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Russell Sage College Cabinet
Dr. Matthew Shaftel
President
Matthew Shaftel was named the 11th president of Russell Sage College and began his presidency on July 1, 2024.
Before coming to Russell Sage, Shaftel served for seven years as dean and full professor in Ohio University’s College of Fine Arts. He has served as a higher education leader for nearly two decades, also as an associate vice president at Florida State University and dean and executive of the Princeton campus at Rider University.
Shaftel earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Master of Philosophy in Music Theory, and Ph.D. in Music Theory from Yale University.
Rick Barthelmas
Vice President for Finance and Treasurer
Rick Barthelmas joined Sage in 2017, after 23 years with the State University of New York and Empire State College. Rick began his career at the SUNY system office, serving as an accountant, financial analyst and assistant director of business affairs. He then moved to the multi-location Empire State College, where he was associate vice president for administration. Barthelmas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and has been a CPA since 1994.
Trish Cellemme
Vice President for Student Life
Trish Cellemme became vice president for student life at Russell Sage College in 2005. She has also served as dean of students, associate dean of students and director of student services and residence life since joining Sage in 1997 as associate director of residence life on the Albany campus. Cellemme is the college’s chief student conduct officer. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Russell Sage College and her master’s degree in Education from the College of St. Rose. She is a member of NAPA, the leading association for the student affairs profession, and the New American Colleges and Universities Board of Directors.
Laura D’Agostino
Chief of Staff & Executive Assistant to the President
Laura D’Agostino was named chief of staff and executive assistant to the president in 2023. She previously served as director of human resources, following roles as executive assistant to the provost and executive administrative assistant to the President. She joined Sage in 2004 as assistant director of conferences and events. D’Agostino holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the State University of New York at Geneseo.
Teri Gartland
Vice President for Advancement
Teri Gartland joined Russell Sage as vice president for advancement in February 2025. She brings more than 25 years of development experience to Sage, including her work in higher education, community nonprofit, and healthcare organizations.
A graduate of the University of Southern California, she served at Ohio University since 2018, most recently as the assistant vice president for major gifts, and led a team of 16 major gift officers in surpassing fundraising goals for five consecutive years. Her “Give Like Gary” campaign at Ohio University won a platinum award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
Jennifer Gish
Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Jennifer Gish joined Russell Sage in March 2023 after previously serving at The College of Saint Rose, where she led the marketing and communications team in producing work that was consistently recognized by the international Council for the Advancement and Support of Education and the Capital Region MARCOM Awards. Prior to her work in higher education, she was a journalist for nearly two decades, serving as a reporter, columnist, and editor. She holds bachelor’s degrees in both journalism and women’s studies from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University.
Dr. Theresa Hand, OTD
Provost
Theresa Hand, OTD was appointed provost at Russell Sage College in 2019. She was most recently interim provost, associate provost and dean of Sage’s School of Health Sciences. A faculty member since 1993, she has served as chair and program director of the Occupational Therapy program and held leadership roles in health-care organizations. Hand holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, a master’s degree from Russell Sage College and a doctorate from Creighton University.
Katie Cooney Lesko
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Katie Cooney Lesko joined Russell Sage in September 2023. Prior to her arrival at Sage, she served as the lead enrollment officer at Maria College, where she grew new enrollment by 35% in one year – resulting in the largest class at the college since 2015. Previous appointments also include assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions at The College of Saint Rose from 2015 to 2021 and senior associate director of undergraduate admissions at Siena College, where she began her career as an admissions counselor in 1999. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Siena College and is currently completing her master’s degree in higher education and leadership at the University at Albany.
Geoffrey Miller
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Geoffrey Miller (he/him) is an award winning professional currently serving as the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. As a higher education professional who believes in the power of economic mobility through professional and educational development, Geoff is passionate about creating opportunities for others through developing and implementing strategies and tactics with outcomes that lead to accessible and equitable opportunities for all students. Prior to Russell Sage College, Geoff worked for the Albany Symphony and Hudson Valley Community College Foundation in leadership fundraising roles. By connecting partners with crucial programs, Geoff has enjoyed a career committed to improving the quality of life for citizens in the Capital Region. Geoff is also an active volunteer. He has held several leadership roles to support the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce’s Tech Valley Young Professional Network, and volunteers for the Capital Region Sponsor-a-Scholar and Albany Symphony. Geoff earned his bachelor’s degree in piano performance at SUNY at Fredonia and master’s in Higher Education Administration and Leadership at the College of Saint Rose. He is currently working towards his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Russell Sage College.