Mary Gallagher, MBA, PhD, is a seasoned higher education executive, consultant, and educator with extensive leadership experience in California community colleges. She earned her PhD in Education from Claremont Graduate University, where her published dissertation examined institutional effectiveness through the alignment of student learning outcomes and strategic planning. She also holds an MBA in International Business from Pepperdine University and a BS in Business Administration from Cal Poly Pomona.

Dr. Gallagher served as President of Los Angeles City College from 2018 to 2023, leading the college through the COVID-19 pandemic while stabilizing enrollment, balancing multimillion-dollar budgets, advancing bond-funded facilities projects, and expanding basic needs and technology initiatives for students. Previously, she served as Vice President of Administrative Services at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, including a term as Acting President, where she oversaw large-scale operations, labor negotiations, strategic planning, and more than $1 billion in bond projects.

She is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Educational Management Resources Group, consulting with colleges on institutional effectiveness and the implementation of the Fresh Success program. Dr. Gallagher also continues to teach as an adjunct instructor and remains committed to student success, equity, and sustainable institutional leadership.