Natalie Gomez-Velez has been named interim dean of the City University of New York School of Law.
Gomez-Velez has been a faculty member with CUNY Law for the past two decades, developing and teaching courses in public interest law. Throughout her tenure, she has held several leadership roles, including associate dean for academic affairs. Earlier in her career, she held various positions in state and city government. She has also practiced with New York University’s Center for Justice and the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project.
A graduate of CUNY’s Hunter College, Gomez-Velez earned her juris doctorate from New York University.
“I am honored to take on the role of interim dean of CUNY School of Law,” said Gomez-Velez. “As a proud CUNY alumna, longtime faculty member, and former academic dean, I value our legacy of public service and community impact. CUNY Law’s mission to train public interest lawyers and reflect the diversity of our society is more vital than ever.”
Elizabeth de León Bhargava has been appointed interim president of Guttman Community College.
With over 25 years of executive, legal, and public policy experience, de León Bhargava has worked in federal, state, and city government settings. Most recently, she was assistant secretary for administration at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Previously, she held leadership roles in the White House, the New York State Executive Chamber, and the New York City Council.
De León Bhargava holds a bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University and a juris doctorate from the State University of New York’s Buffalo School of Law.
“I am incredibly excited to join Guttman Community College as interim president,” said de León Bhargava. “As a first-generation college student and proud product of public higher education in New York, it is an honor to join an institution with such an important mission, an innovative legacy, and a deep commitment to student success. I look forward to working with the talented faculty, staff, and especially the students, to help cultivate a new generation of leaders who achieve their dreams and serve as powerful role models.”