Ramapo College of New Jersey announced that two alumni, Stephan Lally ’20 and Brady O’Connor ’16, have been sworn in as the newest members of the college’s board of trustees.
The appointments reflect Ramapo’s commitment to inclusive governance and next-generation leadership. Lally and O’Connor bring recent, firsthand student perspective to the College’s governing body at a time when institutions nationwide are examining how board decisions reflect the experiences and priorities of today’s students.
“Trustees Lally and O’Connor bring fresh perspective, insight, and enthusiasm to our board,” said Albert Nieves, chair of the board of trustees. “As alumni with leadership experience and deep commitment to Ramapo’s mission, I have every confidence that their service and contributions will strengthen the Board’s oversight and advance the College’s strategic priorities.”
Both trustees have strong ties to the Ramapo community and share a mutual excitement and passion for giving back to the College.
“As we welcome our new board chair, Albie Nieves, and alumni trustees Lally and O’Connor, Ramapo College affirms a governance structure designed for the future — agile enough to meet emerging challenges and anchored firmly in the mission that defines who we are, why we are here, and where we are going together.”
Lally works as the deputy chief of staff to Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin in the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office, where he helps advance legislation, manage community projects, and deliver results for residents across the state. Lally also serves as a member of the Woodbridge Township Board of Education.
O’Connor serves as the chief of external affairs for the FIFA World Cup ’26 New York New Jersey Host Committee. His responsibilities include supporting outreach and stakeholder engagement, intergovernmental affairs coordination, external stakeholder communications, and collaborating with the commercial program to reach commercial and fundraising goals, including managing the Host Committee Donor Program.
