Palm Beach State College Executive and Leadership Team

Mohammed Ashara, the Chief Executive Officer at Palm Beach State College, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional growth of the organization. Ashara manages the alignment of academic programs with regional workforce demands, ensuring that the institution remains a premier provider of higher education in Florida. By collaborating with the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer establishes long-term financial goals and operational benchmarks that support student success. Mohammed Ashara oversees the integration of new certificate programs and bachelor's degrees to meet evolving market needs. This leadership role involves maintaining high standards of academic excellence while expanding the reach of the college across diverse communities. Through rigorous oversight of institutional resources, Ashara secures the stability necessary for sustained growth. The Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that enhance the learning environment, ultimately positioning the college as a leader in professional development and lifelong learning within the competitive educational landscape.

Ronald Wong, the President at Palm Beach State College, oversees the expansion of workforce training programs and industry partnerships. Wong manages the development of specialized certificate programs that align with the economic needs of the region. By driving collaboration between academic departments and local business leaders, the President ensures that students gain practical skills for immediate career entry. Ronald Wong oversees the allocation of resources toward vocational training initiatives, enhancing the college's impact on professional development. This leadership role involves representing the institution in regional economic forums and advocating for policies that support lifelong learning. Through the strategic management of workforce-focused curricula, Wong strengthens the connection between education and employment. The President ensures that the college remains a vital resource for individuals seeking to advance their careers, ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the community through targeted, high-impact educational programs and industry-aligned training.

Amanda McFarlane, the President at Palm Beach State College, directs the academic affairs and student support services that define the institution's commitment to excellence. McFarlane manages the curriculum development process for associate and bachelor's degree programs, ensuring alignment with rigorous academic standards. By overseeing the student success initiatives, the President creates a supportive learning environment that encourages personal growth and retention. Amanda McFarlane drives the integration of student resources, including counseling and academic advising, to help learners achieve their educational goals. This leadership role involves working closely with faculty to maintain high-quality instruction across all disciplines. Through the continuous assessment of academic outcomes, McFarlane optimizes the educational experience for a diverse student population. The President ensures that the college remains a premier institution of higher education, fostering an environment where students thrive academically and prepare for successful transitions into the professional world or further advanced studies.

Stephen Joyner, the Campus Provost (President) and Dean - Palm Beach Gardens Campus at Palm Beach State College, directs all daily operations and academic activities at the Palm Beach Gardens location. Joyner manages the campus-specific faculty and staff, ensuring that the institution's mission of academic excellence remains the primary focus. By overseeing the facility management and student services at this specific site, the Campus Provost (President) and Dean - Palm Beach Gardens Campus maintains a high-quality learning environment. Stephen Joyner drives local community engagement initiatives, strengthening the college's presence within the surrounding area. This leadership role involves coordinating with central administration to implement college-wide policies while addressing the unique needs of the campus population. Through the effective management of local resources, Joyner supports the delivery of diverse degree programs. The Campus Provost (President) and Dean - Palm Beach Gardens Campus ensures that the campus remains a hub for personal growth and professional development.

Riley Lavado, the President at Palm Beach State College, directs the strategic outreach and community relations efforts that expand the college's regional influence. Lavado manages the development of partnerships with local organizations and government entities to enhance the institution's visibility and impact. By overseeing the public relations and marketing strategies, the President ensures that the college's mission of lifelong learning reaches a broad and diverse audience. Riley Lavado drives initiatives that promote the value of higher education, encouraging enrollment and community participation in various certificate and degree programs. This leadership role involves representing the college at high-level events and fostering relationships that support institutional growth. Through the effective communication of the college's achievements, Lavado strengthens the brand and reputation of the institution. The President ensures that the college remains a central pillar of the community, providing accessible and high-quality educational opportunities to all residents seeking personal and professional advancement.

Ava Parker, the President at Palm Beach State College, directs the overall institutional strategy and long-term planning for the college. Parker manages the executive leadership team, ensuring that all departments remain aligned with the core mission of academic excellence and student success. By overseeing the financial health and resource allocation of the institution, the President secures the stability required for continued growth and innovation. Ava Parker drives the development of new academic programs and the expansion of campus facilities to meet the needs of a growing student body. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders to advance the college's position as a premier institution of higher education. Through the implementation of forward-thinking policies, Parker fosters an environment of continuous improvement. The President ensures that the college remains dedicated to providing high-quality education, supporting the personal and professional development of every student within the community.

Russell Kaufman, the Chief Information Officer at Palm Beach State College, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all academic and administrative functions. Kaufman manages the deployment of advanced learning management systems and secure data networks that facilitate student success across multiple campuses. By overseeing the cybersecurity framework, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive institutional data while enabling seamless access to online resources for the entire student body. Russell Kaufman drives the modernization of classroom technology, ensuring that faculty possess the tools required for effective instruction. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite members to integrate technology into the broader institutional strategy. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, Kaufman optimizes operational efficiency and supports the college's commitment to innovation. The Chief Information Officer ensures that the technological environment remains robust, reliable, and capable of meeting the diverse needs of a vibrant, growing community of learners.

Michael Pustizzi, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Palm Beach State College, directs the talent acquisition and professional development strategies for the entire faculty and staff. Pustizzi manages the recruitment of experienced educators who contribute to the institution's reputation for academic excellence. By overseeing compensation structures and employee benefits, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the college attracts and retains top-tier talent capable of fostering student growth. Michael Pustizzi drives initiatives focused on workplace culture, diversity, and inclusion, which directly impact the quality of the learning environment. This leadership role involves navigating complex labor regulations and aligning human capital management with the strategic goals of the college. Through the implementation of performance management systems, Pustizzi supports the professional advancement of all personnel. The Chief Human Resources Officer maintains a supportive organizational climate, ensuring that the workforce remains fully equipped to deliver high-quality education and workforce training to the community.