Merrimack College Executive and Leadership Team

Tyler McCarthy, the Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Merrimack College, coordinates executive operations and strategic planning initiatives. Overseeing the flow of information between the financial office and the broader leadership team, the Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer ensures operational cohesion. This leadership role involves managing high-priority projects that support the fiscal health and administrative goals of the college. By facilitating communication across departments, Tyler McCarthy directly impacts the efficiency of executive decision-making processes. Through the rigorous analysis of operational workflows, the Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource allocation and project timelines. McCarthy maintains close alignment with the financial objectives of the institution while managing complex administrative tasks. Ultimately, McCarthy secures the operational stability required for the college to achieve long-term strategic success.

Seamus Harreys, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at Merrimack College, manages the fiscal strategy and long-term financial planning for the institution. Overseeing the allocation of capital and the integrity of financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP ensures the economic viability of the college. This leadership role involves balancing operational budgets with the strategic investment needs of the academic programs. By monitoring market trends and institutional performance, Seamus Harreys directly impacts the financial health of the college. Through the implementation of robust fiscal controls, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP supports the expansion of campus facilities and academic resources. Harreys coordinates with the Board of Trustees to align financial outcomes with the mission of the college. Ultimately, Harreys secures the necessary funding and financial stability to sustain the growth of the institution within the competitive higher education market.

Carlos Alas, the President at Merrimack College, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing the academic, administrative, and cultural development of the college, the President ensures that all initiatives remain true to the Augustinian tradition. This leadership role involves engaging with faculty, students, and alumni to foster a community of excellence. By championing the mission to enlighten minds and empower lives, Carlos Alas directly impacts the reputation and success of the college. Through the cultivation of partnerships and the promotion of academic innovation, the President drives the growth of the institution across regional and national landscapes. Alas maintains a focus on long-term sustainability and the holistic development of the student body. Ultimately, Alas leads the college toward achieving its strategic goals while upholding the core values that define the identity of the institution.

Daniel Ruggiero, the Owner and President at Merrimack College, directs the foundational governance and high-level oversight of the institution. Overseeing the alignment of institutional assets with the long-term vision of the college, the Owner and President ensures that the core mission remains the primary focus of all operations. This leadership role involves managing the governance structure and ensuring that the college maintains its commitment to the Augustinian tradition. By providing stability and strategic guidance, Daniel Ruggiero directly impacts the enduring legacy of the institution. Through the careful stewardship of resources and the promotion of academic integrity, the Owner and President supports the ongoing success of the college. Ruggiero facilitates collaboration among senior leadership to ensure that the institution remains competitive and relevant. Ultimately, Ruggiero secures the future of the college by fostering an environment where academic excellence and community engagement thrive.

Courtney Johnanson, the Senior VP, Institutional Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing at Merrimack College, directs all strategic communication and fundraising initiatives. Overseeing the expansion of donor relations and brand visibility, the Senior VP, Institutional Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing ensures alignment with the broader mission of the institution. This leadership role involves managing complex marketing campaigns that elevate the profile of the college across North American academic markets. By optimizing engagement channels, Courtney Johnanson directly impacts the growth of philanthropic support and student recruitment pipelines. Through the integration of data-driven outreach, the Senior VP, Institutional Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing secures long-term financial sustainability for the college. Johnanson maintains rigorous standards for institutional messaging while coordinating with external stakeholders to advance the reputation of the college within the competitive higher education landscape.

Karen Slaton, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Merrimack College, architects the digital infrastructure supporting academic and administrative functions. Overseeing the implementation of secure campus-wide networks and data management systems, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures technological resilience across all departments. This leadership role involves modernizing classroom technology and administrative software to enhance operational efficiency. By prioritizing cybersecurity and digital accessibility, Karen Slaton directly impacts the learning environment for students and faculty. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer supports the evolving needs of the college in a digital-first era. Slaton manages complex IT budgets and vendor relationships to maintain high-performance systems. Ultimately, Slaton drives the technological transformation necessary to sustain the academic mission of the college within the broader North American higher education sector.