(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)February 17, 2026

The February 9 meeting marked the addition of next-generation perspective to governance and a change in Board leadership.

MAHWAH, N.J. — Ramapo College of New Jersey announced today that two alumni, Stephan Lally ’20 and Brady O’Connor ’16, have been sworn in as the newest members of the College’s Board of Trustees (BOT). 

The appointments reflect Ramapo’s commitment to inclusive governance and next-generation leadership. Lally and O’Connor bring recent, firsthand student perspective to the College’s governing body at a time when institutions nationwide are examining how board decisions reflect the experiences and priorities of today’s students.

“Trustees Lally and O’Connor bring fresh perspective, insight, and enthusiasm to our Board,” said Albert Nieves, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “As alumni with leadership experience and deep commitment to Ramapo’s mission, I have every confidence that their service and contributions will strengthen the Board’s oversight and advance the College’s strategic priorities.”

Both trustees have strong ties to the Ramapo community and share a mutual excitement and passion for giving back to the College. “It feels like a full-circle moment,” said Lally, noting that the leadership principles and academic foundation gained as a student continue to shape his professional life. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back and help future students have the same impactful experience I did,” he added.

“Ramapo helped set me up for success in my professional career,” said O’Connor. “It means the world to me to have the opportunity to give back to the college and community.” He also looks forward to bringing his experience to the board to help ensure that “the students at Ramapo now have the same or even better opportunities” than he had.

The February 9 BOT meeting was also the first over which Nieves presided, who succeeded Susan Vallario, immediate past chair. Nieves, who joined the BOT in 2023, also serves as the BOT Educational Opportunity Fund liaison.

Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb looks forward to working with the board and continuing the momentum established with her arrival in July of 2021. “As we welcome our new Board Chair, Albie Nieves, and alumni trustees Lally and O’Connor, Ramapo College affirms a governance structure designed for the future—agile enough to meet emerging challenges, and anchored firmly in the mission that defines who we are, why we are here, and where we are going together.”

Lally and O’Connor join the board following the January 30, 2024 appointment of Marize Helmy. In addition, Trustees William F. Dator, George C. Ruotolo, David G. Schlussel, and Susan A. Vallario were reappointed for additional terms. The 13-member board also includes Trustees Michael Ben-David, Chris Lopez, Albert C. Nieves, AJ Sabath ’93 as well as Student Trustees Sarah Glisson ’26 and Olivia Ha ’27. 

As the College’s governing body, the Board of Trustees oversees Ramapo’s strategic direction, policies, and institutional stewardship. Trustees are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the New Jersey Senate. The College also recommends prospective members to the Governor for consideration.

Stephan Lally ‘20

Trustee Lally is a lifelong public servant. He works as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin in the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office, where he helps advance legislation, manage community projects, and deliver results for residents across the state. Trustee Lally also serves as a member of the Woodbridge Township Board of Education. Trustee Lally’s experience spans student government leadership at Ramapo College and service as a voting member of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, shaping a career centered on collaboration, problem-solving, and public service.

 

Albert Nieves

Chair Nieves is a professional services leader serving industry leaders and Fortune 500 companies, including Mellon HR & Investor Services, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Fiserv, and DocuSign. He has extensive experience in executing strategic programs, providing fiscal oversight, change leadership, leading organizations and client relations. He served as the Strategy Services Leader at DocuSign; vice president of professional services with Fiserv/Tegra 118, and currently as a chief of staff/consultant for small start ups. Since 2008, he has served as a member and, for almost a decade as president of the Wood-Ridge Board of Education, leading the expansion and new build of an intermediate school and infrastructure upgrades throughout the district. Nieves attended Saint Peter’s University and carries a number of professional and technology certifications.

Brady O’Connor ‘16

Trustee O’Connor serves as the Chief of External Affairs for the FIFA World Cup ’26 New York New Jersey Host Committee. His responsibilities include supporting outreach & stakeholder engagement, intergovernmental affairs coordination, external stakeholder communications, and collaborating with the Commercial Program to reach commercial and fundraising goals, including managing the Host Committee Donor Program.

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. To learn more about Ramapo College, visit ramapo.edu.

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