LACCD Ushers in a New Era of Leadership with the Appointments of Dr. Nicole Albo-Lopez as Deputy Chancellor and Dr. Leigh T. Sata as Vice Chancellor
The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Nicole Albo-Lopez as Deputy Chancellor and Dr. Leigh T. Sata as Vice Chancellor and Chief Facilities Executive. In these new roles, Dr. Albo-Lopez and Dr. Sata bring extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to student success. It also strengthens the District’s mission of providing quality and accessible higher education for communities across the Los Angeles region. Pending approval at the LACCD Board of Trustee meeting on February 5, they will begin their tenure on February 6.
“Dr. Albo-Lopez and Dr. Sata collectively bring decades of experience, leadership, and dedication to student success, which I am confident will greatly benefit LACCD and signal a new era of excellence for our District,” said Interim Chancellor Dr. Alberto J. Román. "Their deep commitment to students and experience in driving impactful changes will be instrumental in LACCD’s efforts to meet the needs of our diverse communities and strengthen our role as a leader in higher education."
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Albo-Lopez and Dr. Sata as Deputy Chancellor and Vice Chancellor—two key leadership roles within LACCD," said Board President Dr. Kelsey Iino. "Their proven track records in higher education will strengthen our District’s ability to support student success, enhance campus operations, and implement innovative, forward-thinking solutions. Their leadership will play a vital role in ensuring our nine colleges provide the resources, facilities, and opportunities needed for students to thrive."
Dr. Albo-Lopez previously served as the Vice Chancellor of Educational Programs & Institutional Effectiveness (EPIE), demonstrating exceptional leadership in overseeing strategic planning, accreditation, curriculum development, student support services, and institutional effectiveness across LACCD’s nine colleges. Under Dr. Albo-Lopez’s leadership, EPIE successfully managed large, complex annual budgets and implemented comprehensive district-wide initiatives, including the Los Angeles College Promise Program and expansion of Dual Enrollment Partnerships.
“I began my educational journey at a community college and understand firsthand the transformative power of accessible higher education,” said Deputy Chancellor Dr. Nicole Albo-Lopez. “As Deputy Chancellor, I will continue advancing LACCD’s commitment to educational excellence, ensuring our operations consistently improve to better serve our diverse student population. At this critical moment, LACCD must continue strengthening our regional leadership position to ensure students of all backgrounds can access a high-quality education.”
In addition to her work with EPIE, Dr. Albo-Lopez has been a key advocate for student-centered policies, leveraging data-driven decision-making to enhance student outcomes. Her leadership has played a crucial role in the District’s efforts to close equity gaps, expand workforce training programs, and foster institutional effectiveness. She remains committed to ensuring LACCD remains at the forefront of innovation in higher education, equipping students with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in an evolving job market.
Before his appointment as Interim LACCD Vice Chancellor, Dr. Leigh T. Sata served as Vice President of Operations and Capital Projects at California College of the Arts, where he led a campus unification initiative and oversaw major construction projects. His expertise includes facilities management, strategic planning, and fostering collaboration among governing boards, campus leaders, and the broader design and construction community. With a doctoral dissertation focused on sustainability planning and implementation, Dr. Sata is deeply committed to innovative, student-centered solutions that enhance the educational experience—an approach he will bring to his role as Vice Chancellor.
"I am dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation to create an environment where every student can thrive," said Vice Chancellor Sata. "With decades of experience in higher education leadership, I am excited to support LACCD’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. As Vice Chancellor, I will focus on strengthening partnerships, advancing strategic initiatives, and overseeing facilities planning and development to ensure our campuses provide the best possible learning environments for students."
Dr. Sata has extensive experience in capital development, having led major infrastructure projects that have transformed college campuses into state-of-the-art learning environments. His approach to facilities planning incorporates sustainability, accessibility, and student engagement, ensuring that LACCD’s campuses remain dynamic spaces that support academic excellence and community needs. His leadership will be instrumental in modernizing LACCD’s facilities, optimizing resource allocation, and improving operational efficiency across the District.
As LACCD continues its mission of providing accessible, high-quality education, the leadership of Dr. Albo-Lopez and Dr. Sata will be pivotal in driving student success, operational excellence, and community impact. Their combined expertise and commitment to innovation will strengthen the District’s ability to serve its diverse student population and uphold its role as a leader in higher education. LACCD looks forward to the transformative contributions they will make in their new roles.
