BLI Steering Committee

Zulaika Rodriguez-Awoliyi serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Executive Recruitment and Leadership Development at the State University of New York (SUNY) where she leads the system’s presidential and senior executive recruitment and leadership development strategy across the nation’s largest public higher education system. With more than 20 years of experience in system-level administration, Zulaika is widely recognized for her expertise in identifying, supporting, and advancing transformational leaders.

Her portfolio spans the full executive leadership cycle, including presidential and senior executive searches, onboarding and transition planning, leadership development, performance evaluation, and succession planning. In this role, Zulaika serves as a trusted strategic advisor to the Chancellor, Boards of Trustees, campus presidents, and search committees, guiding high-stakes decision making and ensuring search and evaluation processes reflect SUNYs mission, values, and long-term strategic priorities.

Zulaika also provides leadership for SUNYs system-wide leadership development ecosystem, overseeing the Hispanic Leadership Institute (HLI), Black Leadership Institute (BLI), Disability Support Leadership Institute (DSLI), and the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Leadership Institute (AANHPI-LI). Through these programs, she has helped cultivate robust leadership pipelines and expand pathways to advancement for emerging leaders across SUNYs 64 campuses.  

Since joining SUNY System Administration in 2004, Zulaika has served under multiple Chancellors, Provosts, and Boards of Trustees in a variety of leadership roles, including Director of Operations and Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff. This breadth of experience has given her a deep institutional knowledge of SUNYs governance, policy environment, and operational complexity, as well as a reputation for discretion, sound judgement, and steady leadership in moments of transition. 

A proud first-generation college graduate, Zulaika was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the College of Saint Rose and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University at Albany. Her personal and professional journey continues to inform her commitment to public higher education as a powerful engine for opportunity, mobility, and community impact.   

Known for her exceptional organizational skills, integrity, and human-centered systems thinking, Zulaika brings a strategic yet relational approach to executive leadership work. Her contributions have helped shape SUNYs leadership infrastructure and advance a cohesive, equity-driven approach to developing and identifying the next generation of public higher education leaders.  Beyond SUNY, Zulaika serves as a board member of 518Elevated, a College Access and Success organization serving Albany, Schenectady, and Troy, NY, where she supports efforts to connect local students with mentorship, resources, and pathways to higher education and long-term success.

Tamara Frazier serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development and Upward Mobility and Executive Director of the Black Leadership Institute at the State University of New York (SUNY).

In her role, she provides thoughtful and deliberate counsel and oversight to New York State’s Educational Opportunity Centers and ATTAIN Digital Literacy labs, aimed at uplifting New York’s under-served populations. She also manages the Black Leadership Institute (BLI), one of SUNY’s four system-wide leadership programs, which cultivates pathways to advancement for emerging leaders across all campuses of the largest public higher education system in the United States.

Prior to joining SUNY in 2022, Tamara served in successively progressive roles as Associate Counsel, Senior Counsel and Assistant Deputy Counsel for the New York State Senate Democratic Conference, providing legal, programmatic and budgetary analysis on various human services issues including public assistance benefits, family law, domestic violence, juvenile justice and childcare. She provided strategic and deft counsel, negotiating aspects of the annual New York State budget, numerous pieces of legislation and chapter amendments on behalf of the New York State Senate.

In addition, she gained valuable policy and advocacy skills at the Empire Justice Center, a civil legal services law firm where she served as Manager for Policy and Government Relations; and as Program Coordinator and Chief of Staff for a division within the City of Buffalo government, focused on community development efforts.

With over 20 years of experience, she is regarded as a valued thought partner and strategist, using her varied skills set in legislative affairs, policy development and program management to produce institutional effectiveness. Her foundation is grounded by a deep passion for inclusive excellence, mentorship and professional development, and providing opportunities for upward mobility for others.

A proud native of Buffalo, New York, Tamara earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Loyola College in Maryland (now known as Loyola University Maryland), and her Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and Master of Urban Planning (M.U.P.) from SUNY Buffalo School of Law and School of Architecture and Planning. A participant of the 2016 Center for American Progress Leadership Institute cohort and graduate of Leadership Buffalo’s Rising Leaders program, she is admitted to practice in New York State.

