Santa Fe College Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Santa Fe College has 7 executives leading key functions including public affairs, financial operations, information technology, human resources, and institutional leadership.

Committed to fostering educational opportunity and economic development, Santa Fe College drives innovation in the public interest through accessible higher education programs across the region.

Leadership Roles at Santa Fe College

  • Interim Vice President, Finance Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer - Andrew Jones
  • Vice President, Public and Government Affairs and Chief Operating Officer - Liam McClay
  • President - Cristina de los Rios
  • President - Paul Broadie
  • Founder & President - Cole Matis
  • Associate VP, Its & Chief Information Officer - Bill Penney
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Lela Frye
  • Andrew Jones - Interim Vice President, Finance Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer

    Andrew Jones, the Interim Vice President, Finance Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer at Santa Fe College, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire institution. Overseeing the allocation of resources, the Interim Vice President, Finance Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial strategies support the core mission of economic development and educational innovation. This role involves rigorous monitoring of revenue streams and expenditure controls to maintain institutional stability. By analyzing market trends, Jones provides the necessary data to guide executive decision-making. The Interim Vice President, Finance Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer also coordinates with state agencies to secure funding for critical campus projects. Through precise financial management, Jones protects the assets of the college while enabling growth in academic programs. This commitment to fiscal responsibility ensures that the institution remains a pillar of the community.
    Andrew Jones

    Liam McClay - Vice President, Public and Government Affairs and Chief Operating Officer

    Liam McClay, the Vice President, Public and Government Affairs and Chief Operating Officer at Santa Fe College, directs all external relations and internal operational workflows. Managing complex government interactions, the Vice President, Public and Government Affairs and Chief Operating Officer ensures alignment between institutional goals and state-level policy requirements. This leadership role involves optimizing campus infrastructure to support the broader mission of educational accessibility. By coordinating with regional stakeholders, McClay strengthens the institutional footprint across Florida. The Vice President, Public and Government Affairs and Chief Operating Officer also oversees the integration of administrative services to improve student outcomes. Through rigorous oversight of public affairs, McClay maintains the reputation of the college as a leader in community-focused higher education. This strategic focus on operational efficiency and government engagement directly supports the long-term sustainability of the institution.
    Liam McClay

    Cristina de los Rios - President

    Cristina de los Rios, the President at Santa Fe College, provides the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Overseeing the executive leadership team, the President ensures that all academic and administrative functions remain focused on the mission of educational opportunity. This leadership role involves representing the college to external partners, donors, and state government officials to advance the institutional agenda. By championing innovation, de los Rios drives the development of new programs that meet the changing needs of the local economy. The President also facilitates collaboration between the board and the faculty to maintain high standards of academic quality. Through consistent engagement with the community, de los Rios secures the future of the college as a vital resource for students. This commitment to excellence ensures that the institution continues to provide accessible and high-quality education to the region.

    Paul Broadie - President

    Paul Broadie, the President at Santa Fe College, focuses on the expansion of community partnerships and the enhancement of student support services. Overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives, the President ensures that the college remains responsive to the diverse needs of the student population. This leadership role involves analyzing regional economic data to align academic offerings with workforce demands. By fostering an inclusive campus environment, Broadie promotes the core values of the institution. The President also manages high-level relationships with industry leaders to create internship and career opportunities for graduates. Through the promotion of academic excellence, Broadie strengthens the reputation of the college as a premier provider of higher education. This dedication to student-centered leadership ensures that the institution remains a catalyst for individual growth and community development across the state.

    Cole Matis - Founder & President

    Cole Matis, the Founder & President at Santa Fe College, establishes the foundational principles and long-term trajectory of the institution. Overseeing the initial vision and ongoing mission alignment, the Founder & President ensures that the college remains true to its commitment to public interest and educational access. This leadership role involves guiding the strategic direction of the institution through periods of growth and change. By maintaining a focus on innovation, Matis encourages the development of unique programs that distinguish the college in the higher education market. The Founder & President also cultivates a culture of excellence that permeates every department. Through the establishment of key institutional values, Matis provides the framework for all future academic and operational success. This enduring commitment to the original mission ensures that the college continues to serve as a cornerstone of the community.

    Bill Penney - Associate VP, Its & Chief Information Officer

    Bill Penney, the Associate VP, Its & Chief Information Officer at Santa Fe College, architects the digital infrastructure required for modern academic delivery. Managing the enterprise technology stack, the Associate VP, Its & Chief Information Officer ensures that all campus systems remain secure, scalable, and efficient. This leadership role involves implementing advanced software solutions that enhance student learning experiences and administrative productivity. By overseeing cybersecurity protocols, Penney protects sensitive institutional data across all regional networks. The Associate VP, Its & Chief Information Officer also collaborates with academic departments to integrate new educational technologies into the classroom environment. Through the deployment of robust IT systems, Penney supports the college mission of innovation in the public interest. This focus on technological advancement allows the institution to adapt to the evolving needs of students and faculty in a digital-first landscape.

    Lela Frye - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Lela Frye, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Santa Fe College, directs talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the workforce strategy, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the institution attracts and retains high-quality faculty and staff dedicated to student success. This leadership role involves managing complex labor relations and implementing policies that promote equity and professional growth. By fostering a supportive work environment, Frye aligns human capital with the broader goals of educational excellence. The Chief Human Resources Officer also coordinates with department heads to optimize staffing levels across all campus locations. Through the implementation of comprehensive benefits and training programs, Frye strengthens the internal capacity of the college. This focus on human capital management directly impacts the ability of the institution to fulfill its mission of community responsiveness and economic development.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Santa Fe College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Santa Fe College?
    Santa Fe College is led by Andrew Jones (Interim Vice President, Finance Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Liam McClay (Vice President, Public and Government Affairs and Chief Operating Officer) and Cristina de los Rios (President).
    Who is part of Santa Fe College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Santa Fe College includes leaders such as Andrew Jones (Interim Vice President, Finance Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer), Liam McClay (Vice President, Public and Government Affairs and Chief Operating Officer), Cristina de los Rios (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Santa Fe College have?
    Santa Fe College has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Santa Fe College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Santa Fe College includes roles such as Interim Vice President, Finance Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Public and Government Affairs and Chief Operating Officer, President, President, Founder & President.