Loyola University Chicago Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Loyola University Chicago has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, administration, technology, finance, and academic leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and Jesuit values, Loyola University Chicago fosters intellectual growth and social justice through comprehensive graduate and undergraduate programs across diverse global communities.

Leadership Roles at Loyola University Chicago

  • Chief Executive Officer - J. Gabana
  • Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business O - Wayne Magdziarz
  • Chief Operating Officer of the Happy Death Society - Patrick Dorsey
  • Chief of Staff & President, Office of - George Trone
  • President - Charles Heuring
  • Immediate President - Jorge Urrutia
  • President - Michael Garanzini
  • President - Michael Tien
  • Pre-Dental Association Co-President - Hannah Jaghab
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - LeRoy Butler
  • J. Gabana - Chief Executive Officer

    J. Gabana, the Chief Executive Officer at Loyola University Chicago, directs the overarching strategic vision for this private, Catholic institution. Overseeing long-term institutional growth, the Chief Executive Officer aligns academic initiatives with the core mission of providing rigorous graduate and undergraduate education. J. Gabana manages high-level relationships with the Board of Trustees to ensure financial sustainability and mission fidelity. By prioritizing student outcomes and research expansion, the Chief Executive Officer drives the university toward greater national prominence. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends within the higher education sector to maintain competitive advantages. Through the implementation of innovative pedagogical frameworks, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the institution. Ultimately, Gabana maintains the integrity of the university while expanding the reach of Jesuit educational principles across North American academic landscapes.

    Wayne Magdziarz - Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business O

    Wayne Magdziarz, the Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business O at Loyola University Chicago, directs the fiscal health and business operations of the institution. Overseeing the annual budget and long-term financial planning, the Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business O ensures that resources support the university's mission of academic excellence. Wayne Magdziarz manages the financial risks associated with large-scale campus projects and research initiatives. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling operational costs, the Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business O maintains the university's strong market position. This role involves frequent reporting to the Board of Trustees regarding the financial status of the institution. Magdziarz coordinates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that business decisions align with the university's strategic goals. Through prudent fiscal management, Magdziarz secures the financial foundation necessary for continued growth and innovation.
    Wayne Magdziarz

    Patrick Dorsey - Chief Operating Officer of the Happy Death Society

    Patrick Dorsey, the Chief Operating Officer of the Happy Death Society at Loyola University Chicago, manages specialized operational workflows within the university ecosystem. Overseeing the logistical requirements of this unique department, the Chief Operating Officer of the Happy Death Society ensures seamless integration with broader campus services. Patrick Dorsey coordinates resource allocation to support specific research and community engagement projects. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer of the Happy Death Society enhances the efficiency of specialized programming. This role requires close collaboration with academic departments to align operational output with the university's broader educational goals. Dorsey monitors performance metrics to guarantee that all activities meet the high standards expected of a private, Catholic institution. Through meticulous planning and execution, Dorsey optimizes the impact of these niche initiatives on the overall student experience and institutional reputation.

    George Trone - Chief of Staff & President, Office of

    George Trone, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of at Loyola University Chicago, manages the daily administrative functions of the executive office. Overseeing communication flows between the President and various university departments, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of ensures that strategic priorities receive immediate attention. George Trone facilitates high-level meetings and coordinates the execution of institutional policies across the campus. By maintaining rigorous standards for administrative excellence, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of supports the university's mission of academic rigor and social justice. This role involves navigating complex organizational structures to resolve operational bottlenecks. Trone provides critical support to the leadership team, ensuring that all initiatives align with the long-term goals of the university. Through proactive management and clear communication, Trone stabilizes the executive office and promotes a culture of efficiency and accountability throughout the entire institution.
    George Trone

    Charles Heuring - President

    Charles Heuring, the President at Loyola University Chicago, leads the academic and cultural direction of the university. Overseeing the faculty and student body, the President ensures that the institution remains true to its Catholic identity and commitment to social justice. Charles Heuring promotes research initiatives that address global challenges and enhance the university's reputation. By fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity, the President drives the development of new graduate and undergraduate programs. This role involves representing the university to external stakeholders and donors to secure funding for future expansion. Heuring collaborates with the Board of Trustees to set the strategic agenda for the coming decade. Through visionary leadership, the President inspires the campus community to achieve excellence in all academic pursuits. Ultimately, Heuring shapes the future of the university by upholding the values that define the institution's long-standing history.

