Palm Beach State College Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to 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 Florida.

Leadership Roles at Palm Beach State College

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mohammed Ashara
  • President - Ava Parker
  • President - Ronald Wong
  • President - Riley Lavado
  • President - Amanda McFarlane
  • Campus Provost (President) and Dean - Palm Beach Gardens Campus - Stephen Joyner
  • 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 operational execution for the institution. Ashara guides the college's commitment to academic excellence and student success, ensuring resources align with educational and career objectives. This leadership role involves fostering a supportive learning environment across multiple campuses and online platforms. By driving institutional growth and development, Mohammed Ashara ensures Palm Beach State College effectively serves its vibrant community and promotes lifelong learning. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on enhancing the college's market position within Florida's higher education landscape.

    Ava Parker - President

    Ava Parker, the President at Palm Beach State College, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Parker champions the college's mission of academic excellence and student success, overseeing all academic and administrative operations across its multiple campuses. This critical role involves fostering partnerships within the community, securing resources, and ensuring the college remains a vital center for personal growth and lifelong learning in Florida. By guiding institutional development, Ava Parker drives the college's commitment to providing diverse degree and certificate programs. The President's vision ensures Palm Beach State College continues to meet the evolving educational needs of its students.
    Ava Parker

    Ronald Wong - President

    Ronald Wong, the President at Palm Beach State College, directs the strategic vision and operational management of the institution. Wong is dedicated to upholding academic excellence and fostering student success through comprehensive degree and certificate programs. This leadership position involves overseeing faculty development, resource allocation, and campus operations to ensure a supportive learning environment. By driving innovation in educational delivery, Ronald Wong enhances the college's ability to serve the Palm Beach County community. The President's focus remains on advancing the college's mission of professional development and lifelong learning for all students.
    Ronald Wong

    Riley Lavado - President

    Riley Lavado, the President at Palm Beach State College, leads the institution's strategic initiatives and operational oversight. Lavado is committed to advancing academic excellence and ensuring student success across all programs offered by the college. This executive role involves guiding faculty and staff, managing campus resources, and fostering a dynamic learning environment that supports personal and professional growth. By championing educational innovation, Riley Lavado strengthens Palm Beach State College's position as a key provider of higher education in Florida. The President's leadership ensures the college continues to empower students through accessible and high-quality learning opportunities.

    Amanda McFarlane - President

    Amanda McFarlane, the President at Palm Beach State College, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the institution's comprehensive educational offerings. McFarlane is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and ensuring student success through a wide array of degree and certificate programs. This role involves overseeing campus operations, faculty support, and the development of resources that enhance the learning experience. By driving institutional advancement, Amanda McFarlane strengthens Palm Beach State College's commitment to serving the community with accessible and impactful higher education. The President's leadership ensures the college remains a cornerstone for lifelong learning and professional development.

    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, directs the academic and operational functions specific to the Palm Beach Gardens location. Joyner ensures the campus upholds the college's standards of academic excellence and student success, overseeing faculty, staff, and resources tailored to this site. This leadership position involves fostering a localized yet integrated learning environment that supports student achievement and community engagement. By managing campus-specific initiatives, Stephen Joyner contributes to the broader mission of providing accessible higher education and workforce training. The Campus Provost's focus is on enhancing the educational experience and impact of the Palm Beach Gardens Campus.

    Russell Kaufman - Chief Information Officer

    Russell Kaufman, the Chief Information Officer at Palm Beach State College, architects and oversees the institution's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Kaufman ensures robust IT systems support academic programs, administrative functions, and student services across all campuses and online modalities. This leadership position involves managing cybersecurity, data integrity, and the implementation of innovative technological solutions to enhance the learning environment. By driving digital transformation, Russell Kaufman supports the college's mission of academic excellence and student success. The Chief Information Officer's efforts are critical in providing accessible and effective educational resources to the Palm Beach County community and beyond.
    Russell Kaufman

    Michael Pustizzi - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Michael Pustizzi, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Palm Beach State College, leads all aspects of human capital management and organizational development. Pustizzi ensures the college attracts, retains, and develops a high-caliber faculty and staff essential for delivering quality education. This role involves cultivating a positive and productive work environment, managing employee relations, and implementing HR policies that support the institution's mission. By fostering a strong organizational culture, Michael Pustizzi contributes directly to student success and academic excellence. The Chief Human Resources Officer's strategic initiatives are vital for supporting the college's growth and its commitment to serving the diverse needs of its community.

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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 Ava Parker (President) and Ronald Wong (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), Ava Parker (President), Ronald Wong (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, President, President, President, President.