Currently serving as the sixth President in the history of SUNY Old Westbury, Dr. Timothy E. Sams has spent the last 30 years driven by the principles of access, excellence, success, and impact.  His trail of accomplishments attests to his unwavering commitment to delivering on higher education’s promise of using excellence to achieve student transformation and social progress. Dr. Sams' impressive career has taken him to an array of selective institutions around the country and around the world.  As he moved from learning the fundamentals of building student success programs to innovating new ones as a senior leader, Dr. Sams' commitment to educational justice by inclusive excellence, praxis, and purpose-driven education, has come to characterize his work of elevating the student experience and transforming liberal arts education.

Dr. Sams never lost sight of his opportunity program roots as an Upward Bound and Educational Opportunity Program student. As a Higher Educational Opportunity Program Counselor early in his career, Dr. Sams held fast to the belief that "to whom much is given, much is required." Prior to Old Westbury, he served as Vice President of Student Affairs for Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. His work there was built on past experiences at respected institutions across the country, which include Morehouse College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Raised by his paternal grandparents, Dr. Sams grew up on the south side of Syracuse, New York, where he was an avid Boy Scout, basketball player, and student activist. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Sociology from Union College in Schenectady, New York, and his Master of Arts degree in Africana Studies from the State University of New York at Albany. He earned his Ph.D. in African American Studies from Temple University.

Ailayia serves as the Assistant Director for Presidential Searches and Leadership Initiatives at State University of New York (SUNY), where she collaborates with search firms and senior leadership to identify, recruit, and secure top presidential candidates for SUNY’s 64 campuses and other Board-appointed roles.

In addition to supporting executive searches, Ailayia works closely with SUNY Leadership Institutes. The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Institute (AANHPILI), the Black Leadership Institute (BLI), the Disability Support Leadership Institute (DSLI), and the Hispanic Leadership Institute (HLI) — programs designed to empower emerging and established leaders across the nation’s largest public higher education system in the United States through professional development, collaboration, and mentorship.

In her previous role as Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer, she provided strategic administrative and operational support at the highest level—managing complex calendars, coordinating cross-functional projects, and serving as a trusted liaison between the COO’s office and internal and external stakeholders. She ensured priorities stayed on track, information flowed smoothly, and day-to-day operations aligned with executive goals and system-wide initiatives.

Ailayia holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from St. John Fisher University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Le Moyne College. Ailayia is known for her hard work, leadership, and operational process. She is deeply committed to supporting SUNY's mission of inclusive excellence, integrity, and institutional effectiveness across New York State.

Reginald Celestin serves as the Program Manager and Special Assistant for Executive Recruitment and Leadership Development at the State University of New York (SUNY) where through project management, database building, and website maintenance, he provides essential operational and logistical support for numerous high-impact initiatives such as coordinating presidential and executive search processes, supporting evaluations efforts for state-operated campus presidents, and assisting the Office of the Chancellor as needed.

Alongside supporting executive searches, Reginald works closely with senior leadership to oversee the development of the SUNY Leadership Institutes; The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Institute (AANHPILI), the Black Leadership Institute (BLI), the Disability Support Leadership Institute (DSLI), and the Hispanic Leadership Institute (HLI). These programs are designed to develop and empower emerging leaders across the SUNY System’s 64 campuses, the nation’s largest public higher education system in the United States, through professional development, mentorship and expanded pathways to advancement.

Reginald also collaborates with other committees within SUNY such as the Association of Council Members and College Trustees (ACT), an organization that supports the governance, the promotion of higher education, and the quality of SUNY’s institutions; the SUNY Internship Program, an initiative that provides professional development, networking and paid learning opportunities for SUNY students; the Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence, the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the University, that acknowledges students for outstanding achievements that have demonstrated the integration of SUNY excellence into many different aspects of their lives; and the Norman R. McConney, Jr. Awards for EOP Excellence, that honors students who have demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, resilience, and commitment to personal and academic growth.

Reginald began his career at SUNY System Administration in 2022 as a Graduate Student Assistant and was promoted to Program Coordinator in 2024, the same year he earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University at Albany. A proud first-generation college graduate, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SUNY Old Westbury.

