Dear Titan Community,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Laleh Graylee as interim vice president for administration and finance and the chief financial officer at Cal State Fullerton, effective November 3.

Laleh currently serves as senior associate vice president for financial services, where she provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the university's financial operations. In this capacity, she oversees a $712 million operating budget and leads a team of more than 80 finance, technical and administrative professionals who advise fiscal strategy, budget governance and operational effectiveness in support of the university's mission.

With more than three decades of service across the California State University (CSU) system, Laleh brings deep expertise in higher education financial, capital resource planning and long-term fiscal strategy. She has designed financial models that integrate operating and capital planning to ensure that every dollar invested supports student success. Among her many accomplishments, she led the financial strategy and secured the CSU Chancellor's Office approval for bond financing of major campus projects such as the Eastside Parking Structure and Student Housing – projects that strengthen our infrastructure and expand housing for students.

Prior to Cal State Fullerton, she served in leadership roles at the CSU Chancellor's Office, where she designed systemwide financial reporting framework (FIRMS) and led efforts to improve fiscal transparency across the 22 CSU campuses and auxiliary organizations. Her efforts earned her a great respect as a trusted financial advisor and strategist throughout the CSU network.

Laleh's leadership philosophy centers on public stewardship, fiscal responsibility, integrity and collaboration. She holds an executive MBA from Pepperdine University's Graziadio Business School and a bachelor's degree in computer science from Cal State Dominguez Hills. She continues to give back through her leadership in the CSU Financial Officers and Budget Officers Associations, where she currently serves as chair. She has also served the broader community as a commissioner for the City of Anaheim's Budget, Investment, and Technology Commission.

I am confident Laleh will bring steady leadership, thoughtful guidance and strong financial stewardship to this important role. Her deep experience and commitment to our Titan community make her an outstanding choice to lead the division during this transition.

Please join me in congratulating Laleh Graylee and in offering your support as she steps into this new role.

Ronald S. Rochon
President