Palm Beach State College Executive and Leadership Team

Mohammed Ashara, the Chief Executive Officer at Palm Beach State College, directs the overarching institutional strategy and long-term vision for the academic community. Ashara manages the alignment of educational programs with regional workforce demands, ensuring that the institution maintains high standards of academic excellence. By coordinating with the Board and senior leadership, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation to support student success and institutional growth. Mohammed Ashara drives initiatives that expand access to higher education across Palm Beach County, fostering an environment conducive to personal and professional development. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the financial and operational health of the college. This leadership role involves constant engagement with community stakeholders to enhance the reputation and impact of the institution within the competitive landscape of Florida higher education.

Ava Parker, the President at Palm Beach State College, executes the primary mission of the institution by championing academic innovation and community engagement. Parker oversees the strategic direction of the college, ensuring that degree and certificate programs meet the evolving needs of the regional economy. By leading the executive cabinet, the President facilitates collaboration across all departments to drive institutional growth and student achievement. Ava Parker represents the college in high-level partnerships with industry leaders and government entities, expanding the reach and influence of the institution. This leadership role involves balancing fiscal responsibility with the pursuit of academic excellence, ensuring that the college remains a premier destination for lifelong learning. Through visionary guidance, the President shapes the future of the institution, fostering an environment where students, faculty, and staff thrive in a supportive and dynamic educational landscape.

Stephen Joyner, the Campus Provost (President) and Dean - Palm Beach Gardens Campus at Palm Beach State College, directs the daily operations and academic programming for the specific campus location. Joyner manages the faculty and staff at the Palm Beach Gardens site, ensuring that all educational services align with the broader institutional standards. By overseeing campus-specific initiatives, the Campus Provost (President) and Dean - Palm Beach Gardens Campus fosters a localized learning environment that addresses the unique needs of the surrounding community. Stephen Joyner drives student engagement efforts and maintains the physical and digital infrastructure of the campus. This leadership role involves coordinating with central administration to implement college-wide policies while maintaining the autonomy required for campus-specific success. Through dedicated oversight, the Campus Provost (President) and Dean - Palm Beach Gardens Campus ensures that the campus remains a hub for academic excellence and professional development.

Ronald Wong, the President at Palm Beach State College, directs the operational efficiency and long-term sustainability of the institution. Wong manages the implementation of strategic initiatives that enhance the quality of workforce training and academic programs. By overseeing the integration of new educational technologies and pedagogical methods, the President ensures that the college remains at the forefront of higher education. Ronald Wong drives efforts to increase student retention and graduation rates through targeted support services and resource optimization. This leadership role involves working closely with the Board to secure funding and support for campus expansion and facility upgrades. Through the application of data-driven decision-making, the President maintains the competitive edge of the institution, ensuring that the college continues to serve as a vital resource for personal growth and professional development within the region.

Russell Kaufman, the Chief Information Officer at Palm Beach State College, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern learning environments. Kaufman oversees the implementation of secure, scalable technology systems that support both faculty and students across all campuses. By managing the cybersecurity framework and data integrity protocols, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the institution remains resilient against digital threats. Russell Kaufman drives the integration of advanced educational software, facilitating seamless online and hybrid learning experiences for the diverse student body. This role involves collaborating with academic departments to modernize classroom technology and administrative workflows. Through the strategic deployment of IT resources, the Chief Information Officer supports the broader mission of the college, enabling efficient access to information and fostering a technologically advanced campus culture that prepares students for the demands of the contemporary workforce.

Michael Pustizzi, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Palm Beach State College, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies for the entire institution. Pustizzi manages the recruitment of experienced faculty and administrative staff, ensuring that the college maintains a high-quality workforce dedicated to student success. By overseeing compensation, benefits, and employee relations, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a supportive and productive work environment. Michael Pustizzi drives professional development programs that enhance the capabilities of the staff, aligning individual performance with the core mission of the college. This leadership role involves navigating complex labor regulations and promoting a culture of inclusivity and excellence. Through the implementation of robust HR policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the operational stability of the institution, ensuring that the human capital remains focused on delivering superior educational outcomes for the vibrant community served by the college.