Meet the VPA
Lisa Seales is a key member of the President’s Senior Cabinet and was appointed Vice President for Administration for Teachers College, Columbia University, in September 2020. Her responsibilities include the oversight of the Teachers College Information Technology (TCIT) and Human Resources (TCHR) Offices, as well as executive sponsorship of the Staff Advocacy and Support Council (SASC). In this capacity, she provides leadership to ensure these units align with and actively contribute to the College’s strategic priorities.
With a wealth of experience in higher education, Seales has been an integral part of the Columbia Community for over two decades. Prior to joining TC in August 2019 as Associate Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer, Seales served as Assistant Vice President of Talent Services at Columbia University Information Technology (CUIT), where she oversaw the implementation of initiatives, playing a pivotal role of advancing technology services across the entire University community of students, faculty, and staff. In line with her commitment to DEI, Seales led the expansion of the Women In Technology @ Columbia University (WIT) initiative to include Teachers College, Barnard and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, increasing professional opportunities for women in technology across the CU campus community.
Seales earned her Master of Arts in Social-Organizational Psychology from Teachers College, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology from Wheaton College. Her extensive background and mission-driven, people-first leadership style underscore her commitment to advancing the College’s mission and goals.
Our Leadership Team
Akesia Phillip holds the role of Senior Manager for Planning and Operations within the Office of the Vice President for Administration (VPA). Her tenure at the College began in January 2019, initially joining the Office of Human Resources before moving on to the VPA office in September 2020.
A proud alumna of Teachers College with a Master of Arts in Social-Organizational Psychology, Phillip is deeply dedicated to advancing the College's mission. Her commitment lies in supporting TC students and scholars by creating an enriching academic environment while also elevating the overall TC employee engagement and experience.
Akesia Phillip holds the role of Senior Manager for Planning and Operations within the Office of the Vice President for Administration (VPA). Her tenure at the College began in January 2019, initially joining the Office of Human Resources before moving on to the VPA office in September 2020.
A proud alumna of Teachers College with a Master of Arts in Social-Organizational Psychology, Phillip is deeply dedicated to advancing the College's mission. Her commitment lies in supporting TC students and scholars by creating an enriching academic environment while also elevating the overall TC employee engagement and experience.
David (Dave) Comroe holds the role of Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer, overseeing the Teachers College Information Technology (TCIT) office. He joined the College in July 2023, following a distinguished 19-year tenure at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Comroe firmly believes in the pivotal role of IT as a strategic partner across all academic and administrative units. He actively engages with colleagues throughout the College, implementing initiatives to drive progress toward the College’s strategic priorities.
Visit TCIT
David (Dave) Comroe holds the role of Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer, overseeing the Teachers College Information Technology (TCIT) office. He joined the College in July 2023, following a distinguished 19-year tenure at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Comroe firmly believes in the pivotal role of IT as a strategic partner across all academic and administrative units. He actively engages with colleagues throughout the College, implementing initiatives to drive progress toward the College’s strategic priorities.
Visit TCIT
Robyn Davis-Mahoney holds the role of Assistant Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, overseeing the Office of Human Resources since March 2022. With a rich background in Human Resources across various sectors, including for-profit, nonprofit, and public organizations, such as Northwell Health, Pfizer, Chevron, and Xerox, she brings a depth of experience to her role at the College.
Davis-Mahoney’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive employee experience, spanning from recruitment to retirement, is a cornerstone of her approach. She actively collaborates with senior leaders to make informed and impactful decisions that advocate the well-being of the College’s staff, faculty, and students.
Visit TCHR
Robyn Davis-Mahoney holds the role of Assistant Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, overseeing the Office of Human Resources since March 2022. With a rich background in Human Resources across various sectors, including for-profit, nonprofit, and public organizations, such as Northwell Health, Pfizer, Chevron, and Xerox, she brings a depth of experience to her role at the College.
Davis-Mahoney’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive employee experience, spanning from recruitment to retirement, is a cornerstone of her approach. She actively collaborates with senior leaders to make informed and impactful decisions that advocate the well-being of the College’s staff, faculty, and students.
Visit TCHR
Our Organizational Chart
