I am proud to announce Bethania Ortega as the new Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance at Lehman College. Ms. Ortega has been a dedicated member of the Lehman College community for over 25 years. Most recently she served as Assistant Vice President of Budget, Finance and Business Operations where she provided leadership and oversight across key financial and administrative functions, including Accounting, Accounts Payable, Budget and Planning, Bursar, Campus Activities, Mailroom, Printshop, and Purchasing. Prior to that role, Ms. Ortega served as a Finance Budget Director since 2007, successfully leading the Office of Budget and Planning and managed the College’s $150 million annual operating budget.

A proud Lehman alumna with a degree in Computing and Management, Interim Vice President Ortega brings a deep understanding of our institution’s priorities and an unwavering commitment to its mission. Her outstanding contributions have been recognized with a Presidential Award from Lehman College and a Productivity Award from CUNY for her exceptional service and impact. Her experience, expertise and collaborative leadership make her well-prepared to assume this interim role.

“Lehman has always been close to my heart, and I look forward to working closely with faculty, staff, and students to keep our college moving forward,” said Ms. Ortega. “Over the next year, I will focus on making our finances more transparent through improved online reporting, enhancing services across campus, strengthening collaboration across departments, and leading efforts with Campus Facilities to share timely updates on construction projects that will enhance our campus for years to come.”

Interim Vice President Ortega takes over for another long time Lehman employee, Rene Rotolo. Rotolo retired this summer after 32 years at the College, most recently as Sr. Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Rene M. Rotolo became executive in charge of the Division of Administration and Finance in August 2018 after serving in various positions at Lehman College since 1991.  

It is because of Rotolo’s financial stewardship that Lehman College has been able to weather economic ups and down like during COVID, while continuing to renovate and upgrade existing buildings. She was also instrumental in the construction and completion of the two newest buildings on campus, the Nursing Education, Research, and Practice Center, and the Science Building. She was awarded a Presidential Medal this summer in recognition for all she has done to advance the mission of Lehman College.

Prior to working at Lehman, Rotolo worked for several architectural and interior design firms and operated her own firm. She received her undergraduate degree in interior design and space planning from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Baruch College.

Please join me in thanking Rene Rotolo for three decades of exceptional service to Lehman and congratulating Bethania Ortega on her new role as Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance at Lehman College.

Fernando Delgado, Ph.D.

President