State College includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Campus Provost (President) and Dean - Palm Beach Gardens Campus, President, President, President.