Born and raised in Long Island, NY, Reginald is known for his hard work, creative portfolio, and process-oriented mindset. His critical and strategic contributions that serve to showcase his deep commitment to supporting SUNY's mission of inclusive excellence, integrity, and institutional effectiveness across New York State.

James F. Haddon was appointed to the Board of Trustees on July 23, 2020.

James F. Haddon has worked for over 35 years in asset management and investment banking. Presently, James Haddon is Senior Managing Director for Ramirez Asset Management and Ramirez & Co. Mr. Haddon is responsible for securing municipal and corporate underwriting and brokerage assignments, as well as developing marketing strategies to increase assets under management for Ramirez’s fixed income products.  

Prior to Ramirez, Mr. Haddon served as a Senior Partner and Managing Director at Public Financial Management (PFM) from 2009 to 2014, where he was in charge of all marketing and new business activities for national accounts in the asset management and financial advisor divisions. Mr. Haddon was also employed at Citigroup for over 15 years, serving in various asset management and investment banking positions.  From 2006 to 2009, Mr. Haddon was a Managing Director and Sales Manager in the Alternatives Distribution Group, raising assets for private equity and hedge funds.  Mr. Haddon worked from 1994 to 2006 as a Managing Director in Citigroup’s Municipal Securities Division, and served as Head of the Infrastructure Group and on the Division’s Executive and Planning Committees.

Mr. Haddon has shown his commitment to public service throughout his career. Prior to joining the SUNY Board of Trustees, Mr. Haddon has served on the boards of the National Association of Securities Professionals, Wesleyan University, the Riverside Park Fund, Alzheimer’s Association, Sponsors for Educational Opportunities, and the Upper Harlem Empowerment Zone.

Mr. Haddon received his M.B.A. from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and his B.A. in Economics from Wesleyan University. He holds the Series 7, 53 and 63 licenses from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Dr. Brown, a highly regarded educator and academic administrator, has had over 40 years experience in public higher education. She held a number of senior administrative posts at the City University of New York (CUNY) before arriving at FIT, including acting president of Bernard Baruch College and vice chancellor of the university. Prior to her appointment at FIT, she was professor of counseling psychology at the Graduate School and University Center of CUNY, where she is currently professor emerita. Dr. Brown also served as a New York City deputy mayor for public and community affairs during the David Dinkins administration. Most recently, Dr. Brown created The Social Justice Center (SJC) at FIT, a first-of-its-kind initiative in higher education, which is a groundbreaking effort to address the systemic problems faced by BIPOC youth, college students, and working professionals in the fields that drive the creative economy. The SJC offers meaningful support and services to help BIPOC students and employees succeed in the creative industries, including fashion – and significantly increase diversity and equity within these industries.

Dr. Judith Brown Clarke is the Vice President for Equity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer for Stony Brook University and Health System. She possesses over seventeen years of experience working on senior management teams shaping strategic plans for diversity and establishing infrastructures for inclusive excellence and equity sustainability. She has a strong portfolio in grant funding and has demonstrated effective collection, analysis, problem solving and predictive analytical processes using benchmarked metrics that directly align with the institution's goals. Clarke is currently an American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) 2022 Millennium Leadership Initiative Fellow, Chair of the Association of American Universities (AAU) CDO Steering Committee, Co-Chair for the United State Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), Harvard Advanced Leadership Senior Fellow, and an external advisory committee member for three NSF-funded Science and Technology Centers (STC) - Center for Cellular Construction (CCC), Center for Oldest Ice Exploration (COLDEX) and Bio-Computation Evolution in Action Network (BEACON).

DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Ph.D. is the sixth president of Monroe Community College. Her professional experience in business, industry, and higher education spans more than three decades. Her leadership has served as a catalyst for equitable pathways to socioeconomic mobility for individuals in Michigan, Minnesota, and New York.

Building on an educational foundation that includes degrees in computer information systems, business administration, and educational leadership, Dr. Burt-Nanna is recognized for advancing student success, innovation, operational efficiency, organizational culture change, and creating college-going cultures in communities where she has served. She is a passionate advocate for and a frequent speaker on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion; educational access and attainment; and workforce development at local, state, and national levels. She embraces opportunities to build early connections with faculty and staff in celebrating their work and strategically forms collaborative partnerships with educators and employers to transform lives and create opportunities through public higher education.

