Merrimack College Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Merrimack College has 7 executives leading key functions including finance, information technology, marketing, and strategy.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Merrimack College is dedicated to enlightening minds, engaging hearts, and empowering lives through its Augustinian tradition, fostering a community of learning and service.

Leadership Roles at Merrimack College

  • Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP - Seamus Harreys
  • Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - Tyler McCarthy
  • Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP - Michael Harreys
  • Owner and President - Daniel Ruggiero
  • President - Steven Balas
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Karen Slaton
  • Senior VP, Institutional Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing - Courtney Johanson
  • Seamus Harreys - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP

    Seamus Harreys, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at Merrimack College, directs the institution's financial strategy and operational oversight. This leadership position involves managing all fiscal activities, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support Merrimack College's mission. Harreys ensures the financial health and sustainability of the college, aligning fiscal policies with strategic objectives. Overseeing the finance department, Seamus Harreys drives efficiency and fiscal responsibility across all campus operations. This role demands a keen understanding of higher education finance, navigating complex funding models and investment strategies to maximize institutional growth and stability. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP also collaborates with other senior leaders to secure funding and manage endowments effectively, directly impacting the college's ability to deliver its educational programs.

    Tyler McCarthy - Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

    Tyler McCarthy, the Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Merrimack College, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the finance division. This role involves managing key projects, facilitating communication between departments, and ensuring the efficient execution of financial initiatives. McCarthy enhances the effectiveness of the Chief Financial Officer by streamlining processes and driving cross-functional collaboration. Overseeing critical administrative functions, Tyler McCarthy supports the strategic direction of Merrimack College's financial operations. This position requires a deep understanding of institutional priorities and the ability to translate strategic goals into actionable plans. The Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer acts as a key liaison, ensuring alignment and driving progress on high-priority financial and operational matters.

    Michael Harreys - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP

    Michael Harreys, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at Merrimack College, directs the institution's financial strategy and operational oversight. This leadership position involves managing all fiscal activities, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support Merrimack College's mission. Harreys ensures the financial health and sustainability of the college, aligning fiscal policies with strategic objectives. Overseeing the finance department, Michael Harreys drives efficiency and fiscal responsibility across all campus operations. This role demands a keen understanding of higher education finance, navigating complex funding models and investment strategies to maximize institutional growth and stability. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP also collaborates with other senior leaders to secure funding and manage endowments effectively, directly impacting the college's ability to deliver its educational programs.

    Daniel Ruggiero - Owner and President

    Daniel Ruggiero, the Owner and President at Merrimack College, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the institution. This executive role involves setting the vision and guiding the college's operations to fulfill its mission of enlightening minds, engaging hearts, and empowering lives. Ruggiero oversees all major institutional decisions, ensuring alignment with the Augustinian tradition and academic excellence. Driving the college's strategic initiatives, Daniel Ruggiero fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across all departments. The Owner and President works closely with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership to advance the college's goals, secure its financial future, and enhance its standing within the higher education landscape. This leadership ensures Merrimack College remains a vibrant center for learning and personal development.

    Steven Balas - President

    Steven Balas, the President at Merrimack College, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the institution. This executive role involves setting the vision and guiding the college's operations to fulfill its mission of enlightening minds, engaging hearts, and empowering lives. Balas oversees all major institutional decisions, ensuring alignment with the Augustinian tradition and academic excellence. Driving the college's strategic initiatives, Steven Balas fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across all departments. The President works closely with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership to advance the college's goals, secure its financial future, and enhance its standing within the higher education landscape. This leadership ensures Merrimack College remains a vibrant center for learning and personal development.

    Karen Slaton - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Karen Slaton, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Merrimack College, architects the institution's technology strategy and digital infrastructure. This executive role encompasses the management of all information systems, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and the seamless integration of technology to support academic and administrative functions. Slaton drives innovation in educational technology, enhancing the learning experience for students and faculty alike. Overseeing the IT department, Karen Slaton ensures that technological resources are aligned with Merrimack College's mission of enlightening minds and empowering lives. This leadership involves developing and implementing policies for data management, network security, and the adoption of emerging technologies. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer plays a critical part in modernizing campus operations and providing the technological backbone for research and student services.

    Courtney Johanson - Senior VP, Institutional Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing

    Courtney Johanson, the Senior VP, Institutional Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing at Merrimack College, leads strategic initiatives for fundraising, alumni relations, and brand management. This executive role drives the college's external communications and philanthropic efforts, crucial for securing resources and enhancing institutional reputation. Johanson oversees the development and execution of comprehensive marketing strategies designed to attract students, engage stakeholders, and promote Merrimack College's mission. Driving institutional growth, Courtney Johanson cultivates relationships with donors and partners, ensuring sustained support for academic programs and campus development. The Senior VP, Institutional Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing is instrumental in shaping the college's public image and fostering a strong sense of community among alumni and supporters, directly contributing to the college's long-term vision.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Merrimack College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Merrimack College?
    Merrimack College is led by Seamus Harreys (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP), along with executives such as Tyler McCarthy (Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) and Michael Harreys (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP).
    Who is part of Merrimack College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Merrimack College includes leaders such as Seamus Harreys (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP), Tyler McCarthy (Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer), Michael Harreys (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Merrimack College have?
    Merrimack College has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Merrimack College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Merrimack College includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Owner and President, President.