Marquette University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Marquette University has 10 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, human resources, financial management, and institutional leadership.

Rooted in a rich Jesuit tradition, Marquette University fosters academic excellence and community service while preparing students for global leadership through a rigorous, values-based educational framework.

Leadership Roles at Marquette University

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer & Treasurer - Joel Pogodzinski
  • President - Michael Luiso
  • President - Lillie Piotrowski
  • President - Daniel Merkel
  • Club President - Humbert Wirtz
  • Contact Person for President and Leadership Websites - Jennifer Staab
  • President - Monserrat Zamora
  • President & Volunteer - Dorothy Arimond
  • Chief of Staff - Elizabeth Sides
  • Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Troy Dennhof
  • Joel Pogodzinski - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer & Treasurer

    Joel Pogodzinski, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer & Treasurer at Marquette University, manages the financial health and physical infrastructure of the institution. Overseeing fiscal planning, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer & Treasurer directs the allocation of resources to support academic programs and campus expansion. Pogodzinski monitors the university budget, ensuring long-term financial sustainability through prudent investment and cost-management strategies. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to maintain the integrity of the endowment and capital assets. Joel Pogodzinski drives operational efficiency by optimizing facilities management and auxiliary services. By integrating financial oversight with operational execution, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer & Treasurer supports the university in achieving its strategic goals. Through rigorous financial analysis, Pogodzinski secures the necessary funding to advance the mission of the university. This position remains essential for maintaining the robust infrastructure required for academic success.
    Joel Pogodzinski

    Michael Luiso - President

    Michael Luiso, the President at Marquette University, provides overarching strategic direction for the institution, focusing on academic innovation and community engagement. As the primary representative of the university, the President drives the vision for future growth and institutional development. Luiso collaborates with the Board and faculty to uphold the Jesuit identity while expanding the reach of the university in the national higher education landscape. This leadership role involves championing research initiatives and student success programs that define the academic experience. Michael Luiso oversees the implementation of long-term goals, ensuring that every department contributes to the core mission of service and excellence. By fostering partnerships with external stakeholders, the President enhances the reputation and influence of the university. Through visionary leadership, the President guides the institution toward achieving its strategic objectives. This position remains the cornerstone of the university, ensuring that all efforts align with the foundational values of the institution.

    Lillie Piotrowski - President

    Lillie Piotrowski, the President at Marquette University, focuses on the advancement of student life and the enhancement of the campus experience. By directing initiatives that promote holistic development, the President ensures that the university remains a vibrant community for learning and personal growth. Piotrowski oversees the integration of student services with academic support systems to improve retention and graduation outcomes. This leadership role involves engaging with the student body to understand evolving needs and implementing programs that reflect the Jesuit commitment to the whole person. Lillie Piotrowski drives efforts to expand extracurricular opportunities and campus facilities, creating an environment conducive to academic success. Through active collaboration with faculty and staff, the President fosters a culture of inclusivity and excellence. By prioritizing student-centered policies, the President strengthens the impact of the university on the lives of its graduates. This position remains vital for maintaining the unique character and community spirit of the institution.

    Daniel Merkel - President

    Daniel Merkel, the President at Marquette University, directs the expansion of research capabilities and the development of new academic programs. By identifying emerging fields of study, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of innovation in higher education. Merkel oversees the recruitment of distinguished faculty and the acquisition of grants to support groundbreaking research projects. This leadership role involves aligning academic offerings with the needs of the modern workforce, thereby increasing the value of a degree from the university. Daniel Merkel drives the strategic planning process to enhance the global presence of the institution. Through rigorous academic oversight, the President maintains the high standards of excellence expected of a Jesuit university. By fostering a culture of inquiry and discovery, the President empowers the academic community to address complex societal challenges. This position remains essential for driving the intellectual growth and academic reputation of the university.
    Daniel Merkel

    Humbert Wirtz - Club President

    Humbert Wirtz, the Club President at Marquette University, manages the operations and outreach of specialized student organizations that contribute to the campus culture. By coordinating events and fostering member engagement, the Club President ensures that these groups align with the broader mission of the university. Wirtz directs the administrative functions of the club, including budget management and membership recruitment. This leadership role involves collaborating with university departments to secure resources and promote student-led initiatives. Humbert Wirtz drives the development of programs that encourage leadership and service among the student body. By facilitating connections between students and the wider community, the Club President enhances the extracurricular experience. Through effective organization and communication, the Club President supports the diverse interests of the student population. This position remains important for cultivating a sense of belonging and promoting the values of the university through active student participation.

