Leah Chajeczkis

Executive Director of Student Financial Services

Professional Overview
Leah Chajeczkis is an accomplished higher education leader with over 15 years of experience in student financial services. As the Executive Director of Student Financial Services at CUNY School of Professional Studies, she oversees all aspects of the institution's bursar, scholarship, and student payment operations. Leah is an expert in developing innovative financial strategies to support student access and success.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Executive Director of Student Financial Services at CUNY School of Professional Studies, Leah is responsible for managing a team of 25 professionals and overseeing an annual student financial aid budget of $30 million. In this role, she has implemented a new scholarship application system that has increased scholarship awards by 18% and reduced processing times by 25%. Leah has also spearheaded the development of a mobile-friendly student payment portal, resulting in a 30% increase in on-time tuition payments.

Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Leah held several leadership positions within the CUNY system, including Director of Bursar and Scholarships at CUNY School of Professional Studies and Assistant Bursar for Student Payment Services at Brooklyn College. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to streamline operations, enhance customer service, and drive strategic initiatives that improve the student experience.

Academic Background
Leah holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Brooklyn College and a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration at New York University, with a focus on financial aid policy and student success.

Areas of Expertise

• Student financial services management

• Bursar and tuition payment operations

• Scholarship and financial aid administration

• Project management and process improvement

• Strategic planning and budgeting

• Leadership and team development

Professional Impact
Leah has been recognized for her innovative approach to student financial services, receiving the CUNY Excellence in Student Services Award in 2019 and the NACUBO Student Financial Services Award in 2021. She is an active member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), where she serves on several committees and presents at national conferences.

Conclusion
With her extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and proven track record of success, Leah Chajeczkis is a highly respected leader in the field of student financial services. Her commitment to improving access and supporting student success aligns with CUNY School of Professional Studies' mission, and she is poised to continue driving positive change in the higher education landscape.