TAMIU Names Banda, Zambrano to Vice President Roles
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) announces the selection of two senior leaders who will advance the University’s strategic vision, growth, and long-term sustainability, naming Dr. Lee Banda as Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer and Javier "Jay" Zambrano as Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
“Texas A&M International University is entering an exciting period of growth, and the addition of Dr. Lee Banda and Jay Zambrano strengthens our leadership team," said TAMIU President Dr. Christopher Maynard, “The most important resource for our University will always be our dedicated faculty and staff. These two key additions and the experience that each brings will enhance student success, expand partnerships, and support the University's mission of providing a transformative educational experience."
Banda will serve as the University’s Vice President for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer, providing strategic leadership and oversight of financial, administrative, and business operations. Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the President's Cabinet, he will oversee areas including budget and finance, purchasing and contracts, facilities, campus planning, University Police, Human Resources, the Physical Plant, Grants and Contracts, Information Technology, Environmental Health and Safety, and the Bursar's Office.
He brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education finance and administration. Banda currently serves as Assistant Vice President of Financial Operations and Assistant Chief Financial Officer at Tarleton State University, a Member of the Texas A&M University System. His career also includes leadership roles at The University of Texas at Arlington, the University of California, Riverside, the University of California, San Diego, the San Diego Community College District and the United States Navy.
He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the United States International University, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from National University.
Zambrano will serve as the University’s chief advancement officer, leading a comprehensive strategy to expand philanthropic investment, elevate alumni engagement, and strengthen the University's institutional impact and visibility. Reporting to the President and serving on the President’s Cabinet, he will help advance the University's visibility and philanthropic capacity, connecting donors, alumni, corporations, and partners to a student-centered mission with regional and global reach.
He brings more than two decades of advancement leadership experience across multiple institutions and national nonprofit organizations. Throughout his career, Zambrano has helped lead fundraising initiatives that collectively generated more than $160 million, while personally securing over $50 million in major and principal gifts.
Zambrano currently serves as Vice President for Advancement and University Relations at the University of Houston–Downtown and previously held leadership roles at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Adelante U.S. Education Leadership Fund, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and Texas A&M University–Kingsville.
He holds a Master of Public Administration from The University of Texas at San Antonio and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with an International Certification from Texas A&M University–Kingsville.
Together, Banda and Zambrano will collaborate with University leadership, faculty, and staff to advance TAMIU’s mission, driving philanthropic investment, strengthening financial stewardship, and positioning the institution for continued growth.
For more information, contact TAMIU's Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.
