Government Relations Team

Lesley A. Massiah-Arthur
Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Urban Affairs and Special Assistant to the President
718-817-3020
[email protected]

Lesley A. Massiah-Arthur is Fordham University’s Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Urban Affairs and Special Assistant to the President. Lesley previously worked for the New York State Assembly Committee on Ways and Means. Lesley is a Coro Fellow who earned her bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany, her master’s degree from Fordham University, and professional certificates from Yale University and the University at Michigan. Lesley is a 2022-23 American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow at The Cooper Union and Wellesley College.

Bill Colona
Assistant Vice President
718-817-3022
[email protected]

Bill Colona is Fordham University’s Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, Federal & Urban Affairs. Bill previously worked in the US House of Representatives for former Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey, the Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee. A proud product of Jesuit education, Bill earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton, his master’s degree from Georgetown University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Fordham University.

Casandra Gomez
Project Coordinator
718-817-3020
[email protected]

Casandra Gomez is Fordham University’s Project Coordinator for Government Relations & Urban Affairs. Casandra previously worked in administration at Purchase College, State University of New York in the School of the Arts as well as in the School of Continuing Education. In addition, Casandra has served in administrative roles at Columbia University. Casandra earned her bachelor's degree from Boston College and her master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University.