    Jennifer Staab - Contact Person for President and Leadership Websites

    Jennifer Staab, the Contact Person for President and Leadership Websites at Marquette University, manages the digital presence and communication channels for the executive leadership team. By overseeing the content and functionality of leadership-focused web platforms, the Contact Person for President and Leadership Websites ensures that the vision and activities of the university are clearly communicated to the public. Staab coordinates with various departments to update information and maintain the accuracy of digital assets. This leadership role involves optimizing user experience to facilitate engagement with the university administration. Jennifer Staab drives the digital strategy for executive communications, ensuring that all messaging reflects the core values of the institution. By maintaining a professional and accessible online presence, the Contact Person for President and Leadership Websites supports the transparency and accountability of the leadership team. This position remains essential for connecting the university with its stakeholders through effective digital communication.

    Monserrat Zamora - President

    Monserrat Zamora, the President at Marquette University, leads the development of community outreach programs and regional partnerships. By fostering relationships with local organizations and industry leaders, the President ensures that the university remains an active participant in the economic and social life of the region. Zamora oversees the implementation of service-learning initiatives that connect students with real-world challenges. This leadership role involves aligning the university resources with the needs of the community to create mutually beneficial outcomes. Monserrat Zamora drives the strategic vision for regional engagement, enhancing the visibility and impact of the university. Through collaborative efforts, the President promotes the Jesuit mission of service and social justice. By prioritizing community-based projects, the President strengthens the ties between the institution and the public. This position remains vital for ensuring that the university continues to serve as a catalyst for positive change and development in the surrounding area.

    Dorothy Arimond - President & Volunteer

    Dorothy Arimond, the President & Volunteer at Marquette University, coordinates philanthropic efforts and alumni engagement programs that support the long-term goals of the institution. By mobilizing volunteers and donors, the President & Volunteer drives the fundraising initiatives necessary for scholarships and campus improvements. Arimond manages relationships with key stakeholders to ensure continued support for the mission of the university. This leadership role involves organizing events and campaigns that celebrate the achievements of the alumni community. Dorothy Arimond oversees the integration of volunteer efforts with institutional priorities, maximizing the impact of private contributions. Through dedicated service, the President & Volunteer fosters a culture of giving and commitment among the university supporters. By strengthening the alumni network, the President & Volunteer ensures that the university maintains a strong connection with its graduates. This position remains essential for securing the resources required to sustain the excellence and accessibility of the university.

    Elizabeth Sides - Chief of Staff

    Elizabeth Sides, the Chief of Staff at Marquette University, coordinates high-level administrative initiatives and facilitates communication across the executive cabinet. By managing complex institutional projects, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment with the strategic vision of the university. Sides directs the flow of information between departments, optimizing internal workflows to support the broader mission of academic excellence. This role involves close collaboration with the Board to execute long-term goals and maintain operational efficiency. Elizabeth Sides monitors progress on key university objectives, providing critical oversight for cross-functional teams. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, the Chief of Staff strengthens the administrative foundation of the institution. By streamlining decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff enables the university to respond effectively to evolving educational demands. This leadership position remains central to maintaining institutional cohesion and advancing the core values of the university across all departments.

    Troy Dennhof - Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Troy Dennhof, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Marquette University, architects comprehensive talent management strategies to support the faculty and staff. Overseeing organizational development, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer drives initiatives that promote a culture of inclusion and professional growth. Dennhof manages recruitment, benefits administration, and employee relations to ensure the university attracts top-tier talent. This leadership role involves aligning human capital strategies with the institutional mission of providing a transformative Jesuit education. Troy Dennhof implements policies that enhance workplace productivity and employee engagement across the campus. By fostering a supportive environment, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer enables the workforce to deliver exceptional service to the student body. Through data-driven workforce planning, Dennhof secures the human resources necessary for long-term institutional success. This position remains vital for maintaining a high-performing academic community dedicated to the values of the university.
    Troy Dennhof

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Marquette University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Marquette University?
    Marquette University is led by Joel Pogodzinski (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer & Treasurer), along with executives such as Michael Luiso (President) and Lillie Piotrowski (President).
    Who is part of Marquette University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Marquette University includes leaders such as Joel Pogodzinski (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer & Treasurer), Michael Luiso (President), Lillie Piotrowski (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Marquette University have?
    Marquette University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Marquette University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Marquette University includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer & Treasurer, President, President, President, Club President.