Her impressive record of volunteerism, philanthropy, and board/council service ranges from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in Michigan to the YWCA Mankato in Minnesota. Dr. Burt-Nanna currently serves on the board of directors for the League for Innovation in the Community College, Greater Rochester Enterprise, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region. In addition to sitting on the executive board of the New York Community College Association of Presidents, she is an engaged member of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council’s Executive Committee, serving as co-chair of the Council’s Workforce Development Work Group. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her transformational leadership and has successfully secured grants and philanthropic support for the organizations she serves.

Kendra Cadogan (she/her/hers) is the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO) and interim director of the James A. Triandiflou '88 Institute for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Transformative Practice at SUNY Oswego. Most recently, Kendra served as the Senior Associate for Program and Policy Evaluation at the State University of New York. In this System administration role, she provided leadership for system-wide scholarship and fellowship initiatives including creating program policies, creating/improving infrastructure, and providing guidance on best practices to help campuses recruit, retain, and graduate academically talented underrepresented minority students.

Tony D. Hawkins, Ph.D. proudly served for eight years as the Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, Continuing Education, and Workforce Development at Frederick Community College in Maryland. Prior to assuming this assignment, he was the collegewide dean of humanities at Montgomery College (MD) with oversight of a division that included course offerings in history, political science, world languages, philosophy, American Sign Language, women’s and gender studies, and two learning centers. Dr. Hawkins has implemented academic master plans, strategic plans, innovative curricular (guided) pathways and umbrella majors, numerous policies and procedures, and high-school-based dual enrollment and campus-based early/middle college programs in Frederick County and Jersey City. He is also a certified workshop leader in Facilitative Leadership by Interactive Associates.

Tracy Johnson serves as Vice President for Student Affairs at SUNY Oneonta where she works closely with faculty and staff to develop and promote a culture focused on student success in a safe and welcoming environment. Dr. Johnson provides overall strategic direction, leadership, administration and management for the Division of Student Affairs, which includes Athletics, the Counseling Center, Health and Wellness Center, Office of Student Care, Student Experience, Community Standards, Student Life and Leadership at Hunt College Union, Campus Recreation, Greek Life, Residence Life, Move-In Orientation and Welcome, Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services, Access and Opportunity Programs, University Police, and Center for Social Responsibility. She has more than 30 years of experience in leadership, organizational change and restructuring, and strategic management, having previously served at Dallas College, University at Buffalo, SUNY College at Buffalo (Buffalo State), and Roberts Wesleyan College. 

President Miles has galvanized SUNY WCC teams into an agile organization committed to more direct and supportive student pathways. Under her leadership the college has attracted external support from government, foundation, and private sources. With Hispanic student enrollment exceeding one-third at the most diverse of the 64 SUNY campuses, SUNY WCC competed successfully for multimillion dollar Title V grants from the U.S. Department of Education to transform the student experience from entry to completion. Additional funded projects include replication of CUNY’s Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP); participation in the Achieving the Dream network of community colleges committed to improving student outcomes; Honors College founding; nationally recognized Center for Cybersecurity; expansion of undergraduate research, internships, and project-based curricula; and collaboration with regional industry partners and high schools on Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) programs in cybersecurity, electrical engineering, and civil engineering. 

President Wheeler brings to the role more than 30 years of teaching, research and community partnership experience in health disparities research with extensive scholarly work with local and national Black men who have sex with men communities. He has worked to promote the engagement and success of underrepresented minorities in HIV-prevention sciences. His research, teaching, and community engagement work has demonstrated a deep understanding of the use of data and evidence in developing innovative programs and policy initiatives, especially related to health with marginalized and oppressed groups. President Wheeler currently serves on the U.S. Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA); is a member of the SUNY Research Council; is on the Executive Management Committee of the HIV Prevention Trials Network; co-chairs the HIV Prevention Trial Networks HPTN Scholars Program, which has become a model for other mentoring programs to foster career development among underrepresented minority scholars; and is on the Board of Directors for the NASW Assurance Services Incorporated.