    Jorge Urrutia - Immediate President

    Jorge Urrutia, the Immediate President at Loyola University Chicago, provides continuity and strategic guidance during leadership transitions. Overseeing the preservation of institutional knowledge, the Immediate President ensures that ongoing projects maintain momentum. Jorge Urrutia advises the current leadership team on historical context and past strategic decisions to inform future planning. By facilitating a smooth transfer of responsibilities, the Immediate President supports the stability of the university's administrative functions. This role involves mentoring emerging leaders and maintaining relationships with key alumni and donors. Urrutia monitors the progress of long-term initiatives to ensure alignment with the university's core mission. Through dedicated service, the Immediate President helps bridge the gap between past achievements and future goals. Urrutia remains a vital resource for the executive team, providing insights that help the university navigate the complexities of the modern higher education landscape.

    Michael Garanzini - President

    Michael Garanzini, the President at Loyola University Chicago, focuses on the expansion of global academic partnerships and international research initiatives. Overseeing the university's presence in overseas markets, the President ensures that students have access to diverse educational experiences. Michael Garanzini drives the development of cross-cultural programs that align with the university's mission of social justice. By building relationships with international institutions, the President enhances the global footprint of the university. This role involves coordinating with academic departments to integrate global perspectives into the curriculum. Garanzini monitors the success of international programs to ensure they meet the high standards of the institution. Through strategic global engagement, the President positions the university as a leader in international education. Ultimately, Garanzini strengthens the university's influence by fostering connections that transcend borders and promote a deeper understanding of global issues.

    Michael Tien - President

    Michael Tien, the President at Loyola University Chicago, concentrates on the enhancement of student life and campus community engagement. Overseeing the development of extracurricular programs, the President ensures that the university provides a holistic educational experience. Michael Tien drives initiatives that promote student well-being and foster a sense of belonging among the diverse student body. By collaborating with student organizations, the President aligns campus activities with the university's Jesuit values. This role involves managing the resources dedicated to student services and campus facilities. Tien monitors student satisfaction metrics to identify areas for improvement and innovation. Through active engagement with the student community, the President creates an environment that supports both personal and academic growth. Ultimately, Tien ensures that the university remains a vibrant and inclusive community where every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

    Hannah Jaghab - Pre-Dental Association Co-President

    Hannah Jaghab, the Pre-Dental Association Co-President at Loyola University Chicago, leads the professional development efforts for students pursuing careers in dentistry. Overseeing the organization's workshops and networking events, the Pre-Dental Association Co-President ensures that members gain the skills necessary for dental school admission. Hannah Jaghab coordinates with faculty advisors to provide guidance on academic requirements and clinical experience. By facilitating connections between students and dental professionals, the Pre-Dental Association Co-President drives the career readiness of the association's members. This role involves managing the association's budget and planning large-scale events that promote the field of dentistry. Jaghab monitors the success of these initiatives to ensure they provide tangible value to the student body. Through dedicated leadership, Jaghab empowers students to achieve their professional goals and contributes to the university's reputation for producing high-achieving graduates in the health sciences.

    LeRoy Butler - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer

    LeRoy Butler, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Loyola University Chicago, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all graduate and undergraduate programs. Overseeing the security and scalability of campus networks, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools necessary for modern research. LeRoy Butler manages the deployment of advanced software solutions to enhance the learning environment. By integrating cutting-edge technology into the university's operational framework, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation across all departments. This role requires constant collaboration with academic leaders to align technical capabilities with pedagogical needs. Butler monitors cybersecurity threats to protect institutional data and student privacy. Through strategic investment in hardware and software, Butler ensures that the university remains at the forefront of technological innovation in higher education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Loyola University Chicago Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Loyola University Chicago?
    Loyola University Chicago is led by J. Gabana (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Wayne Magdziarz (Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business O) and Patrick Dorsey (Chief Operating Officer of the Happy Death Society).
    Who is part of Loyola University Chicago’s executive team?
    The executive team of Loyola University Chicago includes leaders such as J. Gabana (Chief Executive Officer), Wayne Magdziarz (Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business O), Patrick Dorsey (Chief Operating Officer of the Happy Death Society) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Loyola University Chicago have?
    Loyola University Chicago has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Loyola University Chicago’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Loyola University Chicago includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business O, Chief Operating Officer of the Happy Death Society, Chief of Staff & President, Office of, President.